Manawatu Standard (PUBLISHED DAILY.) The Oldest Daily Newspaper on the West Coast. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1884. THE NEW YEAR.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IX, Issue 26, 31 December 1884, Page 2

Manawatu Standard (PUBLISHED DAILY.) The Oldest Daily Newspaper on the West Coast. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1884. THE NEW YEAR.

» '■. — BeroßE our next issue, the year 1884, wi1l have passed away with its record of events that go to make up the world's history. The " electric girdle" that now encircles the world, keeps the residents even of remote places posted up m the events of note that occur from day to day. Thus,the history of the world passes as m ever-changing panoramic review before the inhabitants of the colonies, all of whom are more or less accurately conversant with the 'order and nature of the events that have transpired throughout the year. We have not space here, nor indeed is, it necessary that we should ■recapitulate the chief or even more important incidents outside the colony that have been chronicled during the year which ends to-night. In New Zealand there has been depression, which a recent change of Government has not, so far, greatly relieved. Just now the absorbing topic m political matters is German annexation on the coast of New Guinea, and the eventualities that may be developed thereby. At its present stage this does not greatly concern this community. Much general interest attaches also to the campaign m the Soudan, now approaching a crisis, and the progress of Franco. Chinese hostilities. But even these matters of great moment to the people at Home, lack a considerable amount of interest and significance here where the mind is centred morfl upon questions of purely local concern. Generally speaking the outlook might fog more hopeful than it is. The season has been backward, the weather unsettled «u$ adverse, farming unremunera;tive, stagpa^j/on universal, and the prospect by no Bpeans cheering. Meat, cur staple product,is h,o ( wp!yer. m demand, and both wheat and wool promise to advance m value. The colonists must keep up their spirits ,audhopethat\vith the New Yeara change for the better will take place.

The country has vast resources ; and this district m particular has been specially favoured by Nature, and m course of time will be connected by rail with all the chief seaport markets m the colony. During next year a borough lean should be successsully floated, and, all things considered, there is reason to anticipate better times before long. In the sincere hope that these anticipations will be realized, m the fullest and most satisfactory sense, we cordially wish our readers, one and all, A Happy and Prosperous New Year. :■ — "'""