SOUTH TARANAKI NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 July 1915, Page 3

SOUTH TARANAKI NEWS.

(From Our Own Correspondent). Dairy factory outputs are being let for cartage to the railway for as long as three years ago. Kaponga has just' let the cartage of its cheese, etc., for this teem at a priee which, I am informed, will compare favorably with that of the railway.

Whilst having a fish luncheon in Hawera on Tuesday last I had as my table companion a young fellow who was complaining bitterly of the Defence Department. On my asking him why lie did not go to the war, he angrily replied that he had volunteered two" months ago, was passed by the doctor, and told to wait. He says men with influence are going every day, and because he is only a working man he is pushed aside. That there is something rotten in the State of Denmark, particularly in Wellington, goes without saying, as complaints are to be met with everywhere. This man, who gave me his name, says he is oil' to Australia to enlist, as things are run peculiarly here. An illustration of the popularity of basic slag came my way the oilier day near Manaia. A business firm have 101) tons landing, and one fanner in a big way wanted to take the whole lot. He could only get 20 tons, as there is a great scarcity this year, and the firm is spreading the other 80 tons amongst its customers.

Agents representing -English firms who deal in dairy business are very keen to do business, especially in cheese. The British military authorities are the buyers really, ami it seems a foolish way paying the 'firms' commission, etc., as they are. only a buffer between producer ami consumer. Taranaki province pays per annum a tidy sum to these dealerfirms, and also-to the banks in exchange. Dairy cows are realising from £lO to £l2 on the average at clearing sales, and with the prospects for next season they will, advance in price for the next two months yet.

Although labor looks as if it will be scarce, there are unlimited numbers of families offering for share milking.

The Swiss people still go on increasing from tlie sea beach to Kaponga, They give the highest prices for cows and the largest rents for land. For -frugality and industry the colonial can teach them nothing. Uui'iors of settlers going to hiw against tli« Government over values of land taken by them for railway purposes are reported. Many a good farm is ffoing to be slashed, about owing to the railway going through it. Facti.rv directors arc much disturbed as to the insulated 'boats being available in suilicient numbers to cater for the butter and cheese exports for next season. The fact that there is a likelihood of a- coalition Ministry is alliiymg the situation, for it is unquestionable t.-.-.-.z ft few ,\li.nisters are badly wantr* -.vno have had commercial experience.