DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 October 1918, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

P MIDHIRST. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The glorious war news tlmt came through on the Ist instant was received here with much satisfaction, though no demonstration took place. It is well to remember in rejoicing that these great results are the fruits of the noble sacrifice of thousands and thousands of our fellow countrymen and allies. None of us here but have known many a New Zealander who left these shores in the prime of his manhood, and for us has fought and made the supreme sacrifice. The war is not over, and many calls on us will yet be made, for our wounded and maimed heroes. Surely it is the least wo can do to respond cheerfully to these. It is hardly credible that one in these islands, which have suffered less by the great war than any other part of the Empire, would like to be able to say to themselves when peace comes: "The war has not hurt me. I have not suffered any loss; in fact, I am better off." Should there be any such they may indeed be classed amongst the damned. The warm weather prevailing lately lias had a wonderful effect. The paddocks are beginning to look green, and the growth of grass is perceptible. There liaa been considerable mortality amongst cattle throughout the district, and many farmers have suffered heavy losses. This is not due, as some of your correspondents appear to think, to the innate cruelty of the farming community, but to the fact that the past winter and spring iave been the most severe experienced for many years. The shortage of labor during last summer, which accounted for less cropping, the failure of swede crops in places, and principally the severity of the winter, are the main causes of the shortage of feed. It is absurd to lay the blame entirely on the farmers It is almost impossible for anyone, however experienced they may be, to gauge the carrying capacity of a farm, especially dairying land. Many farmers who had made provision for as much winter feed as had seen them well through in past seasons found themsjves short this spring. Overstocking m dairying always entails loss, and very few dairymen can afford to indulge in it. At the same time, to be understocked, especially in the flush of the season, means a big waste, and also seriously increases the work of keeping down weeds. Speaking generally, the farmers are not deserving of the blame that certain people—usually those who are not earning their livelihood on the land—attach to them for the loss of stock, and to accuse them of being more cruel than any other class is gross injustice. No one can say that any other class in the community has to work the long hours—himself and family—that the dairyman is obliged to if he is going to carry on his business successfully.