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Taranaki Daily News, 22 May 1919, Page 4

FORTUNATE TARANAKI. The breaking of the drought in various parts of the Dominion is something to be grateful for. In the greater part of the North Island the rainfall since Christmas lias been less than half normal. In the Wkirarapa, Hawke's Bay and North Auckland the dryness lias been particularly pronounced, and the recent rains must benefit these districts immensely, but still a good deal of loss has been occasioned. Taranaki haß been specially fortunate, the rainfall only being six per cent less than normal, and this lias been more of a benefit than a disadvantage. We are inclined at times to anathematise our climate. It is, however, only during such times as the North Island lias been passing through lately that we can properly appreciate our fortunate position. In (joint of fact it is questionable if there is another part of the globe so favorably situated as Taranaki is in regard to climate. We have no extremes of heat or cold. The mountain furnishes us with moisture throughout the year; the country, being on the slopes of the mountain to a large extent is wellwatered (almost every paddock in the province is served by a running stream), and there is no possibility of flood. Besides this, Nature has given us pastures second to none and, scenery that is un-

rivalled. The very streams are source* of great electrical power, at present but imperfectly exploited—New Plymouth's scheme alone will ultimately provide 7000 horse power. The mountain houses provide a complete change of air and rarroumimga, and the beaches rejuvenate the spirit and build up the health. Taranaki is a veri* table land of promise, and it is as well for its people when in grumbling mood to pauj?e and compare their lot with that of their less fortunate fellows residing in other districts. They wiU find that they have little to complain of,| and much Jto be thankful for.