DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 March 1921, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) In spite of the transitory state of the world’s politics, affairs in this district have pursued their even tenor, and solid advancement is noticible on all sides. In this respect 's satisfactory to note ti nt most of the returned men who secured farms in this locality have put. their backs Into their work, and have become “set" as producers. The low price ruling for stock will be a serious handicap for some. It is to be hoped the Government will be ready to give a helping hand over the first stile, and so start this band of flue young fellows ou the fair field of prosperity. The dairying season is now waning. On the whole it has been a very good season. It is anticipated the output of both butter and cheese from the respective factories will exceed that of last season, while In addition a large amount of fodder for winter use has been cut and stacked in good condition. This fact will enable farmers to carry over a fair a-mount of young stock which, when prices are normal, is usually sold in tlie autumn. The Royal Oak cheese factory has recently installed a' regenerator. This factory is now up-to-date in every respect. The county staff has recently been employed in tar-scaling, or, to be correct, laying a bltulithic surface on our main road. A first coat has been laid as far as Allen’s Hill. The plant has been shifted further down the coast to surface certain lengths of road in the Okato Riding, which arc now in a fit state for treatment, but would go to pieces if subjected to next winter’s traffic. Work on the Wyinoutl Road has also been put in hand, which, when completed, will make conditions in that locality more in accord with its position on the' mdp.

Local exhibitors at the Agricultural Show had a fair innings, and now tiiat a start has been made it is to be hoped the old friendly rivalry with Bell Block will be revived, and that Omata will vie with that progressive district fOr supremacy in the show ring. Why not ?

The residence which is being erected in concrete by the county on the Hurford Road for its foreman, is now nearing completion. Judged by appearance, it promises to be a very desirable place of abode, and the hope Is expressed that Foreman Seamark will occupy it for many years to come.

The Saturday half-holiday question, which is exercising the minds of the townspeople, has not so far caused a ripple on the placid surface of our lives. Indeed, the interests or opinions of the country “clods” does not seem to have been considered in the least. Does it matter, anyway? I am inclined, Mr. Editor, to think it does, both in the interests of the townspeople and the farming community. Tie townspeople may, for the further pursuance of their own pleasures, "jump” thf farmers' combined business and holiday, but will the fanmers be agreeable to adopt any day which for a time may suit the convenief the town? Wo are a conservative.

people in this respect, and unless business is very pressing many farmers will not break the routine of their work In the middle of every week merely for the sake of a day in town, which has become a habit on Saturdays. Tl.elr motto is, and of necessity must be, work and production first; golf and bowls some time, perhaps never. If tradesDeople in town have become so prosperous that they can afford to ignore the farmers’ trade and requirements, well, just go ahead with the Saturday halfholiday inovation. Perhaps the present 19 an opportune time to play skittle?, with a comfortable certainty. Without doubt a month or two of Saturdays can be well spent on most farms.