FORTUNATE TARANAKI.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 December 1922, Page 4

FORTUNATE TARANAKI.

Taranaki has every reason to be thankful for the position in which it finds itself at the close of the year. This time last year the outlook was uncertain and far from cheerful The province had just experienced, two years of record prices for dairy produce, which unfortunately were regarded by many as standard post-war prices, <9 nd prices for land in consequence soared to considerable heights. With the withdrawal of the Imperial Government’s commandeer, producers were obliged to fend for themselves, and they found that with the huge stocks held by the authorities at Home, buyers were not keen on making contracts at what were considered by producers as remunerative figures. As a result man}’ dairy companies consigned, and the pays-out were very restricted, but, notwithstanding, they proved in many cases greater than the depressed mai - kets warranted. In January came a complete collapse of the market, owing to the decision of the Imperial Government to sell its butter stocks qn a basis of 100/-. The outlook for local producers was exceedingly black, but thence onward prices began to recover until by April they had reached 188/to 195/-. For the new season prices for both butter and cheese have been very favorable, and, should they be maintained, it is likely .producers will net about 1/6 per lb. for their butterfat. Last season was a record one from a production point of view, the increase in butter exports being 23.2 and in cheese 27.99. For the present season climatic conditions could hardly have been more favorable. Following an exceptionally fine winter, the cows caine into profit in the best of condition, whilst rain fell at the right time to maintain an abundance of succulent feed; in consequence the cows have so far established an increase over last year's production of at leaat 25 per cent. It is no wonder then that local farmers are facing, the immediate future with cheerfulness and confidence. Wool, lamb and mutton have practically recovered, so that the backblockers, the men who are breaking in new country and who, therefore, are deserving of all .possible success, will again he able to see daylight ahead and given heart to prosecute their pioneering

NEW PLYMOUTH’S PROSPECTS. The end of 1922 sees New Plymouth well on the road to prosperity. It has perhaps felt the pinch less than most places, owing to its position as the capital town of a dairying province, good roads from all points converging on it, and it possessing a harbor, the trade in connection with which is developing rapidly. Building is keeping up, the figures for the past three years being greater than those of any other town in the Dominion (with perhaps the exception of Hamilton) outside of the four centres. For the. coming year the Ibuilding industry promises to be brisker than ever. Outside the erection of dwellings, which goes on steadily, several large buildings are projected, and not . a few owners of shop and office properties are only awaiting a favorable opportunity to iebuild. The new year should see the new wharf well under way and the breakwater extension brought nearer completion. The harbor is, perhaps, the most important work in the province, and slow as has been the progress during the past four or five years, there is reason to believe that everything is now being done that can lie done to expedite the work. Meantime the trade of the port is rapidly increasing, particularly in respect of the overseas trade, and it is not too much to hope that during the year there will be at least a two-monthly service from both the United Kingdom and American ports. Indeed, judging by the boats listed for the next three months, this frequency may be exceeded. The public are beginning to realise the benefits arising from direct importations, and we have little doubt but that in a short time nine-tenths of Taranaki’s requirements will come direct and be distributed from Moturoa, and that all our dairy produce, etc., instead of part, as at present, will be shipped direct Home. The extension of the hydroelectric service will be finished by April, when there will be available more current than can be disposed of at once in the town and, therefore, a substantial surplus will be available for outside use. The main road to Te Kuiti has been considerably improved during the year, and in a few months’ time it will be possible to use th,/ lower Awakino Valley road, thus bringing the extensive and rich districts of Mahoenui, Piopio, Aria, etc., into close touch with their natural outlet —New Plymouth. The fly in the ointment is the adversity met with recently by the Farmers’ Meat Company and the consequent closing of the works at Smart Road. This has caused a good deal of loss to the community,in many ways, but it may be that the closing will only be for the present season, and that a way will be found for reopening the works next season. On the whole, however, the town is in a flourishing state, and marked as has been the progress during the past fewyears, we believe it will be as nothing compared with the development that will take place in the near future, with the improvement of the harbor and the development of direct trade with the United Kingdom and America; the availability of plenty of cheap electricity; the opening up of the back country, and the improvement of the roads thereto, etc. The town has now a good start, and it behoves all having an interest in it to neglect no opportunity of supporting every progressive movement. This done, New Plymouth, by reason of its position and resources, must within the next few years become one of the most important provincial towns in the Dominion.