ALEXANDRA NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 15540, 9 July 1914, Page 3

ALEXANDRA NOTES

Your leader regarding Mr R. T. Sadd's visit to this district is very apropos. Mr Sadd, however, has a big reputation to live up to. People here have already set him on a pedestal. He seemed to get at the core of the question right off. In olden days the getting of land subdivided into small areas was one that demanded not only firm front, but a fighting attitude towards the board.

The woolshed paddocks ceded by Mr Spain will make a splendid settlement. They comprise the Hon. Mr Fraser's original homestead, which is one of the choicest spots in the Earnscleugh Valley. I am informed that the early frost sometimes catches that belt, but that for the later kinds of fruit it cannot be beaten. The old historic woolshed built by Mr Fraser will be removed, and another landmark of the davs of the Golden Fleece and the Golden River will disappear. Several other areas will be subdivided, beginning with the Dunstan Racecourse, an area to he commanded by the Mannherikia scheme and the old Alexandra racecourse, which will bo served by tho Chatto race, already cut. This latter area can therefore be put into commission any time. It is a pity, however, that our Golf Club should not have had a portion of this area reserved. There is a part of indifferent quality, and a golf links are an important adjunct, to the town. The Golf Club stood in tho way of the. borough getting this land, and now the land seekers are rather (i getting one home" on them. I think, however, that a part should be kept for the club, and hope Mr Sadd, who knows the land, • will recognise tho fairness. I may say I am not a club member, and I write entirely from a public point of view. I understand also that the Iversen Estate may be cut up. That is an ideal piece of ground for fruit farms. It was lately offered for salo by tender, but was not sold, and the wonder here is why speculators let such a chance go by.

Tho matter of a Carnegie LiHrary is to go to public vote, and L suppose this time the decision will he final. The attitude taken up by tho council so far has been one of " noiv I want it, now I don't." and " Oh, do please settle the thinp; for us.'' Dr J. G. Hyde, who is going, farming in Tarras, was fnrewelled at Clyde on Friday night. Mr S. T. Spain presided. There was a large attendance, and presentations were made to tho doctor and his wife. For 28 years Dr Hyde has guided the destinies of the Dunstan Hospital. He was a skilful and resourceful medico, and soon became a personality in the place. Not to know Dr Hyde was not to know Clyde, especially if you were interested in a mining venture in the dredging days. The doctor is a Canadian of robust physique and still a vigorous, youthful man.

Mr D. T. Fleming. Reform organiser, visited us last week. A _ gathering of the clan took place, but it was generally asserted by strong Scott it es that their man would have a cake walk, and that no organising was needed. "Whether Mr Hoon will come out or not nobody knows, but if he does it will be no cake-walk for Mr Scott. The Liberal party, however, seem to dilly dally and do nothing. No wonder the other side hold them cheaply.—Own correspondent, July S.