BUNNYTHORPE.

Feilding Star, Volume I, Issue 291, 14 June 1907, Page 2

BUNNYTHORPE.

(Our Own Correspondent.) Everything seems very quiet, nothing of any great consequence stirring, with the exception of the sale of properties around us. I hear that Mr Mudgway, of Hiwinui, Mr Reid, of Reid's Line, and Miss McLean, <f Nannestad's road, have all disposel 9f their farms at most satisfactory prices. Around Colyton, the aggregation of farms is going on apace, the large farmers buying out the smaller ones, and thereby increasing their own holdings considerably. This is not altogether an unmixed blessing, inasmuch as the amount of labour employed is considerably less in proportion on these large farms, also numerous homesteads are empty where at one time thriving families were reared, and altogether a spirit of desolation begins to pervade the locality. The country villages with their tradesmen are material sufferers by this aggregation of farms. There is some slight anxiety felt as to what the Farm Labourers' Union is about to do. Naturally, now that the Union has started, action in Taranaki and Wanganui, W9 may expect to hear something of it here. Farmers certainly do not^look kindly at the prospect, and I fear that although as a rule union it> strength, the farm labourers will find their Union a source of weakness, for this reason : Farmers will not employ labourers if they can possibly help it. Most of this part is in the hands of small settlers,' and they certainly will not employ labour if they are to be dictated to by a Union. I think this unionism is. going a little too far. There was a time in the colony, as at Home, when the .working man did not get fair play or fair pay. That day isTpast, but I do think the Unions are coming it a bit too strong now. classes in connection with the Feilding Technical School have been commenced in our Public School, under the able management of Miss Gilbertson, every Friday afternoon. So far there are not mariy lady studqpts, but it is expected that many more will soon join^he class, especially as Miss Gilbertson's system is so highly spoken of, being most up-to-date. The students speak highly of the up-to-date Langer chart used by Miss Gilbertson, and Mrs Espiner (wife of our worthy schoolmaster), I.ho has had experience of other systems, speaks most enthusiastically of Miss Gilbertson's methods. I believe, if possible, it ib ; intended to 1. >ld the classes in 'the Library room of our Public JHalli being by far more convenient both for. students aid teacherjsfhan the school room. I notice our Anglican Church ground has recently been drained, the work being mosfrkindly done and well . cbne by Mr Wm. JJoddy, which, in the present state of the v oather, the congregation should be find no doubt will be, truly thankful. . . . Colds and influenza ire pretty rife jiistnow, the weather being very favourable fpr such complaints. I hear th*at our new Co-operative I) utter and Cheese Factory Company take possession of Mr Gillies' factory nnd Aorangi creamery on August Ist, when no doubt operations will be immediately commenced to put tip the cheese factory plant. I also hear the new company have a guarantee of 806 cows to start with. I had the pleasure recently of sampling some cheese manufactured at Messrs Nathan and Co's factory nerojand was delighted with the excellence of the article. No wonder the firm c;m sell such an enormous output when the quality is so good .