GREY VALLEY NOTES.

Grey River Argus, 19 January 1922, Page 7

GREY VALLEY NOTES.

OUR OUTLOOK. ("Argus” Correspondent.) Now that we have completely disposed of our vacation period, we mus t of necessity look for such possibilities ns may present themselves, to enable us to "carry on” the country’s good work for our mutual benefit. The past month of the year may be aptly termed the doorstep of 1922/ and as wo enter the portals of the future, we do so armed with the sincere good wishes of our friends, and the indifferent wishes of our many acquaintances. If people could be induced to do something practical, and thereby cause their wishes to materialise, wo would be accomplishing something worth while. Actions are always preferable to empty vapourings. Perhaps all we need is a sufficient supply of optimism, so with apologies to Burns, "I wud that God the giftie gi’e us, to have the optimism that Massey possesses.” This would possibily render life’s battle the easier. Good resolutions for the New Year have been loudly acclaimed, but has anyone not at present doing so, decided to give such support to the morning paper as the circumstances warrant? Wide-awake workers surely realise that they possess a paper of the possession and advocacy of which they may well feel proud. As to whether its policy is wholly or partly in accordance with our individual views is beside the point. Most of us agree that there are two sides to all questions of importance. Then why not give unstinted support to the solitary paper in this island that so eloquently states the case for the workers’ defence. Workers of all lands have been in the rearguard all their lives. Wellreasoned reading matter will assist them in securing a position in the vanguard. Why not support the paper that provides enlightenment, and stands for justice and equality, in contra-distinction to the plethora of Capitalistic sheets that attempt to poison the well-springs of mankind In other words, to fasten the shackles of a system on you that is no more to your advantage iTial it was to your forefathers. It would considerably brighten our outlook to see workers taking an ever-increasing interest in their mutual welfare, as each New Year presents itself.

HARVESTING. The soft weather at present prevailing is having a deterrent effect on harvesting, but it is noir very disadvantageous from the dairyman’s standpoint. The dry spell of New Year time, was availed of by most haymakers and shearers, but there were many who, rather than attend to the future needs of their slock, were to be found following the gee-gees in quest of dividends. A holiday, or a number of them, is the medicine of life not unlike Old Sol’s toys, but most stock tenders conclude that the stock has first call on their services, and on the large "course of life,” pay the better dividend. MEAT BOOL. Being so largely a fanning community, one of our principal topics is the above subject. It goes without saying most opinions are that it is a "good thing.” For the producers it may be. Taking a prinia facie view, in the absence of the scheme’s details, is of course premature. The success of any class pool may be determined by the power which it possesses to levy a toll upon society! The scheme’s providers appear to aim at stability of market rates, thereby hoping to maintain a financial equilibrium in this, the mother of all industries. If the scheme achieves this objective, and goes no further, it may save the Dominion from a financial vortex. To wield a collective trading power to the detriment of the consumer—in other words to exceed the bounds of equity—would prove fatal to such a scheme from the outset. If a scheme or pool were evolved that would afford protection to producer and consumer alike, the prevalent spirit of dissension would soon disappear. Those in charge of the proposal may develop a wider conception of humanitarian needs as their scheme progresses —or fail ultimately for the reasons above stated. THOSE COMMISSIONS.

Whilst on farming subjects, I may say it has come to my knowledge that feelings anent the recent rise in fees by the combined auctioneers, is running high. Where there’s smoke there is generally fire, and who knows but that what may be now only cinders, may blaze up to some purpose? There never was a period within the last decade that sellers could less afford to present charges than the present time. Like the prospective meat-poolers, the auctioneering firms, true to their class interests, attend to fixation of prices in their own quiet way—a method, the foisting of which, may bring about their undoing. Having touched upon tips subject quite recently, it woukl not be good taste to burden your readers with any repetition. Patient readers must wait and see. EXPERIMENTAL FARM. It will be of inteyesf to those engaged in agricultural pursuits to learn that Mr. Stevenson, manager of the Government Experimental Farm at Waimunga, has been reinstated, after several months’ absence in other parts of the Dominion. Being so approach-

able and competent, Mr. Stevenson is an excellent Government choice. Those seeking agricultural information could not do better than pay the farm a visit, and thereby add to their store of knowledge the practical information to be acquired from so scientific an officer. OBITUARY. The hand of death has been busy of late amongst our sturdy band of worthy pioneers, the last to answer the call being the late Mr. Alex. McDonald, so well known in the vicinity of Totara Flat. To know deceased’s nationality was to know the man, as the characteristics typical of his race, for honesty and integrity, were an outstanding feature of his life. His mortal remains were interred in the Ahaura Cemetery in the presence of a large concourse of mourners. The Rev, Fathers Fogarty and McGrath conducted an impressive service at the graveside.

THE POOR TAXPAYER. Whilst giving some thought to the tricky system under which we exist, my eagle eye alighted upon an item of "news” served up for the benefit of unconscious readers, stating that Princess Mary draws £6OOO per annum and can continue to do after her marriage to one of England’s wealthiest men. Further, the King’s sons get £lO,OOO per annum, to be supplemented by a further £15,000 upon marriage, and if ever the present Prince of Wales marries, his wife will be entitled to £lO,OOO per year, quite apart from his stupendous income. Fancy a nation professing sanity, supporting a system that revels in this sort of financial extravagance. Could greater travesties of justice be visited upon a people? Could not working taxpayers sweat for a better purpose? For our part, could stupidity go further?