THE STAR ALMANACK AND WEST COAST DIRECTORY.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XX, Issue 2319, 6 January 1893, Page 2

THE STAR ALMANACK AND WEST COAST DIRECTORY.

This annual publication, which has now been issued for the year 1893, is a bnlky volume of 280 pagan of general information, together with about 140 pages of advertisements containing announce* meats of more or less interest to the general reader and very useful bints for tfaoee who desire to do business with people up and down the coast. The book commenoes with the usual monthly calendar, recording notable events of interest, and this is accompanied with tide-tables worked out in detail for Waitara and Wanganui for each of the two tides on every day of the year ; and clear instructions are given for working out tne same information in respeot of Opunake and Pa tea, so that really the table is complete for the whole coast. Phases of the moon, the times of rising and setting of the bud, the moon's age for every day in the year are also given. This is acoompanied by a diary. The garden oalendar for eaoh month is complete, and fall of useful hints as to the times aud seasons for sowing and all other necessary work in the garden. The statutes printed include the Impounding Act ; the principal clauses of the Fencing Acts, which have frequently to be oonsuited by new settlers, and, indeed, by old ones, too, for that matter; the Cattle Aot, 1890; the Sheep Aot, 1890; the Dairy Industry Act of last session is printed in full, and will make the book of special value to all engaged in the sale of milk or the manufacture or export ol batter or cheese. The principal points of the Slaughtering Act, the Dog Registration Aot, the Licensing Aot, the Stamp Aot, &0., are also given, the whole forming a very bandy compendium of the lawß which everyday business compels one to consult. The postal and telegraphic guide ; information about the sittings, the process, and charges of the courts ; household redoes — medical, cooking, preserving, and pickling; weights and measures; statistics ; sporting records ; methods for ascertaining the weight of hay, cattle, &c; rainfall returns ; particulars about New, Zealand Government and Parliament f fishing and shooting regulations ; fruit oaltare; and a' variety of other matter which we cannot here enumerate is also given. When to this is added a directory of the whole coast, from New Plymouth to Woodville, the book will be found to be the cheapest' shilling's worth within reach of settlers, on the coast. The Wellington Press, in a. highly complimentary notice which it has r given (and we may say we have to thank oar oontemporaries for the kindly .things said), remarks that "it is au atqazingly good publication; • . . in fact, a study of the Stab Direotory.is a liberal education to a country settler and a. mine of wealth to a benighted- town •resident." The Almanack, we are glad teie able to say, has 'met with a ready sale at all times. Last year copier were unobtainable within a very short time after publication i and though we have allowed for an increased circulation this year, owing to the increased population, it ie«ms from the numerous orders which are coming in that there will be vfciy few left'in a short, time. However, moßt agents throughout tba: district. -.oaw have supplies, and we advise those desiring copies to purchase as soon as possible in order to avoid disappointment.