MOUNT PLEASANT SETTLEMENT.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18572, 26 November 1920, Page 5

MOUNT PLEASANT SETTLEMENT.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—May we'have sufficient space in your esteemed paper to state the following facts? Mr Hobday in his letter to Air Haszard loses sight of the main issue, i.e., .poultry 1 and fruit farming. He tall, s aimlessly about the unsurpassable viejy obtained. Yes; but this view, etc., is not going to fill,our pockets.. We will never have time to look at it, if we place too much reliance upon Mr Hobday’s letter. Ho says that Mr Cook has a section on the south-east side, whose shelter trees were planted eight years ago. Does Mr Hobday expect us to wait eight years until we have sufficient shelter 1 to protect our sections? This is absurd. - . Mr Hobday calls it nearly flat. Yes, it would appear so from an aeroplane, but from a plain, common-sense man’s point of view it is decidedly rough and steep, necessitating great excavation in order to build, work which is entirely unsuitable for T.B. men. v

Mr Hobday neglects the transport question altogether. It takes a powerful car at least ten minutes to go up from the foot of the hill. It would take three horses with a dray at least an hour, let alone the time spent between the town and .the hill. Referring to the (water supply, the plans issued by the Land Board state that an endeavour “will be made” to get water on to these sections. Quite so, but what will eventuate if this endeavour fails? '

As regards the health point of view, the report corning from such an eminent specialist as Dr Blackmore leaves no doubt about the suitability of the locality from the health point of view. Wo contend Air Hobday’s letter is misleading to the public, who may have an idea that we are stirring up strife in this matter, but the whole thing te not feasible from start to finish, and we earnestly desire a fully-published report on the matte: by unbiased, experienced men, both poultry and fruit experts. Thanking you for your valuable space,— ■ TYo are, etc.. TR AINEES CASHMERE POULTRY AND FRUIT FARM. Cashmere, November 25.