THE PEOPLE'S COLUMN.

Northern Advocate, 31 July 1924, Page 2

THE PEOPLE'S COLUMN.

[Our columns are quite open to the public for the discussion of mattors of public concern. We invite correspondence, but do not identify ourselves with the views expressed by our correspondents. —Ed.]

HIKURANGI LIME PROJECT.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —I was rather surprised to read Mr. J. Mcßreen's letter in the issue of the 25th of your paper, re-lime for farmers, and think it my duty to put the position clear to those who, if they are not using lime at present, will soon be compelled to do so; thut is, if they are going to farm their lands successfully. Five years back Mr. F. McDonald was asked by members of the Farmers' Union at a meeting held at Hikurangi t'o try to secure an option over part of the lime deposits at Hikurangi or to deal with Reyburn and Co. Mr. McDonald has never lost sight of the business entrusted to him, and has now secured an option over ten acres of Mr. Carter's property, which contains an unlimited supply of the finest agricultural lime in the Dominion. The facilities for workworking these lime deposits are the best, lying as they do alongside the railroad, with coal 011 all sides of them and the main north road running c-lose past, which would mean many farmers would take their supply direct from j the works by lorry. Mr. McDonald called a meeting 011 July 22, of a few farmers who he considered would be interested in lime to discuss the position, there being present 15 farmers from different parts of the district, and after discussing the position from all points of view, with the exception of Mr. J. Mcßrgen, all present were of the opinion that it was in the best interest of the district .to secure Mr. Carter's 10 acres on offer, and form a lime company for the purpose of supplying Hikurangi and surrounding districts with agricultural lime. I take it that those present were far-seeing enough to know that their son who, in all probability would be farming their lands after they had done with them, would need lime even more than those who are at present working their land. This is a dairying district and nothing depletes lime in soil like dairy farming.

Mr. Mcßrecn is of opinion that tlie fanners in this district should find several thousand pounds in share capital to strengthen the Waikiekie Lime Co., and put them on a sound footing. For what reason? Surely not because Mr. Mcßreen holds shares in that company. All others present at the meeting were wjiling to take from 20 to 100 shares in the Hilcurangi venture; some o* them already are share-holders in Waikiekie. Mr. Mcßreen men lions the free carriage of lime on the railway up to 100 miles. We have no guarantee how long this will be continued. A change of government will probably after all that. As to scenic reserve, I think it a pity that one acre of these beautiful rocks could not be reserved, but why talk of reserving 10 to 20 acres for a scenic reserve? I am as great an admirer of Nature's beauty as most people, but I could not find much comfort in looking at 20 acres of those rocks, and go home to see my stock, and farm starving for want of lime. I wish Waikiekie every success and feel sure the farmers in that and surrounding districts arc not alive to the value of lime or the company's share capital would have been subscribed three times over. I think the main point to consider, is the fact that where we have unmetalled roads there is only a few months in tlie year in which to cart lime at anything but a prohibitive cost, and that once the fanners wake up to the value of lime, if the two companies are working it will take them all their time to cope with the demand. Waikiekie has a huge district back as far as Ruawai

FEXONA SOAP GIVES NATUKAL BEAUTY TO SKIN AND lIAIE. That natural beauty of skin and hair which cannot be imitated can be obtained by regular use of Rexona Skin mid Facial Soap. Ordinary toilet soaps do not assert this influence. Many of them contain free alkali, which tends t.) (ji'v the skin, and destroy its delicate texture. Even the best of such s can only cleanse: they cannot heal f.nd protect the skin. Rexona Soap contains the same soothing, healing, antiseptic balsams as rexona. the Rapid Healer, the value of which in the treatment of skin affections is known throughout the world. Pimply use Rexona Skin and Facial Soap regularly once or twice a ('ay, and see if it does not quickly soothe and cleanse the pores, lessen the tendency to pimples, and leave the complexion clear, fresh and velvety. Price, 1/6 per tablet. Obtainable everywhere.

and Helensvillo, and Hikurangi would supply as far north as the terminus of the railway. It is no secret that increased production is the only way to help the Dominion out of its indebtness, and I will defy any man to increase the productiveness of his farm for any length of time, without the aid of lime. But, sir, is it not strange when such an important proposal as starting a lime company is mooted, how soon one hears the voice of tae croaker —the men who will preach to you by the hour that y*our company is doomed to failure from the word "go." This class of man's farm is less productive to-day than it was 40 years ago. They never bought a ton of lime in their lives, and the chances are never will; yst" they go about the country croaking and trying to frighten people so that they will not take shares in a lime company; in short, they try to block the wheels of progress at every opportunity. I have heard these croakers for 40 years, and in spite of their prophetising this Do minion is one of the best places in the world to live in. •

In conclusion, I trust the farmers of Hikurangi and surroundir.g districts will not lose this last chance of securing for themselves what is in my opinion the greatest asset any agricultural community could possess. —I am, etc., GEO. HODGSON. Whakapara, July 28, 1924.

HIKURANGI LIMESTONE ROCKS.

(To the Editor.)

gi r> —Will the Government take over a portion of the limestone rocks fox scenic purposes, is a question that is often asked. Apparently the Government is prepared to do so, if the various local bodies will, supply half the money, about £1000. It may throw some light on the subject, if I briefly state what Tias lately occurred in connection with that part of the rocks (about 9 acrcs) owned by Carter Bros. About eight weeks ago I was rung up by a Government official, who desired to obtain the terms on which we were prepared to sell the lime rocks. I gave him the necessary particulars, and asked for an early reply. A few days later a well-known farmer made inquiries on behalf of a- proposed farmers' lime company. I told him it was under offer to the Government. After waiting about a fortnight I rang up the Government official. I was told that no reply had come to hand. After a few more inquiries, with the same result,- the official advised me to wire, "collect," to the Commissioner of Lands, Auckland, requesting that acceptance or rejection of tlie offer be sent. The Commissioner replied "have no instructions in the matter;

have sent your wire on to Government." I waited a week, but no reply came from the Government. I then sent a wire withdrawing the offer. I then advised the farmers' representative that the rocks could be either leased or purchased. The matter is, I understand, to be considered at a meeting of the Hikurangi Dairy Company shareholders on Saturday next. The quality and purity of the lime carbonate from these rocks is wellknown, being jus good, if not better than any other large lime deposit \n New Zealand, the analysis being "91 to 98 carbonate."

If lime works are established A.t Ilikurangi and Waikiekie there would be no fear of over-production, as millions of tons could be applied to tlie land of North Auckland, thereby increasing its productiveness to an extent little dreamed of by those who have not had practical experience of lime as applied to soils. The main question is to make it as cheap as possible to the farmer. —I am, etc., A. C ART EE.