Kaitaia.

Northland Age, Volume 2, Issue 49, 10 July 1906, Page 5

Kaitaia.

(From our Own Correspondent). The beautiful spell of fine weather we have been experiencing, gives every indication, at the time of writing, of breaking up. The cottage addition, or rather detachment. to the Kaitaia hotel is just on the point of completion. I must say, as I said in my last, that additions seldom look as compact and oomplete as when built in one block, aud this one is by no means an exception. The balance-sheet of the Kaitaia Dairy Company is not yet prepared, but I understand this season has been head and shouldersabove any other. The oompany, I understand, paid BJ. per lb. for butter fat during the whole season, and have a nice balance left over and above expenses, and this without the aid in any particular of their new articles. In fact there are the expenses of the production of said articles to be deducted off profits, whioh will he a small loss. I have heard two thinkingly new suppliers, who own two of the best farms in the distriot, say they would like to become suppliers, but are afraid to under the now articles which must be truely wonderful in their complication, as it takes a Magistrate three months to arrive at a conclusion; may be another three years for all those concerned know. Fearful and wonderful are the workings of that terrible and complicated engine—the law. I don’t think it will make the butter grade any better, nor do I think law will fetoh an improved supply of milk to a faetory. Good common sense, good roads, top price for butter fat, and a careful manager will do more than a whole army of lawyers and a couple of Magistrates thrown in, is my humble opinion. Speaking of roads, I am beginning to think we—i.e., the young folk—will live to see a metal road, of a kind, right through the distriot. A very marked improvement has been shown this last season; long may it continue and increase. Mr. Geo. Hollis met the steamer with his trap to take a prospector, or rather a mining expert, out to see his late find. We all hope he will meet with a rich reward. I must say Mr. Holfis deserves success for his pluek and perseverance. Whatever minerals he strikes may they be in plenty. I see Messrs. Subritzky and Hansen’s flax mill is closed temporarily. They are installing a new boiler with much increased power. The flax industry is a great boon to a district, aud it is to bo hoped their improvements will be profitable.

An exceedingly pleasant afternoon was spent at the Kaitaia school on Friday, it being the occasion of a meeting of the school committee, children, parents and friends, to wish our much respected teacher, Mr. Dyer, good-bye and bon voyage. He is leaving the district, and also resigning from the staff. Two presentations wero made Mr. Dyer,viz., a testimonial from the committee and a walking stick given by the elder children attending the school. The chairman made a brief and appropiate speech and presented the testimonial, and Miss Daisy Smith gave the stick on behalf of the scholars. Mr. Dyer returned thanks in a nice manner. He was taken completely by surprise with the children making him a present. He congratulated them on being able to keep a secret, and also on their selection of a present—seeing his age (73) it was most acceptable. The parents provided afternoon tea, and Messrs. E. M. and C. Masters gave sufficient sweets for each ohild to have a small bag and finish up with a huge scramble, thus onding a most enjoyable afternoon. Messrs, R. Y, Johnston and Masters are getting on famously with the willows and clearing of the river, The workmen are nearly up to E. M. and C. Masters’ store. The benefit is already felt in the way the flood water gets away. It behoves everyone to see that all rivers, and especially the Awanui river, are kept free of the willow curse.

Masters’ boat “The Snog Jumper” is all but complete. She just requires her engine, and she will bo ready to carve off any of the too sharp corners. Early lambs are making their appearance. It is a great pity that more attention is not paid to sheep up here. We have thousands and thousands of acres suitable for sheep, and our secondclass land, properly taken and stocked, would support hundreds of families in the North. It will come —weaVe getting our eyes open —past the ninth day. Sheep, fruit, bees. Taihoa. The social section has again] started their dancing class. The early portion of the evening is given to beginners. After the first hour all join in and Bpend a few pleasant hours. Where is our debating society P Come, do not let yourselves expire ! Judging by expressions on Wm. Le Queux’s “ The Invasion of 1910 ” we have ample evidence of argumentative young men. Wake up debaters ! I’ll suggest a subject; Was LeJ Queux’s publication justifiable or commendable ? June 30, 1906.