OLD KAITAIA.

Northland Age, Volume 24, Issue 48, 26 March 1925, Page 2

OLD KAITAIA.

A LETTER FROM ALF. ■ To Old Bert, . Dear Bert,—l forgot to mention that T B men are putting some concrete ketfc " ing from the pub down and I wish, on behalf of myself and fellow townsmen (as the country busters say) to express the gratitude we feel for this improvement. Their thoughtfulness will enable us to sit on the sidewalk and have a rest and observe the passing show (that has been, as you know, a great drawback in Kaitaia, having no kerb to sit on). There, un|»l we go to sleep in the Northland’s balmy\ sun, we can see all that passes, hear the town and district news, the very latest from the political and gum fields and all other news worth hearing, told in a brief, terse and emphatic manner. Why, that kerb will be worth more to us than both busters. (They are too windy, anyhow). We gave old Bob W a ts“n a “smoko” at the Ag Hall last week, when some taljg yarns were told. Bob told us about how he once took a buyer to a farmer's place to buy some sheep and in his desire to push a sale he hutted in a good word for the woollies. "Mind yer own dammedj business, ’ said the buyer, “I’m buying these goldarned sheep, not you.” Collapse of Bob, who was carried home on a 1 stretcher. At the “smoko” the toast of “The Jers. eys” was drunk at the instigation of Dan Lewis and Syd Puckey, who reckoned the little fawn-snouters gave the best value for grass chewed. Walter Masters followed with “Tin; Friesians” and said they were fine big cattle and there “in black and white”. The Friesian calves made good bullocks and he had a three-year old steer that could pull three yards of shingle out of the river (Walter did not say at one go or in three). In any case he reckoned the 1 of the Jerseys was too creasy to. drink. Walter claimed that the time was not far distant when the beef market was going up and then, whalhol. People with Jerseys would be in the soup, or grease. # Dudley Jamieson somewhat discounted Walter’s opinion of the black and winters, by remarking that their milk was only chalk and water. And, he said, they did no; make good beefers. He had never seen a Friesian steer under 4 years any good lor beef. Jimmy Rice proposed the toast of “Firewood and Strawberries” and issued a challenge to chop firewood with any married man in the North (Cnallenge not accepted at time of going to press.) Altogether it was a hilarious evening, and one man, (but don’t get this mixed with Jimmy), was going along somewhat uncertainly when he ran plump into the telegraph poie near the county chambers. He backed away, replaced his hat on (sis * bead, and firmly started forward again,'' bul once more ran into the post. Four times he tried to get by that darned poie, out each time his uncertain steps took him crash into it. After the fourth attempt and failure to pass the pole, he reversed, tell to the ground, and clutching his head in his hands, murmured, as one lost to all hope, “Lost, lost, in an impenetrable bush!” (kahikatea, puriri, red and white li tree).

Last night, Bert, I had a beautiful dream. 1 I dreamt our new cottage hospital was up. ’ (t was situated on an elevated position and commanded an excellent view of Kaitaia and Reef Point. The building was of concrete with rough cast finish and a tile roof. It was 150 ft by 80 ft and contained . three large, airy wards, operating theatre, sitting rooms, nurses’ apartments, bathrooms, and all conveniences apertaining to $ a modern cotiage hospital. The building was connected witb the town sewerage system and the whole institution was electrically lighted from the power-house. And then I awoke to hear Dick Wrathall * still talking and (he hospital still unbuilt. * And then, Bert, i dropped off again and dreamt what a progressive town Kaitlia was with its new rest room for women visitors to our burgh—and the women from the country wanted this badly. Everything that could make for comfort was there, comfortable chairs and ivetty cushions, writing materials, books, a cool water filter and even prams for tired mothers to take the baby shopping, Handsome gifts had been made towards the furnishing of the’ rest room, which itself was a gift to the mothers of the district, and there was a roster of names of enthusiastic workers, so that each afternoon there was someone on duty to 4 receive visitors and bid them welcome. And then, Bert, I awoke again, but could sleep no more. What are we going to do about it? Ask for all further information. > Hoping you are still able to see the tide come ill and go out and with best wishes for Easter. Yours, ALF. Kaitaia 26/3/25. P. S. George Washington has called for chops and tomato sauce.