A Prosperous Valley.

Northland Age, Volume 27, Issue 51, 30 November 1927, Page 7

A Prosperous Valley.

(By “Huia”)

How many people travelling by train or car realise what a prosperous, picturesque part of old N.Z is that portion which stretches from Matamata to the Hauraki Plains? Right down this fertile upper portion of the Thames Valley, mile upon mile “O'er hill and dale” stretches the mantle of verdant sward and smiling farmsteads, surrounded each by its sheltering clusters of trees or hedge, the bright red roofs lending a touch of pleasing colour to I the beautiful picture. From the top of the Kairaai road, perched as it wtre on the “root of the world,” the valley appears to one like a beautiful green carpet patterned with darker green. to the west it is bordered by a line of bbie grey hills, behind which the setting sun flings up long golde 1 fingers which lightly lor a moment caress the range top, then fading from our view tinges the clouds with the same magic colour, these 111 turn fading to grey as the sun leaves us to visit other countries, other valleys but none more beautiful nor prosperous (in our eyes at least) than the upoer Thames Valley. What a change man has wrought in such a snort space of time in his efforts (which have been crowned with success) to wrest wealth in the form of butterfat from this erstwhile ti-tree and fern-clad valley. Here at least, Beauty and Eflflcisncy agree.

A prophet, they say, has no honour in his own country, and it has been toe much the policy of New Zealanders in the past io pass over the product of their own country in favodr of the imported goods, which, in many cases are actually inferior to the New Zealand article. Take tobacco for example. Most American tobaccos are objectionable on the score of excess nicotine, and defective combustibility, leading to the clogging of the pipe, with unpleasant, and indeed injurious, consequences to the smoker. Try Riverhead Gold mild and aromatic, or Toasted Navy Cut (Bulldog) of medium strength, and if you prefer a full body, try Cut Plug No. io, the Bullhead label Their purity, flavour, aroma and all round excellence will surprise you.' Unlike most brands from oversea this particular type of tobacco does not foul the pipe and leaves the mouth sweet and clean. Experts maintain! that of all varieiies known N.Z. leat is the .east injurious on account of its small percentage of n cotine and hat it may U smoked continuously wituout the slighesi after effects