HEALTH IN THE COUNTRY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19806, 29 November 1927, Page 14

HEALTH IN THE COUNTRY.

Sir,—The articles written by " Commuter," appearing lately in the Herald will have done valuable service, if they induce some parents to get away from the dangers of the city to an ampler, purer atmosphere outside where their families may develop in health and freedom. I have long-been of opinion that most of the failures in the country population have been caused by ambition, which led the parties to take up holdings too big for their working capital and resulted in overwhelming, debts, uhen with smaller areas they might have succeeded, and ultimately have been able to increase their holdings if desired. It is obvious that there is sufficient idle land within 30 or 40 miles of Auckland, and within easv distance of railway or highway, to satisfy the requirements of a multitude of small holders, if it was made available at reasonable prices. If housekeepers considered how much they spent on milk, vegetables, fruit and eggs, they would begin to realise some of the benefits of livinc in the country. Any land can be made good if it is easily cultivated and bv training each [member of the family to" take a practical interest in the art of agriculture, they would nnn not only profit, but much pleasure in producing and consuming what thev knew to be clean and wholesome. The recurring problem of "what to do "with the bovs." would be at least partly solved, as pverv boy would be the better for some knowledge of farm life, .even though in after years he became a professor of economics or Prime Minister. Nattvs.