EKETAHUNA

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1675, 6 April 1904, Page 26

EKETAHUNA

(From Our Own Correspondent)

In your last issue you produce a bush scene in our district, the bush in this and the adjoining districts is fast disappearing. We have some beauty spots that we are very proud of. It is to be hoped they will be preserved. Unfortunately in the past no consideration was given in the way of preserving scenery, no matter how valuable the landscape. It went before tne wood, man’s axe. The Government deserve credit for the steps they have lately taken to preserve valuable scenery. Within the last month three of the sawmills' in this district hare ceased w orking owing to the busli being worked out. Messrs Gardner Brothers at one time had two mills at work in this district. They have now left for Ta.ib.una

where they int end working two mu Is. MessrSrDvnmmond Brothers have left for Poverty Bay, where they intend working one mill. Mr Lawrence has left the Newman district for Hamua, where he intends to erect' and work a mill. At the last meeting of the Dranch of tlie Farmers’ Union, one of the members

of the committee appointed to report on ' the bacon factory brought down a very encouraging report. it is to be hoped that we will ere long have this bacon factory iu going order. Lt would be a great benefit to the district. A suspension bridge over the Ruamal unga, has beeu in course of erection fm some time. It is now finished, and will be opened by the Premier on the Cth April. This bridge will be the means of shortening the distance between Masterton and Fketahuna. and will be a great boon to travellers by .road. Messrs Seaton and Sladdon, enginoe "r and surveyors, have started an agency in Eketaliuna. Messrs G. M. Dooney and Co. are their agents. We have no firm in their line in our midst, and there is no doubt they will be patronised. We have a Domain Board, and much to their credit they pay particular attention to their duties. They met on 26th March at Pelling's Hotel. The balance-sheet showed a credit of £2O, and was adopted. The Board decided to inspect the domain on Wednesday. Mr F . von Bedeu, one of our worthy settlers, is to act as valuer for the Government re the compulsory taking of th - Mount Vernon estate. The case is down for hearing on 16th April, at Napier. Our stock sale came off last Thursday. It- was well attended. Sheep were not as plentiful as they were at previous sales. Sellers were satisfied with the prices realised for sheep, but those who entered cattle were very disappointed owing to the poor prices they fetched. There is a- considerable drop in cattle. A large number ol our town and country settlers have left bore for the Easter holidays. Business is brisk. Hairy farmers are well pleased with the season ; grass is plentiful; stock look well; and there is no doubt that- t-liis district is a magnificent one for grazing.