The Pahiatua Herald. with which is incorporated THE PAHIATUA STAR. Published Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. FRIDAY, JUNE 22, 1894.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume II, Issue 165, 22 June 1894, Page 2

The Pahiatua Herald . with which is incorporated THE PAHIATUA STAR. Published Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. FRIDAY, JUNE 22, 1894.

The figures published in another oolumn show to how great an extent the dairy industry is responsible for the progress and financial stability of the district. During the season just ended a total quantity of 110,038 gallons of milk were received at the factories at Mangatainoka, Ballance and Makakahi ; representing, at 3d per gallon, a sum of £'5501 3s 3d distributed in cash amongst the settlers. There was, in addition, a further cash distribution amongst tradesmen and others which would considerably increase the amount paid out by the factory owners. It would be impossible to over-estimate the indebtedness of the district to the dairy factories. They were established at a time of commercial stagnation, when cash was scarce and priges obtainable for produce low ; and at once they opened before tho settlers a new avenue for profitable employment. The more perspicacious at once saw the opportunity and the possibility of lifting themselves above the difficulties with which they were surrounded, 'l'h.y became suppliers to the factory, improved and increased their herds, and soon were in receipt of a regular income from the sale, of the lacteal product. Others followed tho good example and tho industry rapidly grew and extended until it attained the present proportions. Undoubtedly butter revolutionised tho progress of settlement in the Forty-mile Bush. \\ ith the advent of the factories the painfully-slow progress of the district was at once changed into rapid strides towards closer and more prosperous settlement. Dairying is the district’s destiny, and tho fact was quickly recognised by the farmers, who readily seized an opportunity which promised them relief from their troubles. But great as has been the development of the industry in the past there are indications that the future will be even more prolific of results. A central factory is to be established in I’ahiatiia, and creameries ate to be erected at llawera and Kaitawa, and possibly at Mangahao. Practically this will mean the distribution amongst the settlers evory season of an amount of money rather more than double that paid out by the factories during the past season. It means converting the whole Pahiatua County into a huge dairy farm, with a sure market for the milk and a cash purchaser for all that can be supplied. The prospest is certainly an encouraging one. It presents limitless possibilities of general prosperity, the fulfilment of which, however, will rest mainly with tho settlers themselves. They have already shown that they are able to realise and grasp an opportunity. They are, therefore, senireoly likely to fail to avail themselves of the increased facilities which will be offered by the extension of tho factory system.