HOLIDAY FARM

Taranaki Daily News, 16 January 1933, Page 8

HOLIDAY FARM

INNOVATION NEAR STRATFORD. IDEAL DAYS FOR THE CHILDREN. A large farmhouse, commodious and comfortable, is set amid the pleasant surroundings of trees, lawns and hedges not many miles from Stratford. It is the headquarters of a most interesting farm where dairying is the main source of revenue, but where poultry farming, scientifically conducted, and commercial gardening are seriously developed. Here each summer numerous children from Taranaki towns spend delightful, healthy holidays under the most tactful though continuous supervision. When a Daily News representative called at this happy farm the other day he was greeted kindly by the smiling owner and his wife, while shouts of laughter and peals of merriment from behind a close-growing lawsoniana hedge testified to the presence of the children. There were eight staying there. At the moment they were experimenting with the possibilities of an old gig discovered derelict and claimed as salvage. Anything old on wheels has an irresistible attraction for imaginative children. In a moment it had become a dashing stage coach with four in hand and exciting adventures were already being anticipated down a long, dusty road with many comers and plenty of highwaymen. The children came from all parts of the province. Their parents usually equip them with old clothes, though four of the girls, for the time being prancing steeds in shining harness, were clothed in khaki shirts and shorts, ideal costumes for a glorious holiday on a farm.

There is admirable domestic assistance in the house, and whether the children are swimming, hay-making, riding, driving or playing at being farmers, there is always a watchful eye in the vicinity. The farm staff, too, has adopted the young idea. At milking time as many as four youngsters can be seen extracting thin trickles of milk, one at each teat of a quiet old matron that placidly chews its cud unmindful of the gurgling tube. Others essay more ambitious results and move about the commodious, clean swept, concrete shed in picturesque overalls or flopping gumboots. The gumboots are understood to be correct dress and, of course, must be worn despite the weather. Milking time is the joy of the “family,” and if ever eight children appeared brimming with healthy vigour, those were the children. They’ rush to do jobs, are often sadly in the way, their misplaced energy is sometimes embarrassing, but the temporary parents enter, like children themselves, whole-heartedly into the occupation of the hour. OFF TO THE FACTORY. Each morning there is keen competition for a place in the factory cart, and competition lately has been fiercer since it became known that two very much favoured youngsters once rode all the way home inside an empty milk can. The hostess still chuckles over that incident. It appeared that the children entertained certain unfounded suspicions regarding the stability of the cart, so they were each popped into a can whence they viewed the moving, swaying world with big and curious eyes just level with the rim.

Those that go to the factory cannot, of course, have first claim to Brownie, but Brownie is one of those creatures that are always ready to oblige. For a pony he has a fine broad back. Little heels cannot drum his ribs, for' they stick out in rows on either side. Brownie knows exactly whist is required of him and how precious are his young charges. Riding is great fun, but so is haymaking, especially when strong arms toss little folk high on to the stack or take them riding the sweeps. Older children sometimes find seats on the rake or the back of. the mower, but all can join in hide and seek about the sweetsmelling stuff, and all help at afternoon tea time.

Hot days are water days. The beach is far away, but “uncle” and “auntie,” as they all call the host and hostess, have caused a dam to be made in a small stream. A good deal of work has gone into the making of the swimming pool, with the result that a splendid sheet of water has been formed with an average depth breast high to an eight-year-old. The children bathe daily and are always accompanied by “uncle,” “auntie” or a maid. They are glorious days on holiday farm, but the demand for accommodation seems likely to be taxed to its utmost next year. Children from New Plymouth, Waitara, Inglewood, Hawera and Stratford have spent one, two, three or more weeks there, and each has clamoured for more.

ADVERTISERS’ ANNOUNCEMENTS.

With a desire to assist those athletes who have not yet returned from their holidays, entries for all athletic events, amateur running and cycling and professional cycling at the Caledonian sports, have been extended until 8 p.m. oh Wednesday.

A carnival will be held at the Eltham school baths this evening, when a programme of nine events will be presented. Good entries have been received and interesting sport is assured for spectators. A feature will be a water polo competition match between Eltham -and Inglewood. At the conclusion a dance will be held in the Oddfellows’ Hall.