DOUGLAS AS CENTRE

Taranaki Daily News, 12 November 1934, Page 6

DOUGLAS AS CENTRE

EASTERN STOCK TRADE PROSPECTS IN THE NEAR FUTURE. BIG DEVELOPMENT EXPECTED. Indications that Douglas will develop into an important stock centre, not only for Central Taranaki but also for eastern districts to the Main Trunk railway line, were contained in statements made by representatives of Stratford stock firms who were approached by a News reporter on Saturday. The completion of the Stratford-Main Trunk railway and the ease with which stock could be drawn to Douglas from as far as the King Country was cited as one of the chief reasons why Douglas should attract steadily increasing offerings. With the Stratford-Main Trunk railway in operation a good deal of stock from the back country, including the Ohura districts, was being sent to the sales at Douglas as it was known to be one of the best sale centres in Taranaki, it was stated. Before the advent of the through railway Ohura district stock was sold at Ohura sales, but in the winter offerings in the King Country and Ohura were not very large—hardly big enough to warrant coastal buyers going out. The settlers there were well aware of that point and knew, that by sending their stock to a centre such as Douglas they were always sure of strong competition. Some of the roads in the Ohura district were not metalled and it was difficult to induce cattle buyers, for instance, to attend a sale in the Ohura in July. The completion of the railway offered quick, easy transit for back country stock to Douglas and its effect was reflected by the larger offerings there, but unfortunately the slump period had retarded the development of the trade to a certain extent. Sheep were not as plentiful as they would be under ordinary conditions, for many fai-ms were understocked. While prices for wool and sheep were so low a number of sheep farmers reduced their flocks and ran a certain number of dairy cows, but the low price of butterfat and improving state of the wool trade were causing those settlers to sell most of the dairy cows and concentrate more on sheep. To do that they were retaining a portion of the yearly surplus instead of placing it on the market. Once the sheep men had their properties fully stocked, however, the offerings at sales would increase and Douglas, as the centre for a large area of sheep and dry cattle country, must rapidly increase in importance. On the railway and only 12 miles from Stratford, Douglas was in a commanding position to take advantage of improvement in conditions. In addition to these factors it was r ‘ out that Douglas was an important loading station for the districts of Puniwhakau, Tututawa, Makahu and part of Strathmore in respect of the loading of fat lambs, wethers and ewes for the freezing works. A large number of such stock was handled at Douglas last season and forwarded to the works at Patea and Waitara. Moreover, although Whangamomona and Kohuratahi each had its own sales there was still a certain number of sheep and cattle sent out from those areas to Douglas. “Altogether good hopes are held out for the coming season in connection with stock coming to Douglas and going out from the Douglas and surrounding districts,” one of those interviewed concluded. STRATHMORE FOOTBALL BALL. GENERAL AND PERSONAL NEWS. The Strathmore footballers’ ball, the second of the kind this year, was held in the Strathmore hall on Friday last. •Those responsible spared nothing to make the night a success and they were amply rewarded for their efforts, as a good crowd atended. Music was supplied by Vinsen’s Ambassador orchestra. A mystery train waltz was won by Mr. C. Yandle and partner and a statue log cabin by Mr. C. Simmons and partner. A competition was won by Mr. C. Manning. Mr. C. Coulton and Mr. H. Garlick were masters of ceremony. Supper was under the supervision of the committee, assisted by the women of the district. Cricket enthusiasts are endeavouring to form a cricket club in the district. Mr. Greyling, who has been repairing one of the bridges on Ohura Road, has completed the work. Mrs. Crudis is staying with her daughter, Mrs. Worthington, Brewer Road. Mr. H. Garlick has returned home from the Stratford hospital. Mr. Schenkel spent a few days last week at Bell Block with Mr. Moorse. GENERAL ITEMS. Army Home Boys Entertained. The Hawera Scottish Society visited the Salvation Army Boys’ Home at Eltham on Friday evening and entertained the boys with a varied programme. Items were contributed by Miss Margaret Taylor and Master Donald McCormick (songs), Miss Cynthia Little (Highland fling), Master Stuart Nairn (Irish jig) and Miss Ruby Toy (humorous recitations). Mrs. L. A. Taylor and Mr. T. Pickering played the accompaniments. The boys’ band played a march. Fruit and supper were handed round by the visitors. Adjutant Ericson thanked the members of the Scottish society for the evening and the boys expressed their appreciation by cheers. Mr. D. McCormick replied expressing pleasure at being able to entertain the boys. PLAZA ATTRACTIONS. JOHN I'cCORMACK TO-MORROW. “Romance in the Rain” opened at the Plaza, Stratford, on Saturday night and was popularly received by a large house. Heather Angel, the English actress, discharges her role most capably, being particularly suited to the Cinderella part that is hers. Amusing situations and a spectacular musical number combine with a delightful romance to make a thoroughly entertaining story. The film will be shown for the last time to-night. John McCormack, the world renowned tenor whose singing places him among the first flight in h's class, is the central figure in “Song of My Heart,” which will be shown to-morrow end on Wednesday. The setting is Irish and a poignant story i.- woven through the various scenes that prompt the tenor, as the leading member of the male cast, to break into song. On that account alone the film is well worth seeing and hearing but the story is cleverly constructed so that interest is maintained. Alice Joyce plays the part of Mary O’Brien, the girl of McCormack’s choice, and Maureen O’Sullivan that of Eileen, her daughter.