WHANGAMOMONA.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16421, 23 April 1919, Page 8

WHANGAMOMONA.

JFHOiI OtTR CWN OOKItESPON2)£NT. April 19.—There is every possibility of an experimental farm being established in the county in the near future. Advantage was taken of tho Hon. IV. D. S. Macdonald’s visit to Taranaki, and a. deputation journeyed to Stratford to consult with him. The secretary of the'settlers’ association, Mr. H. Boris, and Mr. A. Coxhead, who formed the deputation, . were sympathetically received, and the outcome is, that it now remains with the settlers to submit a suitable property to tho Government for consideration. Great satisfaction is expressed -among the settlers at the successful application for an experimental farm, and tho settlors’ association is to bo congratulated upon the energetic and prompt action of their secretary and Mr. Coxhead. The establishment of such a farm opens up great possibilities, not only for tho present farmers, but for better training of our young people on the land that they will probably bo called’ upon to farm in the future; it will broaden the scope of agricultural teaching in ’1 aran.aki; all Taranaki is not cow country, but one has but to read the reports of agricultural instructors aud it will bo seen that stress is laid upon dairy farming, and under good conditions, i.e., on ploughable land where quantities of winter feed can bo grown, but thousands of acres of North Taranaki are too rough and steep for cows, and' with scarcely a ploughable acre, much of it too steep even for a hillside plough. Tho country, although subject to heavy rainfall, is'essentially sheep country, and grassing is the chief consideration. Practical experience is absolutely necessary for success or the land "goes back,” hut this practical experience is at present bought often dearly, and discouragement, coupled with anxiety to get out results; it is therefore only reasonable to expect that an experimental farm in this district will do much to popularise this class of land and encourage settlement.

At a later meeting with the Minister Mr. Boris brought forward the question of opening up the. coal scams in the Ttngarukau Gorge. Mr.’ Macdonald was so favourably impressed that he has promised to send Dr. Henderson, the Government geologist, within a inontn to report on the seams; he further assured the deputation that if tho Government would, not consent to open tue mine he would be in favour of granting a company mining rights. Representatives of various factories expressed satisfaction, and further offered financial support for the opening of a coal mine that would bo but sixty miles from Stratford.

Mrs. Riddel, widow of our late postmaster, having been appointed postmistress at Tokaanu. Lake Taupo, was farewclled by tho ladies of the township and presented with a silver rose-bowl, hits. Agnow, making tho presentation, trusted that prosperity would be her lot in her new- homo, and assured Mrs. Riddel that the love and sympathy of tho ladies would ever bo with her.

The Rev. Father Moore also presented her with a handbag and cheque from fynt/emcn friends, and in a felicitous speech, said that tho town-hip would miss her presence very much, for her kindly amt cheerful disposition had won for her the respect anil esteem of the whole community ; as a worker in the Catholic church her place would be hard to fill. Mrs. Riddel feelingly responded to both presentations. Mr. Gcover presided over a large committee meeting of the IVhangamomona Medical Ar-ocTation on Thursday, 17th inst.. when it was decided, pending the negotiation- for a resident doctor, to ask tlio Stratford Hospital Board to call applications for the position of district nurse fit a salary of £2OO per annum.

Anglican services were conducted on Good Friday, both morning and evening by the resident minister, Rev. T. Partridge, M.A., L.Th. ; during the evening service, sacred music was rendered by Mesdamas Taylor and Jenkirson, and Mr. H. Boris.