NIGHTCAPS NOTES.

Western Star, 13 April 1920, Page 3

NIGHTCAPS NOTES.

(Own Correspondent.) The dairy herds on the Birohwood farms are gradually decreasing in number in some places, and where between thirty and forty cows have hitherto been milked one finds only in the vicinity of twenty. The latest settler to dispose of his large herd, only to keep a few, is Mr S. Mills. The gradual drifting away from producing cheese and butter by farmers is becoming general, and will lead to a scarcity of these essentials, and, therefore, to a rise in prices, which the law of supply and demand creates. The growing of mutton, and wool will probably take the place of the production of cheese and butter, but will it bring down the price of clothing r Although agricultural and pastoral pursuits' are looked upon as the backbone of the country, for making money, this district is more interested in the mineral wealth. Leaving Nightcaps out of the question there are six coal companies operating separately in the production of this ctomiinodity. It is thought by some who are closely associated with the industry that in time there may be an amalgamation of the different companies much to the advantage of those concerned. The coal prospects are good, as far as one can, judge by the coal showing. Especially is this the case with the coal seam in Mr Mills’ property, Ohai, at present being worked by the Wairaki Coal Company. This coal is continuing to run evenly as the drive advances, and may prove to be «. largo even field, although so far none of the coni seams found in this district have run evenly to any extent. The coal pit at MJorctown known as Smith and Co.’s is also showing excellent prospects in the latest -workings, and the manager, Mr Morris, is sanguine of a bright future tor his company. It is difficult to obtain miners at these pits, and higli wages are being, paid—wages -which one would scarcely dream of. It is reported from Timaru that when one of the district coal companies opened u,p a. depot there for Wairio and Linton coals, consumers were so anxious to get supplies that they were lined up in queues in the street awaiting their turn to’ give their orders. The Timaru householders use iamong other coals, the Benhard, Wairuna and Taratu, but if reports are true Wairio and Linton have taken pride of place. \ Mr Joseph Shepherd, who has been station-master at Nightcaps for about two years, has been transferred to Wyndiham, and leaves this week for his new position. Mr Hugh Knox, an old identity of this district, died on Saturday at Invercargill at the advanced age of 90 years. His remains will he brought to Nightcaps and interred in the local cemetery. The first house proposed to be erected in the Ohai township will he commenced shortly. It is understood that owing to the probability of coal running under these surveyed sections the owner of part of the block pegged off is withdrawing them from sale., so l that no more sections will be available for purchase on that side of the main road other than the ones facing the .road line.