HORSHAM DOWNS

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16712, 30 January 1926, Page 3

HORSHAM DOWNS

Current Off. During the past month several of our settlers have been obliged once or twtee to milk by hand, and one repeatedly hears of quite good records being established by the minor members of the family. Surely this gives food for thought, Every user of electricity admires its usefulness, cleanliness, etc., but the fact remains it can be done without. The only drawbacks to this grand power are the elements, which no man can control. The power boards are well aware of it. The farmers have rallied to assist the boards in a most amazing and loyal way. Many settlers have spent huge sums to put the power through their holdings; but still we hear the housewife order candles from her grocer! This should not be. The farmer today is also paying from 3 to 5 per cent, of his gross income for the use only of power, whene less than 1* per cent, would do it on the presentday cost of petrol. To solve this problem of paying a high price for an inefficient service must come from the main source of supply, the Government. I feel quite sure the time is here for Mr Coates to reduce the cost of power to country power boards by half ,the present charge. The dairy farmers use the power when no one else is using it—in the early morning and evening. To all intents and purposes the power would be running to waste were it not for the farmers. Therefore, I say by using the units when the city dwellers are all comfortably in bed, or getting ready- for the pictures, we are entitled to a much cheaper rate, and I trust Mr Cpatcs and his majority will very soon awaken to this feat.

Signs of the Times

It is quite evident the labour market, and work in general, is not in such an independent state to-day as it was a year or two ago. When the Fresnfleld Drainage Board met to open Ihe tenders for drainage works in the district quite a~ bulky package awaited them. The keen tendering in many cases left very little over wages to the contractors; and several tenders were turned down, being considered by the board too low. It is generally understood the successful tenderers are good reliable men of reputation, and the ratepayers should get a good job for the money expended. Confidence. The best compliment that can be paid a district is when we sec established farmers increasing their holding In two instances during the past week or two land has changed hands. Messrs Henderson Bros, have recently purchased another 100 acres from Messrs Litchestein and Arnoldson, ami Mr J. Treest has taken over from the same'vendors their homestead and 50 acres adjoining his present farm. 1 understand Mr .lack Prees't is coming home to join his father. Jack is well known among our young sports and his return is hailed with pleasure. Garden Fete. Quite a lot of interest is being taken by~lhc committee and settlers generally in the proposed garden fete to be held at Mr ,T. 11. Henderson's homestead about the end of February. There is still quite a sum owing on the hall, and the district is asked to contribute and assist the guarantors to keep faith with the Bank with/ the yearly reduction of £IOO from the overdraft. A. good programme is being drafted. Personal. Mr R. Aiken, who has not been very well of late, has gone to Taranaki for a change. Mrs G. H. Chadyick, who "has been laid up for about six weeks with a scalded foot, is now well on the way to get about again.

Mrs F. Wood, who recently underwent a serious operation in a private hospital in Auckland, is improving.