It is of obvious importance, therefore, that the introduction of schemes of irrigation should be hastened as far as possible. The practical effect of the transformation of Central Otago from a land of arid spaces into a land dotted with farms held by prosperous settlers would be so greatly favourable to the whole future of Otago that the development of schemes of irrigation must occupy a prominent place in the minds of the public. The desirability, moreover, of offering such an incentive as the possession of an advantageous form of tenure, to the occupiers of the land as will encourage them, for their own sakes, not as speculative holders, but as permanent settlers, to improve their farms and to increase their capacity either to yield crops or to carry sheep need hardly be emphasised.
U.K.women’s suffrage
The women’s suffrage movement is making great strides in this time of war, and it is to the war that the strides are attributable. What the violent practices of the militant suffragists in the United Kingdom failed to accomplish the military services of the patriotic women who have for nearly three and a-half years spared not themselves in their zeal to aid their country in its time of trial have brought to pass. It is only an instalment of women’s suffrage which is being granted by the Representation of the People Bill that is now before the Imperial Parliament, but it cannot be doubted that, once the principle that women shall be admitted to the parliamentary franchise is conceded by legislation, the complete enactment of the reform is only a question of time.
Women’s dress
"There is a proposal to standardise the dress of women," writes an alarmed correspondent.
"Is there any power on earth that could make all women dress alike? The police would have a busy time. Sumptuary laws have always failed. And what is to become of the drapers?"
Yes, indeed: that no doubt is a poser. — Civis.
Railway cocksfoot
While complaints have been made in several districts that the Railway Department makes no attempt to save the seed of the cocksfoot grasses that grow by the permanent way, this apparent indifference does not prevail in all districts. Between Upper Hutt and Haywards (says the Dominion); the track-men frequently spend Sunday in cutting the grass and thrashing the seed with flails and sacking. — ODT, 12.1.1918.
