Optimistic Outlook.

Mr. E. Casey, Divisional Superintendent of the North Island, during a recent visit to Wellington spoke optimistically regarding the prospects of business in the North this season. In Hawke's Bay he said, “There is already as much wool on the sheep as there was at shearing time last year.” The benefits of the heavy fertilizing programme carried out in all farming districts (to which the reduced railway freight rates contributed) gives promise of a record season in general production. Butter prices, upon which the North Island depends so greatly, are on the mend, and from information available the season should once more see really high prices realised on the London market. “Peak prices multiplied by peak production,” said Mr. Casey, “promise this year to set the Railways a limit task in transportation, and we are now preparing for the busy and prosperous times ahead.” As Mr. Casey's superintendence entails considerable travel in all parts of the North Island and puts him in close touch with all producing and manufacturing interests, the above estimate of developments in the near future, besides being cheering, has every prospect of proving well founded and accurate.