OURSELVES.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 June 1917, Page 2

OURSELVES.

Yesierday negoriitio is were entered into wberreby the two local newspaper offices are to join force', and tbe business conducted from one office, the morning piper for the time being to ' cease publication. The tff ct ot ti e war on the cost of the (reduction of a newspaper baa been very serious, a fact illustrated by what is happening, all round the world to-day. Tbe necessity for economy in production, together with efficiency in service, has been responsible for bringi g the two proprietories together and arranging an amalgamation scheme whereby not only will tbe public be served better, bat tbe businesses will be plaoed on such a foundation as to ensure stability. Under the new arrangement which now takes effect, the morning paper ceasae publication to-,lay for the duration of the war, or until sneb time as conditions are normal atd k is again considered practicable to ia.uo tbe paper. The Guardian will therefore take op the task of eo.ving the public, the paper to is ue fiom the Weld Street Office as from Taesd y next. Oar contemporary has beta in issue now for a very long time, a; a it is one of the land ma ks of the town. Its temporary bus pension is a matter for regret, but tba crcumstanceß are such that too decision conld not be avoided. A grea ! er responsibility falls on tha Guardian in 'championing public .interest, and we hope for the support aod the (sympathy of all to enable as to discharge (he task before us in that fair and impartial manner “we have always striven to aot. There is not any reason for the paper to depart from its get - eral line of policy, but we shall eudeavor to improse tho paper where we can, and to make it as

useful a power ss possible ju ihe advancement of (he interests of the town and diaiFct. We are quue satisfied as to the future of Wettlaud, for the general outlook as to lasting permanency of the province waiuever more reassuring than at the presentDespite the depletion ciused by the war, the resources of the district have been manifested in many praoiical ways, and none more than in the returns from the land, which is the most assurrd prospect of what the future holds in Btore for Westland. The passirg of the war, and tbe return to normal, coupled with the discovery of what the lands of the district can produce, will be tha factors to create a very prosperous future. That promising period wiil be accelerated by the linking of the East and West Coast?, and the extension of the railway into the land of promise in South Westland. There is therefore no occasion for any faint-hearted feelings as to the fntute of the town and district, On the contrary, there is tbe assurance oa the outstanding faots, that very prosperous times are before us. With these feelings in mind we Jcok forward VBry hepefully and believe that tbe Gwardian oaa serve a useful purpose as a vehicle leading up to the roseate times which are to come. We hope for the continuation of the pub.ic support we have had always, coupled with the support of what we trust will be many new friends. We can assure all of our earnestness and dasire to serve the people and the distriot well and faithfully and in that service we hope to have the praotical support of one and all.