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Hokitika Guardian, 28 February 1918, Page 2

It is cheering to find that tins belief in the future of tlio WVst Coast is growing in outside quarters of influence and authority. The Ron. Cf. W. Russell, who has some personal knowledge of the Coast, is among those who believe in the great future of this district when ils resources are developed. Mr Russell," as Minister of Internal Affairs, has expressed previously his intention of founding a research deportment to go in for a scientific investigation of the country’s resources. This practical step fits in with his ideas now expressed to a Wellington • whence. On that occasion he recogliscd the possible developments from lie hidden mineral wealth of the West oast. A great mining development s a a remarkable attraction for populaion. It was the gold discoveries in 'few Zealand which gave the country ts first real start in national life, ’he population gave the value to the | rodnets of the country, and the col-

ony began to forge ahead. New Zealand teems with mineral deposits. The West Coast in particular is highly mineralised, and the economic value of many of the deposits to be found spread about is quite untested. Hie Chamber of Commerce has been urging the probing, of these natural features, and Mr. Russell’s friendly expressions on the same point, suggest an opportune moment on which to press for Government action. Research work might be begun at once. It requires to be systematised and well planned, and thbso iifll pi-eiiiiiiniiriefi which should not be allowed to stand over for a day. Mr. Russell will do the country great service by moving at once.

The war correspondent, with the Australian forces, early this month sent a message ,to the Commonwealth press which indicated that with winter more than half over, the armies on each side of the line are beginning to feel out for information they want for opening the new year’s campaign. Raids and patrol encounters reported up and down , the line reveal extensive endeavours to obtain identification of the enemy’s units. There is a great movement along the loads and railway's behind hotli lines. There are rnotv roads and railways than appear oil the maps of any general atlas. These were increased during the winter months’ preparation. The battle areas are covered with light railways sufficient to open up a whole continent, and are moro numerous than even this closely settled country ever thought to ,bear. Aeroplanes from reconnaissances far in to tile German lines report n great stir of troops and transport. The movement is naturally paralleled on this side. Other air squadrons are despatched over linos nightly on bombing expeditions against new camps and ammunition 'dumps. The eileniv attempts til conceal concentrations by ■narchhlg, and'with railway activity y t night instead of the day, camouflaging depots and gun positions; hut the huge movement involved in maiieoeuvrirtg modern armies makes it impossible to hide fbi 1 long. Jrifailtry raids confirm the reconnaissance of the aircraft. It is not improbable tile Germans will attack with the first approach of favourable weather, believing that a new force is gathering for the offensive on .uir side, and hoping to forestall Allied arrangements. The whole of the western front is equipped to receive the. shock whenever or wherever it comes. With that very comforting assurance the Empire 'may- await the outcome of the groat blow with every confidence md assurance in the ultimate victory for our troops.