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Hokitika Guardian, 30 June 1919, Page 2

HOKITIKA’S OPPORTUNITY. In one of his well-known historical plays, Shakespeare makes the noble Brutus remind Cassius that “there is a tide in the affairs of men which, taken at the Hood lends on to fortune; omitted, all the voyage of their life is hound in shallows and in miseries. - ’ Then he goes on to say, “On such a full sea are we now affoat; and w c must take the current when it serves, or lose our ven-

tures.’’ These words might apply admirably to Hokitika and its opportunities at the present time. A series of events are crowding in, which arriving, will create a wonderful revival, and put tHo old town in the way of better days than it lias over enjoyed yet—and with memories of tho palmy ties of yore, that is a good deal to say. Well, what are we going to do about seizing the opportunities which are offering? With the flood tide coming in, on what sort of a voyage arc we going to launch our barque and whither shall wc lie hound on the full sea, the current of which now serves? More heads are hotter than one, and the time is at hand for

a fusion of local authorities and the formation of an Amenities Club to take advantage of the openings, and make tin l town and its environments worthy of the future abend of it. Bricks cannot be made without straw, and so the good folk must do something to help ] themselves. A loan for civic improvements could well lie undertaken, for i there are several directions in which ! modern conditions call for urgent atjteiilion. Better drainage aml sewage [are necessary; the need for a bench oxplanade should not ho lost sight of; and ■ a scheme of town planning is necessary, j under which works could he carried out in order of urgency. This is a matter in which all branches of (lie community could co-operate as a body while as individuals they could put their own houses in order by a system of mutual application to clean up, beautify and adorn their grounds and premises, so as to make the whole town look the smarter for its new era rono- '

vaticn. The town has an enviable standing and reputation to maintain. As the capital of Westland, and the head Government centre, it has a certain appearance to maintain both for its own dignity and as a. useful example for other towns to follow. The time has gone by when Hokitika need be in two minds about its future. It has a great district behind it which is coming at last into its own. Revolving round the town are events which will help to shape the future of the place materially. It has a situation and a climate which might well be the envy of many a capital centre. Its natural resources in scenic wonders and undeveloped assets in power schemes, mineral products and forest wealth, all ensure the future well being of the place. Now is the time to introduce local industries, and create more and more employment hv establishing manufactories. Electric power will be at hand to be had for the asking, and there should be no delay in uniting to promote industry with so adaptable a

means available. In mining and shipping ventures large sums are often subscribed without difficulty. - Speculation in manufacturing might he less exciting, but it is likely to be more profitable. Permanent industries should spring up, and if they do not, it will be because of the lack of initiative among the people themselves. Let the people through their representatives get together and seize the wonderful opportunity now happening, and Hokitika will live again as one of the most important towns of the Dominion and certainly the Queen City of the West.