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Hokitika Guardian, 25 May 1920, Page 2

Yesterday was Empire Day, but owing to the Government economy of holidays just now, Empire Day is to be observed on the King’s Birthday (June 3rd). In point of fact Empire Day is the most important date in the British calendar these times. There is nothing more important than the maintenance of the Empire, assailed as it is from so many within and without. It is particularly from within where the most defence is needed just at the momejjt, and for that reason Empire Day is worthy more outward and visible display than the flying of a few flags. Within the

last fortnight we have had amongst us the greatest Empire builder of the times. There is no question but that the Prince of Wales was all that Mr Lloyd George described him—an ambassador of Empire—and that wherever he goes lie wins favor for the Empire. Our Empire is built of parts, far Hung in ,remote places. Tts solidarity depends upon the unity of the people and as a means of computing that unity nothing finer could he conceived than the tour of Prince Edward who won all hearts. The Overseas Club has a fine creed of Empire and it is worth quoting here in association with the occasion—a reference to Empire Day:— “f believe in our glorious Empire of free peoples, in the sacrednoss of our mission, in the unselfishness of our aims, in tin* ultimate triumph of our cause. ] believe in our great past and a greater future, in the emptiness of riches and the dignity of labour, I believe in right-thinking and pure living, and in the inspirational power of woman. J believe ill national re-birth in a new Empire and a new world. J believe in the need for humbleness, in the vision of the mountain tops. I believe in God’s guidance in the days ahead. 1 believe.”

Tin-: year 1920 is carrying in its train much that promises for the solid advancement of Westland. To-day there is a paragraph indicating a prospective development in the vicinity of Okarito, which will reflect on the general prosperity of South Westland. A large enterprise is contemplated in that quarter, having for its object the establishment of an important branch of the timber industry. Tins scheme carries with it a proposal to improve tile, port of Okarito to permit of shipping faeilites for a considerable export trade, the bottoms to be built in accordance with the capacity of the port. A foreward movement of this nature means a very great deal for the future of Westland. There are remarkable possibilities with the opening of a port at Okarito and experts aver that at the southern port there are exceptional'opportunities for shipping developments. The new era promising for the south will be ■ reflected up north, where already there are evidences also of sound advancement as a result of the new enterprises in milling and settlement going forward in various parts of the district. The general outlook is so satisfactory that the next few months, if not weeks, will witnses a general improvement in trade and industry, and with the new order spreading south the situation will become more lasting if not generally permanent. There are definite signs of a new order arriving and taking happy possession of the countryside.