Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 11 October 1920, Page 2

“Oun greatest ambassador” is due at his journey’s end to-day. The tour of the Prince of Wales to ‘Australasia has teen a memorable one, and to-day, H.M.S. Renown is due hack at Portsmouth. In the great voyage the Prince has visited the outposts of the Empire at the Antipodes, and there is no question as to the impression he has made. His presence in the overseas dominions 'brought out an expression of ’oyalty and affection which demonstrated how robust is the feeling of attachment to the Mother land. Every class and creed vied with each other to show respect and homage to the King's heir, and not anywhere was there a falso

lote struck; The great gatherings vliich assembled at every point of vaii,nge were if spontaneous tribute to he distinguished visitor, whose cliaHn >f manner captured all. The Prince’s ,’isit will remain a landmark in our traditional history, for it revealed a nine of pleasant memory, and constitut’d in itself a very memorable event. I’he visit however carried in its train something of material substance, for it >vas th e occasion Of a demonstration of irdent loyalty and affection. Never before has an individual so stirred the people, and the feelings which have been generated are those which will keep alive the spirit of nationhood. The British Empire is held together by the strongest bonds -of kinship, and this sentiment is deep seated in the hearts and minds of the people. They ’-overo j the authority which is the outward and visible sign of the spirit of real Fra- | pirc—the national alliance of peoples ■ widely separated, yet honoring one King, country and flag. This union j and unity are the factors which maintain our Empire and give it licing. The reception accorded to the Prince of Wales in all lands and climes visited is a guarantee for the future. It was the recognition and the appreciation of the authority requisite to hold our Empire together, and an evidence-of th 0 free-will offering in national service. It reconfirmed what was apparent during the war period, the almost wholehearted desire to maintain authority in that position which will ensure the wise rule and government of the country, giving the greatest good to the greatest- number. Thc Prince’s visit has not been in vain, and it remains ineffaeable while memory lasts. There appears to be a red tape entanglements to throw off before it is possible to establish local power boards. The local application has been .-before the authorities for some weeks, and on Friday last an officer from Wellington made a special visit to enquire into the local position. Ten minutes c'and the position was revealed, and the way made smoother for definite action. It is not at all clear why there should have been all the delay there lias been, and particularly why those "responsible for the departmental control C‘ n '>b 1 >• have ascertained the facts sooner. However, progress is about to be made, but as was explained to the Government officer, the delay has jeopardised the project to some extent. Mi- J. -R. Tcmplin is expected here this week to give prelinmalry advice regarding the nature of the undertaking. It has been mentioned that there are three schemes iii mind—Lake ICanieri, Toarolia, and Kumara water race. The last mentioned would he no doubt the cheaper undertaking to instill, but the reticulation cost would be the greater, than the two schemes- more centrally situated. These are the problems for the expert advisers to determine in considering what will be a payable proposition. Some information should be forthcoming now as to the probable demand there will be for power. For industries such as sawmilling and ,v industrial iJurposes such as farming there will be in the County district considerable demand. The initial goal is to provide 1,500 horse power, which would meet the requirements of a population of 7,500- Within the inner area to be served there will bo less than 3,500 people, so that there will he surplus power for sale in the interior boroughs and probable also for industries in the Grey County and perhaps, also, the town of Greymouth. Electric power has so many uses now that it is hard to limit its usefulness. The 'first tiling to he done in a definite way now is to elect the Power Board to control tho enterprise, and that in turn must formulate its proposals to be covered by a’ definite scheme. Mr Templin’s early visit to the district - will help to focus the matter more specifically and will he an aid to the speedy launching of a clear-cut scheme.