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Hokitika Guardian, 25 November 1920, Page 2

A Christchurch paper, the “Press,” had the following reference to local matters in its leading columns this week:—The interests of Canterbury and Westland are so closely akin in many important respects that we are glad to see that our West Coast friends are addressing themselves seriously to the work of agitating for the development of their province. It is only four years since the Westland Chamber of Commerce was established, hut the Chamber appears to be going about its business very briskly. In his add’ess at the annual meeting of the Chambe r the other day, the Chairman, (Mr Perry, Mayor of Hokitika), dealt with many topics. The Midland Railway, of course, came first, and it should be pleasant to the Government to find that the Westland people pro very grateful for the definite establishment of this work as the most urgent on the list. Westland needs many things besides the completion of this line. In a little folder the Chamber of Commerce has issued there are eleven Other “Westland wants.” Our readers may find the list interesting; South Westland road bridges; .Lake Kanieri tourist resorts popularised; South Westland railway extension; improvement of southern ports; draiinage of swamp lands; experimental farm, research and mineral prospecting; (hydro-electric power development; reafforestation of swamp lands; establishment of papei making; and creation of secondary <n- : dustries. A large programme, but one which Canterbury will be glad to see carried into effect.

A.T the County Council meeting yesterday the newly elected members tool? their seats and the Council proceeded to the election of the Chairman for the year, the choice falling on Mr Murdoch. The new members in number constitute a third of the strength of .the Council, an unusually large infusion of new blood. As was remarked by Mr Ward, changes come and go. The public have their own way of expressing their choice and the voice of the people has to he respected. Naturally the members who retired by the decision of the electors were accorded a

hearty vote of thanks. They did lengthy and loyal service to the ratepayers at large, and the vote was not an empty compliment, but a record of the good will of the people. The new members were welcomed in th e right spirit. They have their spurs to win, and their attention to details yesterday showed their earnestness to make good and serve the people faithfully. Mr Mur dock's election drew forth the congratulations of his fellow councillors. In Mr Murdoch the Council will have a very able chairman. The year now being entered upon will he an important one, for different important ques tions 1 were foreshadowed yesterday which went to show that having at its call a trained legal mind, the Council will be well armed in tackling some of the subjects which require to be faced almost immediately. Mr Murdoch hicnjtionjed the subject of royalties. The details of this question he has at his fingers end, and as mining law, land law and forestry regulations are involved there is no man more qualified to take charge of the issue which is of the greatest importance to the revenues of the Council. On the subject of harbor matters, Mr Murdoch again is well informed on both the legal position, and the actual relation of the County to the question. His choice is an admirable one, even though it meant supplanting Mr Ward who filled the position so ably only a few years ago. Mr Ward, however has years of public service ahead of him, we hope, and his turn will come round again no doubt. The County Council as the principal local body of the district has done good service in the past, and no. doubt under the present leadership and with the active support of the members generally, the record of the past will be well maintained.