The Guardian AND EVENING STAR, With which is incorporated “The West Coast Times.” FRIDAY, MAY 20th, 1921. AN IMPORTANT VISIT.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 May 1921, Page 2

The Guardian AND EVENING STAR, With which is incorporated “The West Coast Times.” FRIDAY, MAY 20th, 1921. AN IMPORTANT VISIT.

The prospect of an early visit from the Minister of Mines is important, not so much from what the lion, gentleman can do immediately for the district for that is very trilling indeed with the Treasury as empty as Sir Francis Bell has confessed it to be—but for affording an opportunity for an expression of opinion as to a forward mining policy for the Dominion as soon as the financial outlook improves. The people of the mining centres have long complained of the neglect of the gold-min-ing industry which has been apparent since the time the late Mr McGowan went out of office—and that is a good few years ago. At that time the Government sought to effect economy by attaching the Mines Department as an appendage to the Public W f orks Do;:

iiK’nt, but the milling interests were subordinated altogether, and a Minister and an Inder-Secretary involved in larger operations of the Public* Works policy of the country, forgot, or certainly overlooked, all about a policy for "old mining. Tt was some time before it was found expedient to separate the tw« Departments, hut even then the Mines Department Avns relegated from its former position of importance, and though it had a separate Minister, that gentleman was loaded with other portfolios which usually took first place with the Minister because invariably be was not a mining representative, nor had the affinity for the welfare of the industry which one imbued with the possibilities of mining might be expected to have. So tlie Mines Department has been the cockle shell () f the Oabnet, and when a recent shuffle of portfolios took place, and everyone else was loaded up with some pet subject or other mining was still left over, and the Prime Minister in his ready way took up the portfolio. But it was more by way of appearance than in fact that Mr Massey held the Department in his change, apd it continued in this make-believe position till Mr Massey’s departure when he passed the charge on to Mr Anderson so soon to Ih> with us/ Mr. Anderson’s visit will be a fleeting one—here to-day and gone to-morrow—but the opportunity should not be missed to impress him with the feelings of, the neople about the neglect of the mining industry, and the great and pressing need there is for the Government to propound a forward policy and put it into force. We should

hope that the next Mines Statement will be something to look forward to. If the Minister were to look back over the works of his predecessors during the geddon regime he would pick up an inkling of what might be done not only to bring about a revival in gold mining, but to maintain the industry in a highly productive condition. When we consider the great wealth the industry tins produced and the wonderfiul impetus it gave to the early life of New Zealand, the dullest must realise that the country still owes a great deal to the industry to repay the value it lias been to the Dominion. New Zealand is so highly mineralised, that the natural resources of the country should not he neglected. It is a reflection on the good government of the country that its potent sources of wealth are thus neglected, and there is a call now on the new Minister to set about removing that reproach. The present visit affords the opportunity to point out what is larking nnd urge the Govvernment to come forward with a goldmiiiipcc developmental policy.

To-day in the town of Daw’rence 'Otago) the old pioneers of the Gabriel's Gully rush are forgathering in a pleasant reunion to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of the gold find in that region. The hearts of the people of Westland, centred here in an alluvial goldfield similar to that of Cen tral Otago, will go out to the old folk nt Lawrence, and extend to them that feeling of comradeship which was was the hall mark of the genuine digger of the by-gone times. It is of course sad to reflect that in the jubilations in Otago to-day the ranks of the pioneers will be so depleted. Time carries on, and demands its toll, and that debt no one may escape. No doubt since the golden jubilee of. ten years ago, the ranks of the old men and w omen who were first at Gabriel s Gully have grown more and more attenuated, and ere another decade will have passed, they will mostly be sleeping with their old mates and comrades. But the brighter side of these sad reflections, is that the sturdy pioneers of the past all played their part so well. The gold rushes in these far off colonies drew a fine class of men and women to the Antipodes, and they have left their mark and imprint on every walk in life. They were a hardy race and opened up the back country with wonderful zeal and energy and most remarkable

results. The West Coast rushes were peopled largely bv miners from Otago, and here they had to surmount natural difficulties far more laborious,

dangerous and remote than the more open plains of Central Otago. That they overcame them and helped to carve out the country as we have come to know it is further proof of their enterprise and resource. They -have left worthy traditions, and a great example which has become part of our national heritage for by their works and deeds of great accomplishment they laid the sure foundations on which New Zealand has been reared so splendidly. All honor to the pioneers of the past.

It is to bo hoped that those interested in the re-establishment of the municipal swimming baths will move the authorities betimes to place the swimming pool in usable order well in advance of next season. It is really too bad that such an asset as the baths should be allowed to fall into disrepair and disuse for a little practical attention on tlie part of the powers that be. A report was obtained sometime ago in regard to the state of the concrete, but it was received merely without action ; not even consideration deferred. There are reasons now why the institution should be restored to uscl illness well in advance of next season, and the very useful asset turml to practical service. With the introduction of electric light and ) ower, two very important agencies will be avilable to greatly popularise tin* swimming baths, and add definitely to the annual sources ol income. With the power, it will be possible to ensure regular supplies of fresh water, a pleasantry which will add to the more popular use of the baths by the folk of all ages, and with the light, night carnivals , may he held which will add rrcntly to the revenue of the concern. There is thus the assurance of the proposition living payable. But more import ant still is the undisclosed value to the community in the fact that so many hundreds more of the rising generation will learn the natatory art, and so become votaries of a useful accomplishment for all time. Yet again, the people will derive great pleasure from the baths, and as expert swimmers are brought here, will gain instruction and amusement of very sensible value. It will lie for the betterment of all concerned to see the baths converted into a place of utility instead of wearing its present neglected air of abandonment. The young folk of the town should move in good time and endeavour to secure the good offices of the Borough Council to put the baths in order betimes.