OKURU NOTES.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 July 1921, Page 4

OKURU NOTES.

[From an Occasional Correspondent). t Quite recently the settlers of Okuru ] ere favoured by a visit of Air Clayon (Government Instructor of the )airy Division) in connection with lie proposed establishment of a Dairy ’actory there. After an inspection of the district Air tlayton stated (to a well attended meetng hold in Okuru Hall) that lie was cell satisfied with the prospects of a actory. The fertility of the land was as far as lie could judge) all that ■ould be desired, and that ample paslire was .available for the successful ■mining of a small factory. lie was not in favour ol a hurried dart being made, and especially with the present class of cows in the district. He urged the settlers to start right away, and work up good milking herds, because lie explained tlic success of the venture depended, not so much on the number of cows as tlio class of cows. Afr Clayton dwelt on the isolation of this remote district and felt sure that the establishment of a factory would tend greatly towards removing this. He stated that with the completion of (lie Otira railway, and an improved shipping service, lie saw no reason why they should not handle our produce in the grading stores .at Lyttelton 36 hours after shipment at Okuru. Tie spoke of the great prominence of dairying districts over non-productive places, and said that the present Government gave special attention to dairying districts, realising that this industry meant so much for New Zealand at the present time. He said you can then command a better sea service. better mail service, better roads and bridges, and consequently you "ill have a better district to live in. From a financial point of view a factory is quite within the reach of Okuru settlors. The total cost of erection plant etc., would he approximately C 1,000. 2,000 shares would neod to he subscribed with a first call of 10/per share which means £I,OOO cash would have to he provided. The Bank then would finance the undertaking with the customary securities from the settlers, and claiming one penny per pound on all butter or cheese produced, until tin additional 01,000 was paid off. The balance £2.000 would then stand at interest (though at the Company's option) the Bank writing off a small amount per year. 2J or 3 per cent for depreciation of plant etc. Seeing that 1,350 shares were promised l>y the settlers at their inaugural meeting some months ago, it seems quite possible that the 2,000 shares required would be readily subscribed wit-'li the assistance off outside supporters and sympathisers—in fact suK stantial outside aid has already been promised from several quarters. This is a great opportunity for the Okuru district—it only requires unity, enterprise and determination on tlio part of the settlers themselves whereby they can uplift their isolated and decadent settlement to a thriving prosperousoind producing centre. The whole key to the position at present is a good steam service of a suitable shallow draught steamer, capable of woYking the .intricate harbours of South AVcslland. Tf such is not procured there is. every possibility of shipping difficulties being of constant menace to the advancement of the South.

AA’ith the Otira Railway completed, Hokitika and Greymouth is quite sufficient outlet for the produce of South AYestlaiul, without talking of trading to AA’ellington. The writer is strongly of opinion that a steamer capable of successfully trading to and from AA’ellington will not trade successfully here.

Afr Clayton at the Okuru meeting emphatically stressed 1 the fack that the Otira railway was the coast’s outlet for dairy produce, and that shipping even direct to AA r ellington or Lyttelton was greatly against the producers interests. He said the great secret .with dairy produce was expeditious transit between the factories properly insulated store room and, the grading stores where proper eool storage is available. TTe quoted instances of butter this season railed to Otira. carted over the pass, and delivered promptly at the grading stores in Lyttelton being classed first grade. Butter for the same course shipped at Greymouth carried on unsuitable steamers, delayed often with broken weather was not to be compared with the speedily delivered article, and too often was classed second grade. If then. Hie Otira is to become the outlet for the roast, so will it become the inlet and a steamer capable of trading to AYrllington will not be required.

South AA r estlaud was most fortunate in receiving the advice of a Departmental Officer of Air Clayton’s type so instructive and so courteous to all—a gentlonuur of great knowledge and wide experience, with a quiet and homely way of imparting his valuable advice. South AVestland is sure to benefit by the visit of such an officer. Aliwli thanks is due to Afr !’. E. AX Seddon ALP., who was largely instrumental in bringing about Afr Clayton’s visit.