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Hokitika Guardian, 29 June 1922, Page 2

I he building boom going forward in Hokitika is evidence of the faith of the people in the future of the town ami district. The fact tlia-t husinoss people in the adjoining town of Greymouth are turning their attention to Hokitika and seeking for suitable business stands, is evidence that faith in the future of this important part of North Westland is not local, hut is also general. U j s interesting to record that East Coast firms are now considering business propositions in this district, one of which is on quite a large scale, anj if it materialises will luu. c a notable effec t on the town in the volume of visitors likely to be attracted to the place. There are great hopes <it the railway being able to maintain through passenger traffic from the end of the year, and if that is assured, wo may take it that the new year will usher in a remarkable )>eriod of pros, perity. The town and district hitherto have lacked population. There is plenty of room here for expansion, and regular means of transit, is the first essential to supply the motive power to push the district ahead by leaps and bounds. Westland County has an approximate length of tw„ hundred miles and an average of about twenty-three miles, so that there are over 4,500 square miles of territory in Westland proper. There is thus ample room for great expansion. Tt is the belief of many outsiders that Westland consists ;n the main of a rnzorback range of snowcapped mountains, dense hush and ocean bench. Those unfamiliar are not aware of tho valuable valleys following up every liver to the foothills, nor of the plateaux country in between. There is going to he much useful development

in Westland ns time goes on, and folk are well advised to take time by the forelock and prepare in anticipation for the prosperous period ahead of the district once it is linked up with the South Island railway system

fuE Liberal party still appears to he toe sport of politicians more or less irresponsible. It would he interesting no doubt to have the inner history of the difference which has arisen between Dir Statham and Dir DVilford at what might be called the eleventh hour. In the ordinary course there was ample time for the two personages to see where each other stood, and to understand each other’s policy. The first reports of the union gave the impression that there was a complete understanding, and while it would be interesting to know the cause of the misunderstanding which lias induced Dir Jatatliam to re. tuv from a position where he held such brief authority in the joint conduct of I the newly organised party, it is “s | well that the misunderstanding has | been cleared up betimes _so that a j false start has not been "made. The ! Liberals will he a rather non-cohesive : party for the session, unless Mr WilI ford has unexpected powers to bring j tlie divisions together and display the unity so essential to success. Liberal principles in politics are so much to J the liking of the New Zealand public that all things are possible under effective leadership. Tho Liberal policy of the past built up the country to n reign of great prosperity, and there is a contrast to-day to he made ill the condition of the Dominion which is all to the credit at the progressive legislation of the Liberals. Those inherent principles still remain for further exposition and endorsement and the leader who will take up the task will find the people wonderfully responsive. The country needs a change ill its polities and is making ready for it. The Liberal party if it enters the fray with its old vim and courage can yet work out its own salvation with credit and renown to itself and greatly for the betterment of this essentially democratic country.