The Hokitika Guradian THURSDAY. JULY 27th. 1922. CHILE AND PERU.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 July 1922, Page 2

The Hokitika Guradian THURSDAY. JULY 27th. 1922. CHILE AND PERU.

A cable message published on Monday stated that tlie boundary dispute between Chile and Peril, which has lasted for forty years, has been settled by the signing of a protocnl which removed a certain cause for a South American war. President Harding is to net as arbiter in the matter. The boundary trouble affects the Tacna-Arica dispute which was the outcome of Peru espousing Bolivia's cause in 1879. also over the ownership of territory which was of little interest until it suddenly became valuable in 1870 by the discovery of guano deposits. Peru espoused the cause of Bolivia and in 1870 war broke out. T)c lent? led to the occupation by Chili of Tania and Arica, Peru being compelled to accept the treaty of Ancon , (18831. A Peruvian publicist, writing on the subject, says: “ The Peruvian nation, conscious that the population of Tacna and Arica was anxious to come back to its mother land, focussed all its endeavours on the realisation of a plebiscite. Tims, the Peruvian Government proposed commercial advantages and privileges to Chile for twenty-five years; it accepted the protocol of 1894, which established the conditions of reciprocity in its plebiscite to ho held .with a rectification of the boundary; and it proposed in the same year the appointment of » committee of three delegates—one Peruvian, one Chilian and one neutral—to preside over the plebiscite, in which not only Peruvians, but also Chilians of two years residence could vote. All these proposals were either postponed or rejected by Chile, Tn 1898, the Chilean Government accepted the arbitration proposer! by Peru, but. after a treaty was drawn up. finally rejected it.” Proposal after proposal was put forward nnd rejected by Chili. President Ffnrding then invited Peru and Chile to send representatives to Washington, to discuss the matter under the auspices of the United States. The invitation was accepted by both countries and the envoys mot on April 2G. The protocnl referred to in the cable is the outcome of this conference.

gathering of farmers. There was never a time in the history of the district when the prospects for settlement looked brighter. Such being the ease, the advantage of unity of action among the fnirmer s with the objects of advancing their productive interests is of greatest importance, not only for their own benefit but also for the material welfare of the district. This district has great possibilities in regard to the expansion of settlement, both in regard to stockraising and dairying, it is a great fodder producing territory, and is cApable of ranking with the best parts of the Dominion in the quality of beef and mutton, and in the value of its butter and cheese production. By co-operating through an Agricult nr and Pastoral Association, the settlers . will he able to express a united voice on matters of domestic concern. \\ ith i the (loser settlement which must result ns a consequence of the advent of railway connection with the East j Coast ami the facilities for reaching ‘ the world’s markets as readily ns any I other part of the Dominion, a great j fillip will he given to pastoral ptirj suits along the Const. In all places where the Association’s al’e well supI ported hv the settlers they al’e proVI ing a power in the land, and a mentis whereby local requirements are emphasised alid relief secured. The local Association c:n he made no less useful in a semi-public way, if the farmer; generally would associate, and by their practical co-operation unite in helping to work out their own destiny as highly important factors of the community-. Tin: tpeill V. and P. Association lias proved its usefulness in times past, anil witii its restricted resources has endeavoured to do a great deal of ( public go ul for farming interests. Its W'-iT; has been restricted, because its membership lias been limited, but if a ' aider interest were taken in tile move incut, milch greater results would at- 1 erne to the farming community. The Association has performed very useful service for the Kokatahi district, where its best support has been fortlii (lining, but there is no reason why other centres should not be benelitted equally, if the settlers would cooperate. In the matter of niiniial snows to advertise tile potentialities . of the district, the Association as the representative body of settlement, has done a great deal, and with the support of the settlers generally, the value of .this service can lie enhanced. We should like to see the Association take up an active policy in regard to two essentials for* .general progress. The first is in the direction of improving the dairying herds and the betterment of the stock generally, ami the second is to urge closer settlement where large holdings at present are allowed to he fallow year in and year out. By cutting up and leasing many sections, more farmers can he settled in the district, and this will he to the advantage of all. Landvalues will increase, the production will he enhanced, and the general prosperity will reflect itself through out the district. The improvement of the stock ami herds is a matter of vital importance to the settlers themselves. and the Association rould do a greet deal in focussing attention to tin l matt"r a“ also allied subjects for the furtherance of farming interests.