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Hokitika Guardian, 28 September 1922, Page 2

Tub motion agreed to at LX‘ local bodies conference last evening to ask the Government Departments to prepare a precis of the official reports relating to the resources of Westland should result in much useful information being compiled with should prove attractive to outside capital. The geologists of the early times who visited various parts of Westland, placed on record interesting opinions in lolerenee to many mineral finds which weie brought under their notice. This information is embalmed cluefly in out of print volumes not readily accessible, if this information which cost a greatdeal to acquire could he made readiy available, the knowledge to ho derived would be of first importance, in arresting the intention of those bent on various enterprises where the prospects are promising. In most countries research work is an important phase o| the public administration, and New Zealand endowed as it is with such varied deposits of mineral wealth can least afford to neglect the trcasui s-wbich nature lias deposited in the country. With the jcUileo of the province approaching, it would lie a fitting time to extol the resources of tile district as a first hand means to attract the population which the country needs so urgently.

Thrum does not seem a great deal of wisdom displayed in seeking t<> ask the Borough ratepayers to decide on n loan for a municipal theatre when the street works loan is to lie considered. If the town is in a position to shoulder a lean liability of C 12.000 at this juncture, we would much prefer to see the total amount going into permanent street works, for which there is ample room in connection with roads, footpaths and drainage. In any ease a loan of £6.000 is inadequate for a municipal theatre if it is to he equipped in a modern way. while there is not any guarantee that the money is obtainable now. There is also the knowledge that for less than a tenth of the sum proposed to be borrowed, the present Town Hall could be put into satisfactory order and serve municipal needs for many a year to come. Besides a municipal -theatre would prove a white elephant and a burden for all time on tlio ratepayers. There is not the population here to fill two large theatres and there is not any hope of two buildings conducted in opposition proving a financial success. The proposal is too indefinite for the ratepayers to consider in its present form and brought forward at this juncture tile movement can only ho harmful to the street works loan, which it is conceivable could be jeopardised by pronosals to double the rating liability. Without full information as to cost, site and estimated annual revenue and expenditure the building proposal is altogether premature.