The Hokitika Guardian WEDNESDAY, NOV. 8th, 1922. WESTLAND WANTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 November 1922, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian WEDNESDAY, NOV. Bth, 1922. WESTLAND WANTS.

The annual leport ol the local Chamber of Commerce contained some specially interesting paragraphs wiieiein reference was made to the immediate wants of Westland. The history of the Coast is about to begin a new chupter, thanks to the early opening of the East and West Coast railway, nnd tlie occasion opens the door of opportunity to Westland people in particular to help themselves in a very practical way. Six matters were selected for local activity within the year, aitd it should be possible in respect to all tb do something which will have a marked effect on the permanent fortunes of the district. There is no doubt more should be made of Lake Kanieri as a holiday icsort. Its handy situation to Hokitika makes it a special asset of the place. It is a locality which could lie boomed in all sincerity, for it possesses all those attractions in the way of peculiar beauty which make it an outstanding feature even of Const scenery. It would be well. then. to bring Luke Kanieri more prominently to the front. There aie suggestions in the report by which some effective steps might be taken, and it Would bo well if they were followed up. Lake Kanieri makes a very pleasing impression on all who see it, and the fame of the beauty spot should be noised abroad so that so worthy tin attraction might enjoy the patronage its unique features deserve. The drainage of swamp lands in the district is a matter well worth pressing for. Situated in close proximity to the three principal butter and cheese factories ill tho district, are considerable areas of the class of land referred to. and if brought into profit, would have a material effect on the productivity of the several lev calities. It would be all to the advantage of the country side to see the swamp lands converted into grass lands and pasturing dairy stock and ns the schemes are said to be practicable the delay in bringing them into operation is a reflection on those concerned. The mining question as affecting research work in the least known parts of Westland has been referred to in this column previously, and it is gratifying to find the proposal being followed up. The great wealth yet to be recovered from the mineral resources of this province are warrantr.v enough to move at onco towards the initiation of a policy which will result in known deposits being tested to prove their worth as a preliminary to that active development which must come to pass in due season and the sooner tbe better. With regard to hydro-electric development there is the necessity to mark time

but only for ;i period. Tii keeping with w-hat other planes are doing Westlard will require its electric power scheme to facilitate industrial development, and there are ample sources of power within easy radius of Hokitika. It is certainly high time the Forestry Department justified itself in Westland with a reafforestation scheme. Here are the most suitable conditions rs affecting land and climate to ensure success and to delay starting is to waste valuable time which is being lost. The Department needs to he practical, but for some reason it continues to ignore the suitable territory while using up its funds in planting sand dunes in the North Island and plains in t'e South Island more or less susceptible to forest fires. Not only is time being wasted, but money also, and it is well to draw attention to the matter. The introduction of secondary iiulusti ies here will be a step in the right direction. Hitherto there has been the lack of a ready market, but with the opportunity for cheap and regular export by rail, local industries could reach the markets. A suggestion has been made in the matter, which is oT value, and it would he pleasing to see a definite move made in regard to the matter of such public advantage. Altogether the list provides work for a useful year's business, and if the Chamber of Commerce can contribute to the necessary attention being devoted to the subjects mentioned, it will do a good service for the community as a whole, aril will not have labored in vain in regard to important wants affecting the futu-e of Westland.