Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 7 February 1923, Page 2

Westland County Has a very rich asset- in its swamp lands. Such is the considered opinion of various persons well oualifted to express their views

on the subject. We are glad to have the statement which coincides with opinions put forward from time to time in these columns. As regards the general development of the district which will become a matter of first importmice now that Westland is being linked 1 up to Canterbury, tlio drainage of .. swamp lands is a matter calling for ur- I gent attention. In the ordinary cases it should be cheaper to dram land and bring it into profit, than to take up forest land mid bring that into pro- t fit. But to ensure success with drainage it requires to bo carried out to fit a. set scheme. Any known area should be dealt with comprehensively j and on a set plan. The trouble is that swamp areas are taken up in small • sections, and llic holders do imi com- I bine to carry through a system of drainage capable of giving relief over a wide area. Instead, something very . little better than surface drainage is possible, and the true results are not obtained. A comprehensive plan has been prepared lor the Kokatahi district. ami we hope, for the immediate benefit of the locality that the settlers ( will combine and carry it through. The results will well repay the enterprise. There are other large swamp areas in the County, in need of like treatment. The Government has been . promising to do something practical with the L* Fontaine swamp. But- the premises are still unkept, though lately tenders were invited for the work. Tt is tune matters were focussed definitely

and something practi- nl undertaken. At Rotokino there is no doubt the settlers would he prepared to help themselves if the Government would lay out the work on a definite, practicable scheme—hut this action has been declined. The Government in the .interests of permanent settlement should be pressed to do wluit is so essential if the settlers are to have the best: results for their expenditure. At K«rangarua there is said to be one r.i

the best swamp areas in Westland both in respect to area, and quality. I hat is largely maiden country adjacent to a good harbor at, Bruce Bay and ;t would be a step in the right direction to see something done to have the area drained and under occupation. Westland has a great future in its land settlement and the profitable occupation at tin* swamp areas will assist greatly to that end if it can be shown that the land can be serviceably drained.

Thk very useful work which is being done by the Westland Acclimatisation Society is being very good fruit. The Society, composed of a few enthusiasts lias stuck lather manfully to its task of fostering acclimatisation matters and advancing tourist interests. The lucai fishing season is now well-defined, and owing to the increase ol fish and the improved sport, provided, tilt* votaries have increased, and the present season lias, seen a iccord number of licenses issued. The presence of quinuat salmon in bake Kanicri ha-- glten fishing quite a. fillip. The Knowledge has spread abroad with ilk- result that outside fishermen are lieing attracted to tin.- district. Interest in deerstalking continues to be tniued ami the full limit of guns will bo again operating in the Westland area this season, including those of some sportsmen who have been trying their luck in Alaska. Very good fishing is reported in the principal rivers hereabouts, and from now on there will be an increasing number of fishermen in the district. The Society lias done excellent work in advertising West land. Their publication of “Beautiful Westland" is one of the best printed booklets on the market. Tt lias been circulated far and wide, and as the range of scenery depicted covors all parts of the district, the variety appeals to all classes, and many holiday makers have been attracted in Westland. This year Lake Kaniori is enjoying one of its best seasons, and no doubt the advertising the society lias done, together with its enterprise in maintaining a lunch at the lakeside lias been ill" main, contributing factor in attracting the increasing vt>lttnie of visitors. The society is now entirely on its own resources. For economy purposes all Government aid bad been withdrawn, and it is rather fortunate that the Society lias built up a good measure ol support otherwise it would he unable to carry on. The thanks of ilit' community are at least

due to those who are in the face of such difficulties su"(-ceding in carrying -m.