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Hokitika Guardian, 8 February 1923, Page 2

Last week some high compliments were paid to the Liberal lender by his constituents. Mr Milford at the head of the Liberals is undoubtedly making good. His conduct of the late election campaign was altogether to his credit. In the short time at his disposal he covered a large area of territory. and despite the lack of party organisation, certainly made good. The Liberal party i 3 undoubtedly han-

dieapped by its lack of general organisation. Both. Reform and Labor have very complete party organisations, and keep the party machine in motion I all through the sessions. The Liberals have allowed their national organisation for a number of years to disappear, and naturally when the recurring polls come round feel the want of it. As far as personal effort would suffice, Mr AYilford made good the short coming and notwithstanding he had a triangular contest in his own electorate, put the fate of the party before his personal concern, and went out and fought the fight of the party as a whole in as many electorates as possible. Mr Wilford did well, which was at once a tribute to bis enterprise and talents. He must have made many friends for the party, and if in the immediate future lie can get about the Dominion. and visit localities where he is known only-by repute, and not personally. he will continue to gain favor for the Liberals. Whatever the fate of the Government at the present short session, the immediate future holds great possibilities for Mr Wili'ord. It is said with a good deal of assurance that Mr Massey will not lead Reform in another general election—his health will not permit him to do so unfortunately. Mr Wilford will thereupon become one of the outstanding figures on the political horizon, and with the favor he stands in already will ho a hard man to beat. Tie leads a party which not only has a. great record, but tbe principles for which it stands, arc the only safe principles on which to build a contented democracy. In the immediate vacation following the short session, Mr Wilford has only to make himself better known throughout -New Zealand to win for the party that pronounced resiie-t and adherence which will make the next appeal to the people a matter beyond all doubt. Mr Milford may therefore be regarded as a budding Prime Minister of New Zealand.

Stki’S are to be taken to further discuss the project for a centralised dairy factory at Hokitika. From enquiries made as to tile co-operation of the Koiterangi settlers who contemplate a district factory of (heir own, and with the help of many settlers along Inner Kokntnhi road, it is believed that about 800 cows could be brought in for supply. In times past there were serious thoughts o( starting separate factories at both Kanieri and floss, so that with these two districts and the country between, another 500 cows should be available, Lpwards of 1,300 cows would ensure a capital beginning lor a local project, which would be very acceptable to most ot the suppliers likely to come in. Thu matter is one for co-operative movement so that tbe suppliers "ill get all the prelit there is out ot the concern. As it is already, where private enterprise, has entered into a similar scheme, as at. Grcyinoutli, regular supplies of cream are passing north from Westland, the manufacture of which might well remain a local industry, and the full benefit of the trade kept within the district. In any ease it can be only a matter of time before a central dairy factory comes to be established in Hokitika, and having that prospect in view there is no advantage in delaying hut for those ready to cooperate to join forces now ami put a scheme into motion. To that end it is proposed to call a preliminary public meeting of probable suppliers from tile surrounding districts and local business people prepared in the interests of the general welfare of the place to consider the proposal n»d either go into ways and means or set up a committee to collect tile information necessary on which to base the prospects of a company capable of undertaking the idea Tn mind. Koiterangi being disposed to erect a factory of its own if the central factory does not materialise. is naturally the pivot of the movement, and the greater the assurance from that quarter as to help, the more certain will the town project be likely to come to pass.