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Hokitika Guardian, 19 March 1923, Page 2

Thk local body elections are approaching and will be held during April and May. With regard to the municipal elections, it is not unlikely in view of this being •‘exhibition year" that special interest'will attach to the local contests. There is a whisper of the mayoralty being contested, while “fresh blood” for the Council is spoken of also. It is to be hoped that with regard to the County, Hospital, and Harbor Board elections, also, as much interest will be shown, for public regard for these events stimulates the attention of the people to their civic responsibilities. The town and district- is entering upon a stage when it needs all the assistance it can derive from its own citizens. This applies as much to local government a“ to local enterprises. But in particular to local government at this crisis in district affairs the people will find it to their mutual advantage to be interested partisans in the effort to get the best minds on to the public bodies, and aim at- the fuller realisation of that democratic principle the greatest good for the greatest number. The time is past for sitting down and waiting Micawber-like for tilings to happen. Events are so falling out by reason of the advent of the railway, that all things are possible if the folk would show a disposition to seize the opportunities at hand. TV ill the citizens rise to the occasion and bring forward their best to make the fullest use of the great opening.

If the people within our gates are somnolent as to the possibilities opening out, those on the other side of the mountain barrier, have a more hopeful vision of what is before Westland. Last week we had visitors from Christchurch whose very presence and support to a local project was an indication that the wise men of the East are alert as to the prospects ahead. So with the press of New Zealand, Westland continues to receive splendid advertisements by reason of the special articles and illustrations of points of interest up and down the district. This close attention to the immediate future of Westland should arouse the people to a sense of their great opportunity. The district is bejng referred to as New Zealand's

land of promise. One paper remarks: “The Dominion lias in Westland a province of unlimited opportunity for settler and capitalist,” and adds the coming linking up of Canterbury and Westland will ring in “a new era in the development of the South Island.” We should not be blind nor deaf to these printed and published statements which should in reality hearten the community to enter upon the immediate future with courage and confidence in themselves and in the distinct, and make this and the succeeding years a period of progress for Westland wherein everything possible will be done to bring the many prophecies of good times, to pass.