SOUTH WESTLAND NOTES.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 April 1923, Page 2

SOUTH WESTLAND NOTES.

(Tu the Editor). Sir, •. The residents of the Southern district rejoiced much a t the news of the safe arrival of the ketch Elsie at the Hokitika Wharf, after her somewhat perilous detention in the Sea Beach. No doubt, the excellent spell of fine weather we are experiencing contributed wholly to the success in connection with the launching undertaking. J-iad the little boat become a total wreck, it would have been the proverbial straw in eennevtion with South. Westland development, and would have been a very poor requital fi r the spirited and enterprising settlel. s, who have contributed largely in procuring the boat for the South Westland trade exclusively.

According to data supplied to the Marine Department on ouquiiics, the tonnage including hack freight was not encouraging to procure a boat for litis trade alone, but those who supplied the information did not take into consideration the volume of trade and business that might have been worked u]i had a suitable boat been in the trade. Those who me interested in ■South Westland development must not expect payable freights in the slia] e of goods and supplies to settlers light away, as the population at the present time is somewhat United. It is the back freight in the shape of timber that they must look forward for to

.i.d lip a trade, for the next twelve months or so, and the little port of Okarito is well adapted and suitable for the Elsie with her light draft of "Piter. 1 undeistanU there are a large, num'sor of sleepers at present ready for shipping and there is a couple of sawmills close to the port. The close proximity of Okarito to Hokitika should lie of great advnntake to the little boat in this connection and keep her fully occupied, till further development farther south. In view of the s.s. Tiitanokai being withdrawn from calling at the Southern Bays, tl-'e Government should be asked to increase the subsidy to the Elsie by £2OO for a couple of years or so, till a payable trade is e-.tab-lished.

It is reported that a disturbance was experienced (terrostid or atmospherical, not known which) ns a wind up to tempestuous weather we had some little time ago. by which a ferry, float was in danger of Doing swept away. By the exertions of tile Harbour Master and Hie timely arrival of the local Constable, the boat was saved. in days gone hv Okarito was went to be free from these little occurrences, but it would seem times are changed. Apologising for occupying so much of your valuable space an dthanking vou in anticipation. -I am. etc.. PROG BESS.