The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) SATURDAY, MAY 19th, 1923. THE WEEK.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 May 1923, Page 2

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) SATURDAY, MAY 19th, 1923. THE WEEK.

Tjik week-end becomes notable locally by the important milestone the Hokitika Gas Company passes in its useful career. It will be 50 years to-morrow since the Company was founded, and once the project was launched the works were brought into being verj quickly considering, the isolation of the Const, by tbo assembly of the plant from far* off Australia. Within eleven months of the inception of the Company, gas was on service, and as it was required to supplant kerosene, it was naturally a great boon to the town, and to the business section in particular. In those days Hokitika carried a larger population than now occupies the town, and there were many large business premises, to say

nothing of a. more numerous list of hotels. Early closing was not in vogue in those times, cither for business premises or for hotels. Many of the latter then held licenses from G a.m. to midnight, and though the bar might bo closed at the witching hour of twelve it did not follow that business was suspended of necessity. So there was a ready demand for gas and the forecast of the business for the company was naturally regarded in prosperous terms. Tho introduction of gas was helpful to consumers in another direction l>ocau.so it brought down the rates for fire insurance.

Tin: history of the Hokitika Gas Works over its fifty years of faithful service, is really the history of tho town. It flourished with the town in busy times, and when the lean period fell, the Gas Company suffered in common. Now, with the prospects of the place brightening as they are, the fortunes of the Gas Company promise to improve also, and so in good season, and in had, and now again in the improving times, tho fortunes of the town and its gas service go hand in hand. Bending of the foundation of tho Company, fifty years ago, many familiar names of worthy pioneers, who played their part hero, are called to mind. The pioneers built well. They wore of a type with a largo outlook and a progressive vision. Men would not have crossed tile high seas to come from the Homeland to these Antipodes unless they were in earnest to build homes in this new land. Hokitika fifty years ago was Hum in its infancy. It was but ten years old, and with practically only seven years of really active life behind it. But the founders of the (las Murks hail taifli in the future—and incidentally in them-selves-which latter probably counts most of all. for they were out to make a success of the venture.

Tin: founders built well. While having the present in mind they did not fail to look to the future, and so now, after 50 years of service the works and plant arc in active use and continuing to do good service. The management of today is as enthusiastic about the future of Hokitika as were tho founders, else the company would not have ventured on its renewal scheme and the large expenditure which places tue plant in a. condition fit for further decades of faithful service. Tho Gas Company as a local institution which year by year lias carried on successfully, paying its way and performing « legitimate public service, is worth the appreciation of the people, and it is not out cl 1 lace that on this occasion and in these columns smiie recognition should, be expressed on behalf of the public the newspaper is entitled to speak lor. A town is what is made of it by its people and its institutions and the Gas Company lias played no mean part m contributing to the amenities of the town, and adding to its worth as a place of residence. The Company has paid its way. It has been reasonable in its charges. Its shareholders certainly have not profited hugely. But it- has always served the people well, and that is a worthy record to write at the end of 50 veins public service.

Spkaking of spirited c-ntcrpiise in tne matter of company promotion for tho material benefit of the town and district, the fact that the central dairy factory proposal is now an accomplished fact, is a case in mind indicating that tho spirit of the- people to-day is akin to those of 50 years ago in launching out on a proposition which should result in great good for all those concerned. Certainly those promoting the dairy factory have more to go upon than did the forefathers of 50 years ago in relation to the gas works. Then, the town was in its infancy. Now the place has expanded and is being brought- into touch with the outside world which will ho a special aid to ensure the success of the centralisation idea. There is the assurance of hotter times ahead, and the venture is not so problematical as was the ease half a century ago when the pionecis made their move in company promotion. But the enterprise is none the less worth approbation because it- is an outward and visible sign of the inward faith of the people in toe promising success of pastoral pursuits in this neighbourhood. The centralised factory can serve all quarters of the Coast front the Tercmakau to Mount Bonar and ill the end it should prove a very timely move for the benefit of the various dairying communities within the region indicated.

From all accounts the newly formed dairy company, the object of which is centralisation, is very fortunate in having at its head as managing director, a person of the enterprise and qualifications of Mr H. T. Parry. Mi .parry has mode his mark in Westport already, and it will bo greatly to tbo gain of this district to have Mr Parry here. Mr Parry is coming hero because he sees an opening for the company proposed, and prospects for material success in the objects in mind, which he has said, do not present themselves anywhere else in tne Dominion. Hokitika is the natural centre lor the North Westland dairying area. and there is in the area ample scope for great expansion in dairying. The times are falling out so that at this juncture there must be increased settlement in Westland. Land values arc rising, and of necessity that will ensure closer and more intensive settlement. Tt will not be sufficient to rely on haphazard grazing for feeding purposes. Cultivation will come more into vogue. And just here at this psychological moment wo have the lime works turning out a cheaper commodity. Westland lands cry out for lime and more lime, and so with cultivation and liming of the land the fodder production will be greatly enhanced and dairying must flourish also greatly.

The formation a central dairy company arrives very opportunely. Mr Parry is an experienced manager, and he is a substantial shareholder in the venture. He recognises the opportunity and backs his opinion with his cash. The promoters are fortunate in having one so directly concerned in the fortunes of the company at the head of affairs. His previous knowledge suggests that- the new company should not have to purchase any dearly bought experience, A special point of interest

to tho town in connection with the factory, will be the useful by products which will be available ready at hand. Supplies of ico and cream, and coni storage facilities will moan a great deal to various households. Over the Exhibition period in particular the factory will experience special demands on its resources, with the compensating advantages of increased revenue. The centralised factory will be a boon to the town in tho special convenience it will be. So, too, in regard to supplies of butter over the winter season— the storage facilities will enable the local factory to meet local demands all the year round without the necessity for importing butter. This will be a saving to the community, and a profitable trade to the shareholders, who of course will be made up mainly of tho producers. The venture promises extremely wc.l from every point of view.

Tiie offer made by the new company to absorb the district factoi ios is worth going into carefully, particularly on the part of those chiefly affected--the shareholders and suppliers of tho country factories. The new company is making overtures and is prepared to negotiate with the factories at Honiara, Kokntahi, Aralnira. and Wnitahn to absorb their undertakings, and in return to receive their trade. This move accomplished and the local factory would have a very largo'turnover from tho outset. The feasibility of such a scheme is primarily a matter of finance; that is, can a bargain be struck which will be mutually satisfactory to both parties. That of course is a business deal for the parties concerned to con over, but the fact that the new company now founded here, is prepared to negotiate on the matter is an evidence of good will and a desire to effect a fair and square deal at the very outset. It has been made plain that the now project is not for the purpose of squeezing out of tho old established companies. If they can be absorbed on fair terms there will be a good feeling established from the outset. and the new company will set out on its career of usefulness under very happy circumstances indeed.

The Exhibition authorities are still wrestling with tho accommodation problem. It seems manifest that neither the licensed victuallers or private enterprise are prepared to take this matter up on tho comprehensive lines upon which it should lie handled Time is Hying, and if anything is to lie done with regard to extra accommodation, it should he taken in hand now. The point wo wisn to make m regard to this question, is not that the additional accommodation is lequired for the. Exhibition period only, but for all time. Hokitiuu is not going back; it is not going to stand still. 1' ls going forward. If the problem mm handled as it should be, a first caiss hotel should he established here, and Hokitika would seize a golden opportunity to secure the first position on the Coast as a tourist centre for all time, it is not » matter of speculation—the business can be assured, „„d in and about the town the capital can be found to do what is requited well. A first class hotel here would enjoy an all the year round scason-of that we are persuaded. If the natural bent of the people in regard to such an enterprise can he attempted by courageous action the to"n and d.striet will reap the advantage over long voars to come.

The people hereabouts have been waiting and hoping over long years for • ‘better times” to come. They are hoie at band. The-movement and activities which are apparent are being horn of the hotter times already in sight. The delay in opening the through railway, further htunjered as it is by the late storm and Hood damage, should he used to advantage by preparing ill advance for "hat is to come. 'The community must be prepared to help itself if it wishes to reap some of the advantages which ate to accrue. A passive attitude "ill result in others stepping in ‘ami securing the benefits. r ihe ioik who established the gas works here fifty years ago, planned for the future. They could not reap their reward in a year. It would take time. The enterprise being manifested in reference to a central dairy factory, is not going to receive iis reward all in one season. So with an enterprise covering a hotel equal to filling the want which is now apparent week by week, the service it will render will not- he for the Exhibition period, hut tor all time. Yell equipped and well conducted it "ill be nn asset to the town in drawing more people to the Coast, and in filling "hat is and what "ill be mere apparent stilt in the very near future —a much IVIt want to assure the future of the town as an important residential and tourist centre.

The theme this week while of local application, is one tor the public to take to heart individually. It was concerted effort, well .sustained and directed that ensured the success ol the Gas Works. Unity will play its part in bringing the measure of success desired to the dairy factory scheme. A like readiness to help can secure the promotion of the hotel proposition, and give the town a. standing which will ~e the envy of the Coast. Travellers agree that there is the need for a first class hotel, and Hokitika has such advantages c.s a centre that here thoic is a natural situation which is unrivalled elsewhere so far as prospects of material success go. The matter is woitll taking up seriously. One can of course he over sanguine, but looking to the prospects of the district, at the moment we do not know of a project which olfers a better investment nor one which will supply a more direct- need than the enterprise now suggested. The occasion must not- be dallied over for in mere than one quarter, suggestions of action arc being made, and also time is slipping by. The time for action appears to he now, and if Hokitika steps into the opening the town will socnio nn advertisement, and reap a futuio reward which at the moment can to but faintly realised.