The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Const limes.) FRIDAY, JUNE 29. 1923.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 June 1923, Page 2

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Const limes.) FRIDAY, JUNE 29. 1923.

ADVANCE, WESTLAND. Bkvkiitino again to the evidence afforded by the Kokatahi Winter Show of the inherent resources of the distiiet it was interesting to nuts' the buoyant spirit abroad among all present in the show nn, lll. There was the iiiiiver-al recognition that hero was a display of admirable proportions typifying the productive possibilities oi the district, and it wa> something to he proud of. Tlie river flats extending inland from Hokitika and ranging from the Aralnira. to the Hokitika Valleys, are extensivw and when more closely settled, and more intensively cultivated, must give very valuable ] us t oral returns. The climate restricts the settlement operations to pastoral pursuits. The climatic renditions preclude successful cropping on any adequate scale, but pastoral pursuits can he developed very extensively. The W inter School which draws to a. close to-day is designed as a means to interest- and encourage the settlers in the work ol expansion. The possibilities of development so far as this district Is co«c«rned, ate governed only by the enterprise of the settlors themselves. Tim land is here, and used as it might he, the returns in production are possible. In connection with the iuller utilisation of the land, it is regretted that, the swamp lands of Kokatahi art' being left, fallow for so long. There is a veiy large swamp area which i-> possible of ready drainage. Tile soil is lilst-cluss, and the tract of count Q it is possible to reclaim by drainage and brought into use, would add very greatly to the aggregate productivity ol the district.. Now that folk will he coming west in search of homes and settlement, those holding the swamp lands could not do better than associate themselves, and using the facilities <>l the law set about the drainage of the large area oil a comprehensive Seale. With the Iresli markets the railway will open tip tor West Coast stock and dairy produce, a great fillip will be given to land .settlement along this littoral, and these on the land should prepare tor the advent of the iron horse which is to transport their produce and products to the East Coast markets. The population of Westland provincial district is given at 14,277. That of Canterbury. to which province we shall ho linked directly, totals 204,503, so that it will he seen the immediate market brought to our very doors will lie extended very considerably. The advancement which will l>t' possible lor Westland will lie limited in the main onlv by the enterprise of the people themselves. The district can produce and deliver to the other side a variety of commodities which are sure to command a ready sale. Those on the land should reap a very special harvest. Their opportunity is opening up most favorably. The onus is on them, however, to plat- their part, to do their bit, to secure the advantages which good fortune will render available. There is, therefore, the call for effort, both as a community and individually, and the greater the enterprise put forward, the richer will he the reward of those who rise to the occasion. The railway which is to bring in this new era of prosperity is costing an enormous sum. The work would not have been undertaken unless the prospects of the district justified it- Now that the "01 k is about finished the people require to make the greatest use of it- by sending out their products. The larger the export the greater the wealth which will accrue to the district. The profit will be derived by the individual who best organises and lays ltis plans to achieve the advancement which the opening trade will proffer. If therefore, the individual settlers set about their task in the right way the slogan Westland,” will become of

motorni 1 benefit to all uilo join in tlio enterprise.