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Hokitika Guardian, 16 August 1923, Page 2

On the subject of Empire trade, an English financial journal after referring to tho improved outlook lor trade within the Empire with Canada, proceeds to remark that equally satisfactory has been the development of the Commonwealth of Australia, where there are at present over fifteen million acres ol land under cultivation. This, however, is less than one-hundredth of the land area of the Common wen Ith. Wheat and wool are being produced in enormous quantities. Fruits, including several oi the semi-tropical varieties so much in demand in Great Britain, are grown on an increasing seal,-, and, with sugar, of which the area under cultivation is extending, they provide the raw materials for a thriving, and growing jam and fruit preserving industry. Cheese and butter, together witn extensive exports of frozen beef and mutton, of which the Mother Country receives a large quantity, also continue to be important factors making tor the prnsperitv of the Commonwealth. Austria lie’s mineral wealth, like that of Canada is incalculable, and should increase with the passing of years. Industrially, marked progress has been made, particularly in those centres where coal and other minerals that enter sir largely into industrial productivity are located, and gradually there are coining into L'ing many of the industries that have hitherto made England so pros--1 enms a commercial country. Australia’s distant neighbour, New Zealand, is making healthy progress ill the dairying industry, and she now occupies a most important position as' nil exporting country for butter and cheese. 3 he? raising of cattle and sheep for the export of meat, and wool are also preeminent factors which make for the economic and industrial prosperity ot the country. In referring to butter imports to .the Motherland, it. is remarked that of late years dairying has made great strides as an industry in Canaria, and at the present time it is an important phase of the pastoral life of the country. Improved methods of cold storage and the introduction of the factory system for making cheese and butter wore largely responsible for tin* progiess made, Progress similar to that in Canada, hut over a longer period has characterised the dairying industry of Australia, and tho Commonwealth for quite a number of years has exported dairy produce on a considerable scale. For the year 1921-22 shipments of butter totalled 127,3 b ,000 lb., valued at £7,963,078, as against 92,-120,0001b., valued at £11,007,0/0, in the preceding fiscal year. New Zealand, however, gives promise of the greatest success. Her progress has been little short of remarkable in recent years, and there is every prospect of her becoming the foremost dairying country in the world. Last year she exported butter to tho amount of 1.120.200cvvt., valued at £9,0-11,554, i as compared with 898,478 c’.vt., valued I at £11,169,530, in 1921.

The matter of public conveniences was discussed at the late sitting of the civic Council, and action Is to bo taken in regard to the matter. This course is commendable for the reason that with the growth of the town, and the influx of strangers, the conveniences are becoming more and more necessary. A committee of the Council is to look into the question, and suggest at least three sites for the purpose required. Looking forward to the end of the year when the town will he over-run with visitors, there will certainly l>e a pressing need for the conveniences. And in that connection provision should be made also for a rest-room for females. This is a requirement which should not bo overlooked, and the committee charged with the task above referred to, should include the latter matter in the order of reference. The town cannot be expected to expand without added obligations falling upon the municipality, and the matter here dealt with is one of the subjects which wfll require first attention to meet the requirements of the growing population.

mid the largor assemblies of the public which will from timo to time recur.