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Hokitika Guardian, 27 August 1923, Page 2

A val.t'KT) contributor last, week wrote interestingly of the necessity for si ieiitifie research in Westland in respect to possible resources, the utilisation of which would add materially to the productivity ef the district. The matter is one well worthy of careful consideration witn a view to a forward step being rendered possible. We notice that probably imbued with possibilities in regard to re-enpeh work here, the Member for Westland in his place in Parlinment. recently advocated the establishment of a properly equipped School of Mines at Gteymouth or Hokitika Mr O'Brien was on right lines, and there is no hotter centre than this for the operation of such a School. But its work must be positive, and should lie closely associated with geological work in the hack country. There is a proposal this summer to attempt geological research, or prospecting in tin* hack country, and as the public are showing their interest in this matter, it would lie an encouragement lor the Ciovernmeril to do something practical in the way of interesting public thought in regard to the mining potentialities of the district, and to indicate possible means whereby known deposits might he probed, and their economic value iested.

With regard to research work (lie Government very properly docs a great den I for the farming communities in relViemo to all branches of agriculture and sends instructors round the district t > impart scientific knowledge upon nil 1 bases of farm work and stock rearing. Just, as that useful service Is done for the farmer to tho ultimate profit of the country, so the Government might with a like, objective in sight, do something equally practical to bring the mineral resources ot 'Westland into protit. Lectures find instruction with regard to geological training would Is* helpful, and on the measure of success might lie reared the School of Mines. There is a waning interest., unfortunately, in mining, and the old hands arc dying out. without many enthusiasts to replace them; but in a district- such as this where the mineral resources are so often extolled, there would lie wisdom in keeping alive a keen interest in possibilities, so that those going up and down the district might he alert- to probable developments it they were more lamiliar with the indications affecting the hidden secrets of nature. Capital is always ready to take a hand when a genuine project is available, and L takes scientific knowledge, practically applied to prove nature’s secrets, and reveal local possibilities worth exploiting.

In order to reap full advantage from the new era created by the radical change in transport, to aud from the (’ort.st, tlie matter of collective advertising should he kept well to the frbnt. The- district! which has such varied attractions should lose no opportunity to present its possibilities under patronage and development- to the outside world. Such a tunotion, for instance, as that- proposed to mark the tunnel opening, should be an excellent vehicle to call pointed attention to Westland. The invited guests would include chiefly Ministers and Members tf Parliament, our Canterbury friends, and tortainly the representatives of the Christchurch newspapers. Apart from the day devoted to gala celebrations, tho visitors could with great advantage from an advertising point of view, lie shown something of the district. If t -e Minister in Charge of the Tourist Department were of the party, h© could be taken over Lake Kanieri road and impressed with the need of a widening scheme. The Minister of Public Works could l>e shown the state of the main road bridges and the necessity of maintaining the south road. The Minister of Railways could note our treatment, in regard to the railway connections. The Ministry of Forestry could be met on the subject of his restrictive regulations and the predatory policy of the Director affecting privately owned property. The Minister of Alines could he met in regard to research and geological investigation work. The Minister of -Education and Hospitals could be seen with regard to matters in his departments calling for obvious attention. In that way a

useful purposo could be served for the general welfare of the district apart from tho pleasurable duty of honoring an occasion which i-clebrates our willing annexation to the rest of the South Island. If we would improve the shining hour; if wo would seize* and use our opportunities, the most should bo made certainly of such n chance to bring notabilities into tho district, end turn to the l*c.st advantage tho timely opportunity for the further progress and advancement of Westland.