“THE ROMANCE OF WESTLAND.”

Hokitika Guardian, 3 November 1923, Page 2

“THE ROMANCE OF WESTLAND.”

“THE STORY OF NEW ZEALAND’S GOLDEN COAST. Tim above work from tin* pen of Mr A. J. Harrop, M.A.. a Hokitika native, has just been issued by Wliitcombe and Innibs Ltd., tbe well-known publishers of Ciirisieimis b. The title of the work i- not inappropriate. There is something romantic m our hi-tory. which records tin* finding o| gold and other valuable commodities here, and the sudden rush to and settlement of the district. The Government pun lia.-od the whole Coast Imm the Maoris for a trilling amount, yet. in a lew short years, in geld alone. * milieus of pound.- of wealth were recovered. Tow ns sprang into being, industries were undertaken. In a brief period the hush was conquered, and 1 settlement and ordered Government was brought about. It was a transfortna- „ tion to the credit of the noble hand of pioneers, and a glamour of romance surrounds it all, for the men and women responsible came from the ends of the earth to trv their fortune in a distant land, and in their task added a notable tract of territory to the farflung Empire our race is so proud of. Being a native-born Westlaiider, Mr Harrop took both pride and pains in his self-imposed task of writing a connected history of our early days. Of scholarly bent. Mr Harrop will go far in the educational course be* lias mapped out for himself. He was senior scholar in history at the N.Z. I'nivcTsily. and now lie is adding to bis laurels in an English I'niversity. His work was patiently done from bis own resources, and to hi* own earne.-t and honest endeavours he owes hi- advancement. Tie lias shown a line trail of character in the i.enacity with which he stuck to his work, and to his purpose of securing high degrees, and Hokitika may well Is* proud of its son now winning Irosli credit and renown in the Motherland. The work under review deals with the subject in eight very interesting chapter-. The early history is very engrossing. The chapter on the age of greenstone recounts the Maori legends which tell us how A\ estland received its first native population. I hen the story passes to tin* age of European explorers, beginning with lasmati. and passing to tools, and finally to Maekay’s wonderful journey to South Westland with 400 sovereigns in hi.- swag to hay the Coast from tho native inhabitants, some 110 in number. Then comes the story oi European occupation, and the ago of gold, with all it- glamour and glitter, which was the magnet to draw tlu* romance it did to the (oast. The political history of Westland is treated very concisely. The early story of Countv Government and provincial rule is well told with all its interesting phase's which every Wostlander should know. The articles on the social and economic conditions are likewise interesting, and carry the rondel to the climax--ilie conclusion —where Mr Harrop writes :- A “The example of -elf-sacrifice And heroism in which the story of Westland abounds must, play no mean part in moulding the future of the race. The fathers of Westland knew how to face death bravely, and the sons of Westland have since proved that iln race ha- not degenerated the spirit- Hint taught men how to face the floods of Westland was very native in the men who fought in Gallipoli and in France: Much hits been -aid already of the inspiring example of the founders of Westland. Ibis work will have attained its object if it has set in a clearer jielit the study of Westland's glorious past, and thus stimulated interest in a land which has been too long neglected." The hook is well illustrated with many pictures of early day scenes and fine scenic views. It. is well printed and produced, and is a pleasing publication. serving no mean purpose as a handv reference lor early events, and stippiving a concise record of the birth and adolescence of Westland the beautiful. now rapidly coining into its own. Mr Harrop,’.- work will help to that end. for it will bring first hand to many a knowledge ol the story oi romance v. liich marked the* finding and the settlement of Westland now being placed so definitely on the map of New Zealand. The work is published at os and is on sale at the booksellers, or at the County Office. It will Ik* on sale also at the Exhibition Building next month.