The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) THURSDAY, DEC. 13th. 1923. THE EXHIBITION.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 December 1923, Page 2

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) THURSDAY, DEC. 13th. 1923. THE EXHIBITION.

■ JiiK town is :ijiiiost on »In; ovc of tho , opening of the Inhibition. Next ,Satin <lm_v the most important milestone yet j passed in tho history of Westland will ) lie in position, and remain for all time ) as marking the beginning of a new ) epoch ill the history of the Coast. When * Westland became annexed to the reJ maimler of the South Island as it did I in .August, last, by the opening of ArI thin's Bass tunnel for through railway I traflie, the district grew considerably • in stature and importance. It found an outlet for expansion. The possibil- , itv to relieve its {Hint lip resources were ( at hand, and there was the feeling that I here at last is the chance to show i our iesources and seek to attract that 1 ctMiimercial and trading intercourse ! which is essential to our material ndi vaneenient. AVestland was no longer i tethered in an obscure corner of New Zealand. The railway made the district part mid parcel of the whole, with retidy access to tho ports and markets. to the cities and towns, whereat liade and commerce were waiting for our products. The Exhibition, it, is proposed, is to celebrate this happy consummation of local ambitions. It is true the district has toiled over long years that the railway might come to pass. Local opinion held the view that the completion of the through lino was the main essential to permanent prosperity. That opinion is being verified substantially already. The Exhibition will help to confirm the opinion more and more. The event is evidence of the belief and confidence of the people in (lie future. That they have confidence in their own district is manifested by the enterprise which launched the Exhibition itself. The Exhibition without the district behind it, something to advertise, resources to attract, land to develops, would have been futile. Tho end and aim of the Exhibition is to advertise the district. It is intended to draw outsiders here that they may see Westland for themselves. We know that AVestland win stand inspection. From whatever p«int tile district is viewed there is the assurance that the farmer, the miller, the miner, the tourist and holidaymaker, will all find something to please and interest. AA'itli that in mind the Exhibition becomes a profitable proposition for the district, for the outcome of the army of visitors must result in great good. There is room here for capital and enterprise, for labor and development, hut until the people come amongst us and see the district for themselves, they are slow naturally to realise all the golden opportunities which present themselves. Even exhibitors who have shown enterprise in coming along to assist- at the Exhibition. express surprise to find the event so effectively organised on the scale it is. There are similarly many examples of visitors who conic to Westland for the fust time marvelling at the scenic . wonders and opportunities which are j here. AVe know how our friends from ( America came here and saw the opportiinity adjacent to Hokitika at Rimu Flat- where a modern dredge is reaping licii returns. That is one instance. AVe so? other avenues for trading develop- ( meat. There wjis a big, deal tl’f other ,

day in re-pect. to a motor soivicr, iur winch there arc great possibilities. The value of land is rising. and many sales are taking plaie at enhanced priles in both town and euuutry. There is a buoyant upward tendency. The Exhibition movement will n--.Pt further in that direction ioi it will create more eompetition and .1 greater demand. More population is required and the Exhibition successfully cariied thiough will help to provide them. The event therefore needs the fullest hacking and support front the people as a whole to make its ultimate benefits Ihe lasting good it is pnsihle to gain.