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Hokitika Guardian, 12 January 1924, Page 2

Arhocus of our remarks to have laith in ourselves at this particular juncture, we publish iu-day an oxtiei from a Wellingtiim new spa-pio. piiiiteil in characteristic journalese. The point- is the injunction to Westland to wake up. gf,i hii-y, and advertise its advantages. Westland is dubbt-d a Rip Van W inkle. Tie writer of the article, however, i" seized aery fully with the potentialities of Westland, and be go 1", dire, t l.n hipoint. Ii- is weli to have ibis uni side roiiimeiH before is. T lie criticism is helpful. It assists us to see ourselves as others see us, and if we lake the admonition to heart, and practice according to the injunctions given, wo van do ourselves no great harm. Wo hope the comment- on the distriel.x’ resolin'os will help the folk to realise the treasure' they have about- them in the land particularly. The timber and scenery an* here to expose themselves; but the hidden mineral wealth, and the latent land value are not realised, and it is in respect, to t-liose two great- assets the most permanent results in regard to population will result. Impulatioii is no loss necessary than capital for the development of Wostaiiul, lor il the waste places were filled, and Micro were a surplus to go seeking out mineral deposits, the progress of tlu> district would be more marked. With extra population within its borders, Westland will move more rapidly n!ow that it has ilie railway ouliet. and the remarks of the newspaper writer should help us in appreciate the certain possibilities which are before u.s. Particularly are the remarks of interest ill regard to tin- southern dis-iiit-i. The writer hail viewed the lo-i-ality and the opinions expressed should encourage us all to have more faith in the future of the district, which lias within its borders such promising land. It- is indeed a land of promise waiting for tbe tillers of ilie soil to reap the harvest from their own handiwork. Assist nature ami the land of Westland will respond prolifienllv.

Tun week has seen the jubilee programme put through. The occasion was a central feature in the jubilee celebrations now so much in mind, and was halt the motive for undertaking the Exhibition movement—the other lmli being the completion of the Arthur’s Pass tunnel—-railway communication v. ith the Sother sidle of the Island, meaning so much to the future prosperity of this portion. It v.ae good to see the pioneer band foregnt’ier. The eld folk had a kindly reception and welcome on all sides, and were very grateful for all that was done for them. The weather played its unusual tricks for this season of the year, hut at lead, was on it.s best behaviour on Jubilee Day—when there was a notable gnthring. We might also write. a neighborly gathering for our Iriends from the north, who made it a clo-e holiday an<l attended in force, assisted to make the occasion the outstanding success it was. It was very good, likewise, of the Government to he specially represented, and the choice of Hon. J. G. Anderson, as the special representative, was a happy one. Mr Anderson is homely and he was appreciative ot the old pioneers. The Government certainly did not. neglect, the occasion. The Member for Westland was present and made himself very much at home with the old folk, and the reunion was altogether quite in keeping with the spirit- of the times. The event was entirely to the credit of the town and district, which has added further renown to its name for hospitality and the desire to do what was right at the light time. The one desire was to honor the old pioneers, and to make them feel that they were quite at home. That effort seemed to 1*? crowned with success, judging by the cordial remarks expressed by the old people who all felt they were recognised in a very .appreciative manner.