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Hokitika Guardian, 18 January 1924, Page 2

That the Exhibitin in progress here is serving its purpose as regards publicity for Westland, is well evidenced hv the stream of visitors passing through the town, and further by the explres'sioii o; tneir opinions ol the district through the press of their homo (owns when they return, li is diflicnli now tn pick lip a newspaper witliiiiii finding some reference to the T.xliicilion in particular and AAcsthnnl in general. Thu important delegations horn Canid bury, Wellington, and elsewhere, have all expressed themselves u>vy hopefully about the possibilities of the district. Smaller parties from Nelson, Marlborough, and other parts of the Dominion have been no less communicative to their lour I press when they returned homo. The special representative of the Ha worn “Star" cf the Taranaki di.-.trii t was at considerable iVins to review Hie fortunes of tin. district and Inis wiiltcn articles in his newspaper reviewing very favorably indeed the prospects of this district in the light of probable developments as time goes on. All this wide publicity must he very helpful to the speedier development of AVcstland. The additional attention attracted to the district cannot he harmful. On the contrary, it will a-sist to concentrate outside interest oil a district, which for far too long has suffered seriously from neglect due to isolation. It was to achieve this object that the scheme of the Exhibition was designed originally. Local folk therefore may he satisfied that the undertaking is justifying its purpose. It is regrettable of course that simultaneously with the Exhibition, the district itself should give such a had exhibition of weather-- hut that i; an unfortunate visitation, the lot of any other place at unexpected times. While the deluge was on here, uthei parts were being burned up, and there it- some satisfaction in iooliug tlistt our lot, damp as it was, was preferable to file experience elsewhere. At the same time there is the consolation always that the average weather experienced here is quite delightful, and while tli; record of rain sounds abnormal to those from dry areas. Coasters regard the welcome rain as a necessity to assist forest and vegetation growth, which ill turn add to the peculiar charm of the Coast.

Aritoros of the advertising advantage of the Exhibition, the following fiom the “New Zealand Times,’’ of AYe!lington, may hi* quoted as an example cf w hat visitors are saying of \\ estland, and its possible future:—“ln speaking of tie* resources of Westland one geneva lit has in mind its great timber and coal industries, and it is seldom, indeed that the dairying industry is coupled with the others under review. Act the Coast has a great future as a dairying centre, according to an opinion expressed to a “Times" representative hv Mr A. Leigh Hunt, who has just completed an extended tour of the province. He was much struck, he said. J.y tho large amount of excellent dairying land which he passed through—fertile river flats in blocks of from 50.000 to 80.000 acres. There were large areas of such land at Kokatahi and Koiteaangi. near' Hokitika, and further south similar land was encountered at Hatihnri and Wntaroa. A certain amount of dairying was being carried on there now, hut most of the land was not half improved, said Mr Hunt, and needed draining before it could he at "its best). The drainage iquestion was a big one, and would have to be tackled systematically. It was no tt-e ouch, man tinkering with his own draining been use he had not .sufficient capital The formation of drainage hoards, or the introduction of outside capital was needed to do the work. This land was cheaper at the present time than any land of its class in the North Island, and when in a fairly advanced state of improvement could he bought at front £2O to C3T per acre, while fairly drained land wax on the market nt £lO and upwards. It certainly offered great opportunities to a man looking for a dairying investment than did any other part of New Zealand. After draining tilt land would need liming, hut this should lie easy and cheap in a country where* unlimited quantities of limestone and fuel were everywhere close at hand. At present linte was produced only under the most primitive conditions, and consequently cost far more than it should, hut this was a matter which could easily be remedied,"

The Runanga picnic excursion take.*? piaco to-tnorrow to Kokitika, Cass Square being the locasion. The Exhibition on this occasion will prove tho main attraction for the visitors.

There will be a general practice game on the bowling green to-morrow afternoon, when Runanga visitors will take 1 all. Flayers are requested to he on the green at 2 p.m. sharp. To-imorrow Night! Soldiers' Hall I Kiwi Football Club’s usual dance. Latest music by Ifvnetti’s Jazz Band. Dancing at !) o'clock sharp. Admission Is.—Advt.

Dr. Edward Duncan MaiTxeflar died ■u. Auckland un Wednesday, aged 70. Figuratively speaking lie was the dealt of the medical profession in Auckland. His practice was tho oldest established in Auckland.

Picnic dresses.—Ladies who require summer dresses reasonable yet good wearing, should visit our store at once. Frocks in all the newest materials at special cash prices.—Addisons.—Advt.

For being illegally on tin* Reef ton racecourse, a man named Kilgour, a prohibited person, was yesterday convicted and fined £5 and costs- in the Reefton Magistrate’s Court, Mr \A . Meldrum, S.M.. being on the beach.

The Tennis Tournament Committee, consisting o! members of both local Clubs, cordially invite all visiting tournament players to a dance to be given in the R.S.A. Hall this evening. Local players a'lid their friends admitted by payment at the door.

It is understood that a test case is being taken ill the Supreme Court in regard to Hie Westland County bylaw affecting the licensing ot motor vehicles: The action is expected to be set down for the .March sessions of the Cnurt.

The interim report received by the AVcstland County authorities indicates that the amount of flood damage lately experienced by the Council will run into about £25(10 for repairs, including the cost of restoring Kakapotahi bridge, most of which will require to be rebuilt, and permanent protection put in for tho north approach.

It's comparatively easy to keep on good terms with the world in general even on these hot, stilling, sultry dais. When the sun “does its worst” to mane existence one long series of grumbles at the heat, pop in to Paterson i"d Lloyd’s and get your swimming togs and go for a dip—you’ll soon feel yourself again.

A sensation was caused at Ohakune Junction last week when it became known that the postmaster (E. If. Banks) had been arrested. He was charged before Justices of the Peace with the ihcft of Government money Him Hie Ohakune J unction Post Oifire. which he was iu charge of. and ieci:iiiilc'l. Bail wits fixed at £-)00, which is, furi.li' outing. Detective Jarrohl, oi ellingiou. prosecuted. Accused will appear at Wanganui.

The Avro aeroplane, in charge of Captain Buckley, is having busy days of late carrying passengers over the town daily, as long as the tides permit the sea beach being used for a landing. Some thirteen trips were made yesterday, including a long flight when additional aerial photographs of Hokitika were taken by Mr Havelock Williams. It. is expected that the tri)i south will he made next week, living as far as Okarito when* a landing will he made to renew Hid supplies. Captain ls.itt in charge ol the Government, aerodrome at Sockhurn, Christchurch, is at present a visitor to Hokitika, and joined in tin* aerial flights to-day.

At Wednesday evening’s meeting ol the executive of the Canterbury Industrial Association, the following motion submitted by Mr \\ . J. Jenkin was cal rieil “That a letter he fur warded to the Dapartment of Industries and Commerce drawing attention to certain paragraphs dealing with l'i'l'.i..H'.-n in ' “Civics,” a text. hook tt.-ed hv the Education Department, ami at tin* same time enter an emphatic protest against the teaching in the schools of New Zealand of such doctrines, and demand that the Education Department expunge the opinions expressed and f-übstitute therefor a s-Haight out definition of what Protection really is.’’

A message from Wanganui to-day reported that Mr John James Clarke passed away there last night after an illness extending over a considerable period. Deceased was a resident of Hokitika from the late sixties and for many years was confidential clerk with the firm of Messrs \Y. Duncan and Co., from which In* retired into private life some yiinrs ago, then moving to the North Island t ' I '■ side. He took a keen interest in school matters and was for many years Chairman of the Hokitika School Committee. He served also on the Hokitika Borough Council for a number of years, and genertliy teok a keen interest in the welfare • f the town and district. He leaves a w idow and family.

There was a good audience at the Princess Theatre hist evening when the AVestmimJer Glee Singers gave a wonderfully line programme. From start to finish there was nothing to mar tl:e thorough enjoyment of patrons. !>i part song, chorus or solo, each and every item was a good one and the audience were not slow to mark their great, appreciation, encores and douh.e encores being demanded and treelv given. Jt was a very bright and tuneful entertainment, and the performeis appeared also to enjoy their reception amt entered freely into the spirit of plasure so freely bestowed. Special fenlnio- wore the vocal accompaniments to solos, ihe solos themselves, and the fin,, combined work of the men and Patrons at the Prince« Theatre last night have the most pleasant recollections of a distinct musical treat. The Comapny left this morning for Groyniouth where they appear to-night.

I.e Roy, MacLngun, and other reliable oily canvas coats, from 07s Gd to 72s (id. Inspection invited. W. H. Stopforth.—Advt.