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Hokitika Guardian, 28 January 1924, Page 2

The return of Mr Massey, in the best of health it is pleasing to record, will give point and interest to the political situation of the Dominion. Although Parliament was hurried to a close to permit of the Prime Ministers’ departure, it is not the intention to hasten the reassembly of Parliament.. Mr Massey has a compliant majority—small though it be—which will meet his wishes, and the session for this year is not likely to begin earlier than is customary in times past. Mr M iltord, 100, has returned from his holiday jaunt, while Mr Holland we have had with us all the time. Mr Holland and IPs political following will b* interested specially in Labor's success' at Home, and will he watching the course of events with close attention. Mr Vt ilferd stated some time ago ho was going te tour the Dominion to expound the Liberal policy, and if his domestic arrangements will permit, no doubt he will do so. With both Opposition leaders active, Mr Massey and his rolleagues will require to pay special attention lo passing political event*, for with parties as they are to-day, an untoward set of circumstances might easily precipitate a general election—and that would not he the most comfortable occurrence to overtake the Reform party at this juncture.

The piomisiug success of the centralisation of dairying at Hokitika, published on Saturday, made interesting rending. Tt is some time now since tlwgospel of centralisation was preached I v visiting Government experts. In theory, the proposal had much to commend it. Time has seen theory pass into practice, and the realisation scorns to he quite satisfactory. Tho success ir. any case, seems to be largely a mattei of management.. Given tile supplies and the proper equipment, the result is governed by the quality ol the output. There is certainly the demand for a good article nt a remunerative price, and the business of a well conducted factory would be to eater lor the trade effectively. Locally it is a very fortunate cireiimstanco that a firstclass building lias been erected and :> complete plant installed, and the proji ci is under very capable management. In these eircmirstaneos it is not difficult lo understand the promising success attending the venture. The settlers are fortunate in having so prospering a venture at their command, and the success wbic-h has marked the beginning of the operations will no doubt attend the local factory all through the

season

There is the more reason to expect the centralised factory being an allround success from the fact that it will l.e able to eater for tile settlers in a manner not hitherto sitlemp'tod. The freezing of pork and establishing a bacon factory will he most helpful to tin average settler. There is the fact also that the works will he running ail lln year round. Herds can be list'd to hetter advantage, and there will ho more need to improve the land for increased fodder production. The freezing chamber attached to the Hokitika factory will lie of service to the town, which will find in it a convenience long required. The advantage of securing ice i, not a small one for a growing community. Regular supplies of fresh butter and cream all the year round, will add also to the advantages. Altogether the enterprise which prompted the establishment of a local factory seems to !■; well justified. The promoters aro to be congratulated on the initial success, and it is hoped the business will continue to prosper, and that generally the settlers and the public at large will not be slow in lending a helping hand tc mark the success doubly assured over the future.