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Hokitika Guardian, 22 April 1924, Page 2

At the tributary gathering at the Town Hall last week to Mr A. Aitkon on his departure for a trip Home, reference was made to the gentleman’s interest in the mineral deposits of the district, and many .of his short holidays and vacations have been devoted to exploring the back country. In that way he has acquired a fund of useful knowledge of the resources, and it was hot surprising to find him speaking optimistically when tiie opportunity offered, in regard to the geological features of Westland. Mr Aitken knows there are many valuable mineral deposits throughout the district other than coal or gold, and he is one of those who believes firmly thjat the time must come when other minerals of the district will lie in favor, and will he the means of adding to the wealth production, of the Dominion, and the industrial activities of the district. Wellgrounded belief of such a nature reminds us how little has been done to study the geological features of the Coast. Through the Geological Department some useful activities were shown in years gone by, but beyond the reconnaissance geological surveys of Dr. Bell and bis assistants, nothing practical has boon done to try out the indications and finds the experts located. It is known, for it is- assorted very freely time and again, that Westland teems with all sorts of deposits of mine, ralogical value, but there has not been a forward step to test the value of such deposits. Looking to the vast returns possible from exploiting mineral wealth, it is regrettable that positive action is locking. The present Minister of Minos has shown some disposition to take up n scheme of outback prospecting, hut nothing concrete has been done. The matter is one for serious consideration for in its train might follow a great wave of material development. Nature has been lavish in many things on theX'onst, and if a search for mineral deposits were undertaken a rich reward might attend the enterprise. Mr Aitken’s suggestions, we hope,, will not be lost sight- of, and that sooner than later the question of mineral research work will be taken up in a practical way.

While the Railway Department has made an excellent job of the general lay out of the new station yard, there are still some short-comings about the station itself which it is to be hoped will have early attention to meet the comfort and convenience of those having business or engagements in that quarter. The station itself should be better lit. Although the platform has been extended, ami the station itself enlarged, the platform and precincts are not N aa well lit as previously. Some of the lamps are allowed to get out of order, while others are not lit. One evening last week the southern end of tlie platfor m'vas very poorly lit. There is the need also, particularly over the wintery months, for the further extension of 'the verandah at both ends, so as to cover the loading bank for mails and luggage, and ensure boxes and hampers being disposed of

under fairly dry conditions. At present there is not any shelter from the weather, and this need should have attention without delay. Nothing is known vot when the overhead bridge is to be available for traffic. In the meantime it is noticeable that there is not any provision being provided for pedestrian* to reach the bridge directly front the railway platform. This lack of convenience promises a round about walk for passengers to and from the eastern portion of the town, and wo j have no hesitation in remarking at this stage, that the want of direct access will be very inconvenient. There is room for it to he introduced, and doubtless the extra ramp could be introduced now at less cost than later when the nfain structure is completed. Those in authority should see that the matter has attention. While on the subject of the railway we would like to congartulate the Progress League on its timely protest against an earlier hour of departure for the north morning train. What is really required is a later hour, and a speeding up of the service so as to reduce the wait at Greynioutb, and generally giving an improved service as regards celerity. For far too often the train is running late, and it would he a concession greatly appreciated if tho 24 mile service could he improved by reducing tlie time of the journey.