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Hokitika Guardian, 29 November 1924, Page 2

The exporting prospects for tbe Dominion over tlie present peiiml are very bright, and there is every reason for taking it hopeful view of the position. The position is reflected generally by a uniform degree of buoyancy. Trade in general is good, and employment seems to be very satisfactory. There has been a line winter and as a result the dairying season opened good. There will be a heavy increase all round in the production of dairy produce. Although prices for butter and cheese are not abnormal, there is going to lie a greatly increased output, and tlie added volume means increased value in the aggregate. Wool and meat exports will agian be considerable, the former especially so. The increased price for Wool came at a very opportune time, and the added wealth to the country will be very welcome. Wool prices are evidently going to range at a high level for some time, and as a consequence sheep will be dearer, and as far as possible pa.storalists will lean that way. There is the promise of a good sale for lambs—which means much for this district as the increase in lambs lias been very substantial. This blight outlook for the country generally will be appreciated. giving the Dominion fresh financial stability and helpfulness which arrives at a very opportune time.

The Progress League is taking up the reading question of the far south —with a view to directing attention to tbe possibilities likely to attend the reading of tin’ Jackson liny district, where there is a large tract of country which should have great dairying possibilities. Tin* south country is largely a duplicate of the northern poriiou, and there is ample evidence of the flourishing conditions of dairying hereabouts. The

same result could be achieved in the far south acre suitable transport and export facilities provided. In the far south the country has tinned out fat stock for a long number of years, but other pastoral pursuits are barred because of the lack of lat Hit its pertaining to district loading and quick export. for perishable ioniinoilitics such as butter and eliee.se. But it is not alone the pastoral | rospects which make the scheme attractive. There is also the vast store of wealth in the timber lands which are a natural preserve until shipping possibilities ott a large scale are available. The yield from timber alone in royalty would repay over and over again a vast developmental expenditure in loading.

Hot wtboiit shipping facilities tin- timber remains in a closely barred sanctuary. The same remark - applies to the forest lauds in the Okarilo district, which await a material improvement in the harbor facilities of that locality. The far .south, too. has a reputation of being mineralised very highly. A

great range of minerals lias been found in the south, but the territory has never been tested scientifically. The'C is flirt her the Invishiiess of nature in the scenery, which is very varied, as all West Coast bush scenery, and so a perpetual (liarni. Tbe territory is not. without its natural resources, which apart I'r the development to follow enterprise, are in themselves attractive features justifying serious interest as to the | essible future of the district. under well directed cne'gic.s. The south oll'ers a line opening for the legitimate development of Crown lands governing many thousands of acres, and including valuable timber and minerals and rich s'cnie features. Anything which can be done to promote interest in the south is worth while, for there are assets to work on which will yield great wealth, and which from the very outset justify a bold forward policy of general development.