The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1925. WAKE-UP, PEOPLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 December 1925, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1925. WAKE-UP, PEOPLE.

‘lk Hokitika citizens are mindful of their true interests they should regard the development of the South as a sacred duty. Her prosperity now happily assured hy the fertil--1 itv of near-hv agricultural and pastoral lands, hy her great timber and gold resources, and her proximity to some of the grandest scenery in the .Southern Hemisphere, must he further increased hy linking up with this little known and inliiable territory. Not only uill the tourists and sportsmen Hock to Westland in ever increasing numbers.- hut its varied attractions offer a unique field lor investigation by the geologist, the botanist, and the naturalist.”

The above i.s an extract from a report written hy .Mr W. Collins. Secretary of the Department tf Industries and Commerce, describing a trip by that gentleman into South Westland. Mr Collins, a couple of years ago went over the Haast Pass into Otago, travelling right down Westland. His impressions as to the future of the South under a steady development .scheme were very definite, and above is reprinted .something of his conclusions. Reference has been made to the matter. previously, hut- the subject is of such great importance that it will he of service to keep the matter frequently in mind. In lonneetion with the quesion of development, there is a definite proposal mooted to link up the port of Jackson Bay with the settlement of Okuru, hy a road. This proposal has been on the tapis for a year, buf there is a fresh movement-

now to push the matter with more definiteness. The residents themselves arc invoke to the possibiltics atnl arc petitioning the Government on the ,subject. The help nml co-operation of the local bodies is being .sought, and Imth the Westland County Council and tlie Progress League bate advocated the commencement of the development scheme. The latter organisation is seeking the .support of the parent League, in C hristchureli, and Dr reiehelmann who has taken an inteie.-t in the matter iis a special advocate is again to place the project 'adore the executive of the League in Christchurch during his present visit there, (t is well that this converted action is being taken, for it displays that earnestness and enthusiasm, which is essential to will sins ess ultimately. If representatives <f the Canterbury League can he induced to visit iLe far south anti spy out the land, an influential advocate <d the eo.nplcte .scheme will he inevitable. No one visiting Jackson liny van be otherwise than impressed with the harbour facilities -o easily po-sible. As to the land ami timber available, there is a creat panorama of country to be viewed from the steamer's dork in Jackson Bay. It is practically maiden country, and its value may be gauged from the upper portion ot Westland, t>l which it is a real it a as regards general teatures and conditions. Next to a special Government Commission of investigation in regard to this important project. the proposed visit of a Canterbury delegation is the most important step which could be taken. It would have the blessing of the people here. A forward movement to open up an additional million acres ol country m Westland is (ertainly a great project, ami it is not surprising that a gentleman (, 1 Ah' f oliin- experience passing through the territory for the lust time, .should marvel that the locality has remained for so long, nojrleded. His advocacy that as true citizens the people should regaid the development ''l the South a.- a sacred duty, should be taken to heart, and nothing should be h'lt undone wlmh will help to lead up to the prospering conditions which will lollow Irom practical steps to develop, the Far South of Westland.