OKURU NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 January 1926, Page 1

OKURU NEWS.

(From a Correspondent)

A public picnic and juvenile sports were hold on the 2nd inst., at the School Reserve. A dance followed, ending a complete day of pleasure for young and old. Mr tins lleveldt again undertook tlie organisation and work of preparation. Mr P. Nolan undertook the duties of M.C.. and Mr John Cowan was “in charge” of the onc-man-orchcslra. Refreshments as usual wore supplied by the ladies. Picnic parties also prompted bv the delightful weather visited some ol the favourable spots on the 3rd. The llapuka. as usual secured lbn largest quota of visitors. This creek is without- doubt one of the most beautiful of the South creeks. It is situated a little south of tlie Turnbull ami ()kuru Rivers, all three entering the sea. in the same channel. It is a deep tidal creek carrying away the water from the large swamp area between tho Turnbull and Waitolo Rivers and is navigable for several miles inland. Heavy forests grow on the banks, their large branches over-spreading the (•reek, causing a magnificent reflection in Ilia water.

This creek besides being a favourable tourist and picnic spot will in time to come become a, railing channel for timber. Millalile white pinerimu, rata, mini, totara and silici pine are plentiful, a portion of which was recently purchased by a Dreymouth linn of sawmiilers, while Lite balance is Crown lands and could piobably be secured [or the same purpose. The ketch "RKio” arrived in purl, on tho (ith inst. with a. general cargo, leaving, the following day with a cargo of butter and wool. Several parties of tourists have recently passed from east to west via tlie .H.aast Bass. Mr John Nolan lias left the district. It is understood he makes for Queensland. Airs Al. Patrick, Tclaho, Aliss Donovan, Okaritn, Aliss K. Condon. Mahaitalii, Air O’Neil. Tetalm and Air W. Condon. Alahaitaiii are spending, a D-.a days here prior to resuming their trip lo the exhibition via Hanst Bass.. Mr Donovan tho, well known Wniiio grazier L in Ihe dis'ricf purchasing cattle.

.Mr Kim James and Mr Geo. Harris leave shortly for Alakarora. Otago via Ifaast I’ass and intend to stalk demon the Will’s Valley linn, a large tract of good grazing country lor sheep on the north-cast, ol the. liaasi I ass Hack and as yet little known of owing to rugged access. \fr T. Duggan will commence . shortly to cart timber for bis new homestead at Stout's Creek, Oiuiru. 'The sowing of the Into turnip crops is now in full swing throughout the district. Air James Inis recently sown three acres of chou-nioellicr which is believed to he the first ol this crop to be sown in South Westland, possibly i u Westland. Air A. Cowan intends to [jut iu a crop ol artichokes lor winter pig feed, believed to lie first iu the South also.

A dance was held on Dili Inst at the Public. Hall and a large number congregated and a very pleasant evening was passed until daybreak the following morning. -Air A. Cowan was Al.( . and proved very efficient. Progressive residents are interestingly awaiting the outcome of the official report which is hoped will launch H ll ’ opening up ot the natural liarboui ol Jackson’s Hay. This accomplished, the writer forsoes rapid progress: (I ) tapping many thousands ol acres ol flat postural and dairying country, (2) a still larger area of good millabio timber, (3) coal ill quantity and excellent in quality, (!) large tracts of mineral bearing country, as yet little known, including chrome iron deposits, marble, asbestos, and copper and most probably coarse gold, (5) a good all-tlie-Vear round fish canning centre, (6) an outlet for the extensive areas of miUnhlo flax and (7) the opening up of a luvourite tourist route. Lake Manuka. Otago to Jackson’s Bay. Long enough has tliis portion of 'Westland been allowed to remain undeveloped. Already bonnfi.de settlers, sawmillers and others forsee development and are reinforcing their interest by repeated enquiries. Wc hope far-seeing people are not side tracked by pessimistic remarks delivered at every turn from some ol our large landowners who lear new population coming into the distiiot, fearin' 1, compulsory sub-division ''.HI follow of the large areas of excellent dairving and pastoral country wlucii they hold in excess of the lawful areas allowed. This curse has been prominent in the progressive history ot Westland and is the mam factor of the stagnant position of some ot our

good districts. Northern folk would hardly believe or realise that some large land holders in South West and are holding areas equivalent, to the whole of the countis from Greymouth to Ross or Waitnha from the sea beach to the mam lunge and country too of a iur e ” nature for general settlement. Aoj> son need be told it is im W ble ttnv individual to ■oA such large areas to Ins own adiantag or to the advantage of the State. This undoubtedly is the one curse Westland has to face and rented* if we want progress, population, development and continual prosperity Fven in its present undeveloped state it i* an excellent field for our steady ambitions young men .to Joey xo if they wish to grow and prosper ! the times and development of then at present stagnant district. -The material is here. it. now requires .he best of our organising ability an l leadership to ensure successful ana sound development.