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Hokitika Guardian, 27 February 1926, Page 2

In Too midst- of the’ rejoicings at Kumara. while the past is lauded at its trim worth as wo hope it- will be. wc trust the future will not he neglected. Something can he said very appropriately of the future of the gold mining industry iu Kumara and along the Coast generally. The alluvial fields of the Coast played a great part in the national development of New Zealand, and there are those who think those times have not gone beyond recall. Something must be done in the way of prospecting. 1 hoc are the- days when we hear about research work in. various directions. Prospecting is llio class of research work repaired in the matter of gold-mining. There should be some Government policy on tbo matter. It lias been urged often enough, but always comes to nought. In a country, for which mining has done so much, the country can afford to do mere for mining. C!renter assistance must be proffered. 3 here should be a lead given as regards State prospecting. There was the, suggest! if this at flic late. Mining Conference at Panedin. The exo'lleni discussion which took place there might well bo followed up by practical action. 'J'be district of Kumara still presents propositions for attention, and if the Minister of Mines would detin>.‘ a new policy in regard to that matter bis visit and the jubilee of Kumara goldfield will not be inopportune.

,\t the l.ami Board sitting this week a Hlove was made in regard to a closer settlement scheme which i- ot public interest- as marking a desire on tlm part- of the authorities to afford facilities lor people to gcL on th.'.* land. Ihe proposal affects the Bohutu township reserve on the .south bank of the \\ afaroa river adjacent to the old ford crossing. There i- a reserve there of over 300 acres, but portion of it includes a wooded hillside. The flat land however, is considerable and the sug-

gestion as we gather it. is to (-lit the area uii into small boilings of 40 acres, and throw tint* land open to men with families of small means. 'I hero is a good deal ol labouring work in the district, and a family man on such an area eould make a beginning, and from bis homo established on the land, could farm the area, and gradually expand his operations. It is contemplated to make four such areas n- a beginning, where labouring men with families eould establish their homes, and while finding work in the di-triet. devole their spare time to improving their bolding.-. A good title will be offered. mid the opportunity should bo availed of. as providing the chance to establish a home under conditions which would make it a saleable proposition at any time. I lie Matnron is a good district- where there is scope for a closer settlement- movement. The Government is going to give a lead which may have very important developments for the district. The land of the district is known to lie ‘’sweet." ilie pastures turning out good stork and supplying dairy products, which possess a quality always holding them in favour in the- keenest competition. If Koluitu settlement contains land of quality similar to that spread over the AVataroa Fat, the occupiers of tho holdings to he offered, should have the opportunity of making good. The cxjxirimcnl, if such it may be called, in closer settlement will be watched with interest. Westland needs more people on the land as a means of providing a settled population. The mining industry and sawmilliug industry alike do not enjoy that permanency of occupation which land pursuits supply, and in South Westland there is so much excellent, land that it is a pity not to see it used to a greater extent, and doing so carrying a larger population. 'Hie steps how about to be taken is to be commended as one in the right direction, and deserves support and ultimate -success. It- is to he hoped it will exceed beyond, expectations.