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Hokitika Guardian, 15 May 1926, Page 2

The population figures for Westland arc so far .satisfactory as to indicate the district is holding its own. The three Boroughs within Westland show increases. The population of Hokitika increased by 173. Ross by 31 and Kumara hv 22, a total of 226. The County area lias dropped 12. bringing the net increase of the district to 211. These figures are not large, hilt they show the district is not going hack. Following a very disturbed period, it is reasonable to hope that the district will do hotter from now on. If a system of closer settlement could he carried out in some of the farming districts, there would be no question about increasing the population. "With land at a more reasonable price here new settlers would ho attracted if given the chance in tlie localities adjacent to markets. The improved roading of the district would help also: as would, likewise, fair consideration for the snwmilling industry in regard to restricted export and unrestricted import. The asset in the timber in this district is also sufficient to ensure population being maintained, >vhilc if I ho timber trade were operated with some regard for the development of the district and to ensure the best results enonomieally from the milling, a .great advance in flic industry in regard to employment would follow. As the staple industry of the district it behoves all to take an interest in the welfare and possible expansion of sawmilling. The industry is the chief source of employment, ami the volume Of wages paid counts greatly towards the general prosperity. It is of interest to all. small and large trades, to see the industry flourish to a greater extent, and the hotter the market, the more employment will he available. The extension of the timber industry combined with a movement to place more people on the land, would do much to increase the permanent population. and further help to establish the district ns a more important portion still of the Dominion. The fact that despite drawbacks of late the distinct has maintained its position in regard to population, gives every reason to hope for steady betterment in the future. Internal development should therefore he advocated with all interest and enthusiasm.

i The man for hour at Home during the industrial crisis as undoubtedly the Prime Minister (Air Baldwin). In the moment of victory lie is credited with a dignified speech. Me <iiid : "The , settlement, shows it victory for common sense. We must not look backwards hut forwards, and work in a spirit of co-operation, and leave all malice and vindictiveness behind.” The speech in the Commons showed his (innness to the end. Ifo said : ‘‘The strike lias ended without conditions l>eenuse I have insisted that no Government confronted with, such a menace would enter upon conditional negotiations, the undertaking of which would he treachery to Britain’s democratic constitution.” That was a concise summary of the position, and shows the strong man. for the position—using his strength solely for upholding law and order. His conciliating remarks in the Commons are best guaged by Mr Ramsay McDonald's comment. When the Prime Minister Rad completed his clear statement, the leader of the Labour Party simply said: ‘‘l accept the situation wholeheartedly. 1 do not tiropose to say anything further.” Surely it was a notable contribution to a tense dramatic closing. The spirit in which the settlement was reached is the host guarantee for the future, for on all sides there is the realisation of the failure of the strike welipon, and the need there is for common sense to reach a solution of a very complex question. The King has said with quiet definiteness that it is supremely important to confront the task remaining with the co-operation of all, and though a solution is difficult- it is not impossible. The magnitude of the taskcan lie faintly gauged at this distance, though the reading of the report of the Coal Commission finding gave an inkling. There is no rough and ready method, nor any short < ut. The subsidy wAs but a palliative which it was impossible to maintain, and recognising that, it was crass stupidity on the part of the Trade Congress to enforce a national strike to force a position, that even now with the most delirttte adjustment it will be difficult to settle. However, there is now a new spirit abroad. The end of the strike marked a realisation of circumstances which brought wisdom whore it was needed most, and for that there is something to he thankful. \\ Rh common sense victorious there is every reason to believe that in a less violent atmosphere of thought there will he some sweet reasonableness, and difficult though the problem is, a way will lx? found. The end of the strike should signal a new era Tor industrial Britain. If the strike has done nought else than open the eyes of the dupes of the i

futility of tli<? strike weapon, it will not have been in vain. If stability tan be assured for the industries, what a fillip will he given, for trading and commerce enjoying greater confidence, capital will bts more readily provided and that should be to the advantage of employment. The end of the strike shows tile good sense of ti e nation, for it is clear that the hacking the Government had was the deriding factor. Without wide.sprei.id help the Government would not have .maintained its supremacy. Mr Baldwin hats expressed thrtnks tor will'd, was done—and thilt rehdy help saved the nation Front the greatest of catastrophes. It is a consumation greatly to he thankful for, and will he appreciated to the full all round the Empire iir.lt where the English language is spoken.