“ THE COAST."

Hokitika Guardian, 20 January 1927, Page 4

“ THE COAST."

(Lyttelton Tiiiu-.fl. The Westland County Council has celebrated its jubiho. and tin 1 event inevitably leads on to recall the prominent part which the Wesl Coast and the people ol the Coast, have played in in the affairs of the 'Dominion. After the decline of the mining industry, Westland had to waif a long time for the mole permanent forms of industry and production. But the development of vast timber resources and magnificent eoal deposits, and eventually the establishment of pastoral industries, have given that part of the Dominion more abiding assets, and more alluring possibilities of wealth than ever were realised in the palmiest days of the Golden Wst. Apart from Mr R. J. Sodden. one of the outstanding figures in our political history, the West Coast has sent into public life many men of vigorous personality and proved ability. It has provided a Speaker for the House of Representatives and one for the Legislative Council. and both, were interesting and aide men. Those who claim the West Coast as their birthplace are to he found occupying prominent positions in all parts of the world. The West Coaster himself is warm-hearted, generous to a fault, renowned for his elaunislmess. and honestlv proud of the distinction of having spent his years in what he considers the most highly-favoured pari of the Dominion. There he still possesses the finest standing timber remaining in New Zealand, and now enjoys direct commimiratinti by rail with the on rent province. The scenery of the West Coast is far-famed. The grandeur of the lowering mountains the glistening ice of the glaciers, the noisy streams fresh-released from the wooded valleys, and the fairy-lands of Lukes lauthe. Maliiniipua and Kanicri are unequalled in Xow Zealand, and it would not be too much to say not surpassed in any part of the world. In these days of easy communication "ith th<? West- Coast, some surprise is felt that the people of Canterbury do not take greater advantage of holidays spent in this land oT scenic beauties. The people of lire Coast are famed for their hospitality, and wherever else British stock may fail ill virility, we can look with confidence to that part of (he Dominion to cherish the spirit and traditions of the pioneers and to maintain the host physique that Britain knows.