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Hokitika Guardian, 2 June 1927, Page 2

The opening of a fine commodious new hall at Mntninui to-night, is further evidence of the all-round prosperity of the southern district. The new building bespeaks the enterprise and confidence of the people of the Wataroa district in the future of the place. When it is mentioned that the people of the Harihari district are acting similarly, and also erecting a now hall much larger than the former building, there is again further evidence of widespread progress. The two districts specially referred to here are centres which have grown up in a few years since closer settlement was commenced, llotli districts are notable for the stock and produce produced. Each wears a general air of prosperity in the fine range of homestead buildings the settlers have erected for themselves. The reading of the two districts has been liberal, and perhaps to that fact may be attributed the general advancement of both places. Each centre has its dairy factory, but probably the time is not far distant, when, in keeping with the times generally all through New Zealand, the settlers will drop into a centralisation movement, and so assure one factory doing what three or four factories now have, to do. This is a progressive development which must come to pass as soon as local prejudices give place to a wiser conduct of business. The facilities for such an amalgamation of productive effort are available, and lines should be formulated before it is too late to bring about a change which will be in the best interests of the settlers as a whole. The present time is opportune for the three southern factories to combine in such a movement, and which is possible now on financial lines which would be satisfactory to those mainly concerned. However, that is all another story. For the present the special enterprise of the settlers in seeing that the amenities of the district are not neglected, is to be commended. It if a very healthy sign of the times, bespeaking confidence in their district

and its future, and at the same time supplying something which will ho of value of the people as a whole in deriving a little more pleasure out of life. To those who lead the life of the steady grind the settler in the back-blocks, the opportunity for pleasurable recreation from time to time will be welcomed and very much appreciated.