LOCAL SUPPORT.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 January 1928, Page 1

LOCAL SUPPORT.

(To the Editor.) s;ic In your able leader under the beading “Dairying Interests” T noticed your well merited rebuke condemning the public of Hokitika tor its lack of support and encouragement to a local and enterprising industry. It is most regrettable to find such a state of affairs existing in a town like Hokitika, for it can ill afford to show such scant attention to any industry, much less that of dairying. Hokitika at least can, and should proudly boast of possessing one of the latest and most modern Dairy Factories in the Dominion. and. as you say. Sir. ‘‘its appearance adds much importance to the town and county.”

Now Sir. as one of tlm public, lei me submit some facts concerning the consumers and “Local Support.” I. and in common with quite a numlier of my friends, deal in turn with every storekeeper in town. Obviously we support local industry, but we are unable, with but the exception of one store, to obtain the local. Westland, butter. Although it is repeatedly asked for, and my friends relate the same story, the order man informs us his store doesn’t stock it. When pressed for a reason, he merely remarks, “We don’t stock it.” In my opinion the public is not to lx> saddled with this disgraceful disclosure of not supporting local enterprise, but the trouble lies entirely with the merchants and storekeepers themselves, but if this is the only reward our business people can tender to new industries and developments in our town, then the sooner we commence to show our displeasure, the sooner will Hokitika awake from its apparent lethargy and stagnation. Is there any wonder our boys and girls have to leave the town for fields anew to earn their living? Are we deserving? What are we giving in return, meriting the estahishment of industries in our midst. I am etc., DISGUSTED,