The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 1928. WESTLAND’S FUTURE.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 January 1928, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 1928. WESTLAND’S FUTURE.

A contemporary delving into the distant past last week, recalled with much interest- some particulars of the pioneer newspapers of the Coast. The first newspaper published ill Westland was the “West Coast Times’’ (now incorporated in this pa|K?r) printed here on .May 3rd. 1805. In the. following year the “Evening Star” was produced also in Hokitika, and the “Star” is also incorporated in Lhe “Guardian.” The “Guardian” itself was published originally at lloss in 1866, ami after a period of .suspension, the plant was moved to Hokitika, and the paper published first in Tailored Street (adjoining Duncan and Coy’s). Then when the “Star - ’ was acf|uired, the premises in Revell Street (where .Mr Lawn's shop is now) were occupied. Following the big fire in that locality, the “Guardian” and “Star” was published next in lower Revolt Street-, trom what was formerly the llcchabite Hall, and sometime Salvation Army quarters. The next move was to the ‘‘West Coast Times” office in Weld Street, which remains the- present home of the “Guardian and Times.” with "hieli is incorporated the “Star” three newspapers 1865-66. Our purpose to-cfaT. however, is not to retrace all the early history hound up in the rise of the three newspapers now in one. hut rather to refer to a remark passed by the “Dispatch,” a Hokitika newspaper of the sixties, which, referring to- the anniversary of the- birthday of the “West Const Times” referred optimistically to the prospects of the district, and remarked : “It remains only for the people here to he true to themselves and to work heartily for the promotion oT the interests of the district, and "Westland will speedily become one of the leading colonial .settlements.” More than six decades have rolled by since those optimistic words were used. It would lie interesting if we could visualise local conditions in those days. The bush was everywhere. There were but few cleared spaces. Streets were in the making and footpaths almost unknown. Roads were practically non cst, and the inland parts were reached by tracking up the river beds. The main highway was the ocean beach, passing from river mouth to river mouth, and then forging inland where the diggings were being opened up. The open places were densely peopled in those days. Cornwall’s geography used to set the population of Hokitika down at 30,000 and one wonders where they were all lions- , ed. But the figures probably apply to Westland as a whole, and include the throngs of “the different rushes” where wonderful gold yields were being otstained. ft was a busy period, with

everything in the making, nltd much time required to jierfornt even short journeys. The changes in the sixty odd years have hern remarkable. The towns have been well laid out. and streets and footpaths provided. Hoads penetrate into the hack country, and the man hgliway stretching north and south, has outrivalled the sea beach route. There are still many of the pioneer elan, or their immediate descendants here, and it would appear the peo-

ple were not unmindful of the news-

paper advice given them nearly 62 years ago. They wore true to themselves and worked heartily for the promotion of the interests of the district. The same advice holds good to-day governing the immediate future .if Westland. The district is fortunately placed in many ways. It has an equable climate, and very healthy conditions are enjoyed. The district lias a natural resource, which it will take long yearn to exhaust. All tho time more and more of Westland is I icing brought into permanent occupation and profit. There are features about Westland which are unique. Denizens of the district have always loved the wonderful mountain panorama to he seen from Hokitika, and Mr Amery has told us what a precious possession it is. It can never fail to draw admiration. The golden treasure won from nature has not all been exhausted. Sooner or later, more of it will he revealed. The great forests of Westland will not be exhausted when other na-

tive timbers are gone. The second class lands of the district offer a field for fix growing and industrial development, the importance of which is not realised yet. More intensive farming must come with closer settlement. Increased flocks and herds are assured as the farmer gets closer to his task. The wonders of electricity have yet to

lie applied as a means to help local productivity. AVitli all these aids there must lie an ever increasing future of value to Westland. Fa.it-h and works will bring many hopes to pass and see the realisation of sometime dreams. The confidence and enterprise can carry the district faster and faster ahead. This year, for instance, is expected to see some notable co-operation the future will hold greater things contributing handsomely to the public, weal.