Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 25 February 1928, Page 2

Tins following generation lias much to 'e thankful lor to those who went before The Coast is forging ahead. Alter all, sixty years is not a long time in which to create a place for a people. For the major part of that period the Coast was isolated and apart. It is barely some ten years ago since the Coast was linked’ up with tlic railway system ol the Dominion. During the last decade the exports liave grown steadily and they are continuing to increase, ’the example of the pioneers has not lieen lost upon those who have come after. The men of today are workers and producers. The Coast population is essentially that. It lias been described very often as the Cinderella of New Zealand, hut gradually the isolation lias been removed. and our trading intercourse la making us a more intimate member of the family. The Coast spirit was (and perhaps is) its greatest asset. The freedom of speech and life on the Coast created greater independence among its people and we had a population which was intensely human in its feelings and actions. Coasters liave been distingushed in tha respect since the early days.—further proof of the fine type of settler who came this way. As settlement has expanded, and as the early lure of the gold has dimmed, other avocations than mining have been finding favour, and industries of various kinds have grown up. The wealth of the Coast in natural treasure is still far from exhausted. In that respect it is still a veritable El Dorado. There is still stored up wealth waiting discovery. It is clear our mineral resources are not exhausted, and great value has still to be won from hidden places. The wealth of timber promises to endure when the other forests of New Zealand are exhausted. Now we can see the land is coming into profit. While not adapted to heavy cropping, it is ideal for pastoral pursuits and settlement in that

respect will reap rich harvests over ( many years. Nature, too, has endowed the Coast with a wealth of scenic glory. Solid stability has been given the South Island by the Southern Alps, and the mountain range is an intimate factor in our climate, and the source of supply for our rivers. It is outstanding in providing a panorama of striking scenic interest, while below the snow line we have the primal forest, and the lakes and rivers which each and all contribute to that gloat wealth of scenic attractions unexcelled elsewhere. The Coast has untold treasure in its splendid dressing by nature, and folk are coming from the ends of the world to enjoy the picture spread daily before us. There is no need to be despondent about the future of the 'Coast. On the contrary. there is every reason to holiovo more and more in its ultimate future. and U> realise what a splendid coping -stone will yet be placed to finish the work first attempted by tho curly explorers, carrier] out by the pioneers and now in the hands of future generations to carry to completion.

Thu Greymouth District Jubilee now in the public mind, is surely a prominent milestone in the Coast history. There was naturally a slow beginning in tho early history of Greymouth. In 1857 Canterbury explorers found their way to the -Maori settlement then known as .Mnwhern. In 1 Sl(> came the Nelson explorers, one of whom changed the name to Grey (niter the Governor Grey). Incidentally, the same explorer discovered coal up flic Grey river and not inappropriately tlie on '

was mimed after the tinder—Brunner. Suili was the beginning of Grey, and Greymouth as it came to be known at the mouth of the Grey river. Greymouth in close juxtaposition to Hokitika had much in common in the early days, but the northern town was fed at the outset more from the north. Hie sailing boats from Nelson finding their way that far. Hokitika drew thousands of its early population over the mountains from Canterbury, but both ilotii'islict! after the fashion oT mining towns in the making and became centres of population for all time. Greymouth is an important centre to-day. 'mo town lias carried on with the spirit of enterprise of its loiniders. and still lias a great future before. The people may well go on striving in the zenl ■Stevenson talks ol seeking greater and brighter things. They are there ahead and in the striving, from the labour will (omc the greater reward. The town has set. itself to celebrate •

jubilee in orthodox manner. A lengthy programme of events has been prepared and many stirring scenes will be enacted. not the least of historical interest being the reproduction of the incident in our earliest history when -iiiickny purchased the whole ol our beautiful Westland lor 121)0. Ihe rising generation might well take an interest in this episode which we trust will lie impressed on their minds lor its historical value. The celebrations extend over several days, and thousands will he attracted to Greymouth. which should wear a very busy aspect. It is well that such an event in tho history of the district should he recognised in such a striking manner. R shows that the people arc not lacking in enterprise lor such a programme could hardly be undertaken without great work, much ol which must needs he a labour of love. It shows, too, that the people of to-day wish to appreciate and memorialise those ol the early days who did so much to found the possibility for a great and import ant district. and whose work and worth too often go unsung. It is an occasion. too, to bring to the minds of the younger geiiernton something ol what their parents and grand-parents before them attempted so that there are the easier conditions of living available. The whole scheme has behind it tho desire to recognise the splendid work of the explorers and pioneers whom it should he a delight to honour, and whotu wo shall lie indebted to always tor liie precious possession passed on to ns who come alter, and which We must in due course pass on again, not unmindful ol its value, which it should be our duty to enhance, and make more valuable mid liselul still for prosperity.