The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, MAY 28, 1928. DISTRICT PROGRESS.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 May 1928, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, MAY 28, 1928. DISTRICT PROGRESS.

The Winter Show to be held at Kokatalii this week will be typical of the produce of the Kokatahi-Koiterangi district. Taking a lino from previous displays, and understanding that the total of entries is well up to the sum of tho entries on tho previous occasions, we may be sure that the display will be in every way creditable to the district. Here, a word of praise might bo expressed to> tho enthusiasm and enterprise of the settlors so well sustained, that year after year, the winter show has become a feature of the annual round of events, and is looked forward to with interest and prepared for with zest by the settlors generally. The outside public likewise have become interested in the annual fixture, and the sustained patronage from, all quarters of Westland, and even further afield, must be very encouraging to those conducting the show to continue with their praiseworthy efforts. A show of the character which is conducted so successfully at Kokatahi, must be a considerable asset to the district, not only in inducing more and more production, but also tending to improve the quality <>t the commodities. Competitive exhibitions have that effect naturally, and the Kokatahi-Koiterangi district can Iso no exception to the general rule. The locality referred to is a very promising settlement and the settlers generally must, be coming into their own. For a very long period now the pastures of the district have been producing stock, while of late years dairying has become the staple industry. The financial returns from pastoral pursuits must be considerable. This is evidenced too by land values, 'which though not unduly high, are well stabilised, and no farms are being abandoned. The land is of very fair average and value, and when given the requisite attention, does not fail to respond. Evidence of the quality of the produce will lie forthcoming at the show, and visitors will perhaps marvel that more is not done in the way of bringing larger areas in the district into fuller profit. There are many areas which remain fallow unduly long, while more might be done with the swamp lands. Now that flax growing gives such promise ot financial returns, with a crop not likely to deteriorate under adverse seasonal conditions, some attention might be devoted to the production of flax on the lands too wet for heavy grassing or like pastures. There is no doubt there are qualities in reserve in the district referred to, in regard to the utilisation of the land, which are capable of pro. ducing more and adding greatly to the progress of tho locality. The areas referred to allowed to remain fallow or to harbour gorse or other noxious growth, might well be. cleaned up, and if treated with the fertiliser so readily at hand, at Camel back, would do much to add to that material ’progress which is there if sought for as suggested. The district is particularly well loaded and served with good access. It still has some wealth to yield by the milling of the standing timber, but there is assured and permanent wealth in the land if handled properly. From time to time experts who pass this way tell us of the promising prospects Of the Kokatahi-Koi-terangi district, if under more intensive cultivation and occupation, and this advise and opinion, of the district has probably been responsible for new settlers taking up or acquiring farms in the valley referred to. The presence of new blood is to be welcomed, for the newcomers will bring ideas from other parts, and in farming as everything else, modern methods are supplanting the old ways of doing things. But with the resources of the district under fair treatment, it cannot be otherwise than progressive and prosperous, and this week’s show, as we have remarked, will bo typical of what can be done as regards production and advancement.