The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 1928. DISTRICT ADVANCEMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 June 1928, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 1928. DISTRICT ADVANCEMENT.

I ll was a. source of very great satisfaction to he able to announce on Thursday that the flax development in the neighbourhood of Hokitika, was taking definite shape. The large undertaking which has been indicated, suggests an industry of considerable magnitude quite adjacent to tno town, and its inception must give the district generally a distinct fillip. An industry of this nature) suggests that what was regarded almost as a waste area, is to he turned into a. productive and profit yielding centre. The announcement therefore carries with it a good deal of hope that land of a somewhat similar class in other parts of the district is capable of like treatment and production, so that there appears to be the germ of a great industrial development in the undertaking. Such being tbe case, the event is of the highest importance., and indicates something in a- practical way of the latent possibilities of the district. Tho outlook becomes the more encouraging in this view, and we must feel that the step is pregnant with greater tilings for the advancement of • the place. The fact that the electric power now being developed in the district can reach the locality of the new ture, suggests the greater possibilities of the flax undertaking, for the power line must pass other like areas which are capable of special adaptation for flax growing. Same little time ago and the enterprise would not have tho significance it now has. The market for the native treated (lax was restricted, and there was serious competition with the product of other countries, lint modern invention under the guidance of science is making many things possible with flax and its uses in manifold directions.. It is the residt of this • useful research work which is giving special emphasis to the 'new ‘proposal in our midst, for there is the evident assurance of greater things to come to pass. Groves Swamp, the locality of the new industrial development, is a considerable area of over 2000 acres, abutting the Hokitika river Itctwcen Koiterangi and Seddon’s Terrace country. It is part of the former Harbour Board Endowment Beservo, acquired by Butler Bros. Ltd. It is tapped directly by the sawmill tramway of the firm mentioned, and so direct access for easy transport is assured. The electric power line is destined to run through the Kokatalli Valley and across to Koiterangi, and from there would be taken across the Hokitika river to Groves Swamp. Mont’s .Rivulet, a wellknown stream, runs through Grove’s Swamp and is bridged at the end of the Seddon’s Terrace track lieyond Schroder’s Anil, before the stream joins up with the Hokitika river. Although the swamp area may he little known, it is thus of very easy access from various points, but being in tho back country remote from main roads, it is not as well known as i.t might be. The fact that this great enterprisers to he centred so close in our midst will turn more attention to district lands for similar purposes. In the North Island high prices are being paid for land considered suitable for flax growing. Land values in this quarter fortunately never ranged as high ns they liavo up nortth, and our people are the better off at the lesser values. Lower values ranging here should attract others interested in the same industry. As a matter of fact, there is n move in the Kokntnhi district already for the acquirement of areas considered suitable, while in South Westland there are three flax-milling propositions under way, one. of them at least taking very definite shape. The industrial value of these developments will be very considerabe and must be of great assistance in promoting tbe general well being of the community. Afore labour will be required, which means an increased population with a considerable earning power. These are requirementts much needed to account for the general prosperity, and the advent of the changing conditions is to be welcomed. The firm of Butler Bros

Ltd. is to he congratulated on being instrumental in bringing this enterprise to possible fruition. The firm lias been responsible for great industrial development in the district, and if their enterprise is being well rewarded the benefit has been well-earned. Their foresight has been justified, ns also has been their courage in entering upon so great an undertaking at the outset. The district is now to share in the general results from a prospering industrial undertaking.