“GOLDEN WEST.”

Hokitika Guardian, 18 September 1928, Page 4

“GOLDEN WEST.”

G HEAT CELEBRATIONS. WEST AUSTRALIAN CENTENARY PERTH, September 0. Tlio soaking rains—too soaking said metropolitan folks—of tile last lew weeks almost all over the .State have practically assured that Western Australia will have a splendid harvest. It is almost certain, too, that the harvest will be ai record, for, elated with the success of last season—it was the iState’s .greatest year—wlieutgrowers have greatly increased their acreage.

If tho harvest proves a. record it will ho a line present for tho State’s centenary year, 1929, when great celebrations will bo held. Next year is to lie a wonderful landmark in tlio progress of this young and optimistic member of the Australian federation.

Inspired by a remarkable optimism and local patriotism that is found nowhere else in Australia, tho West Australians are groat barrackers for themselves and their State, and this happy condition of mind is really tho first step towards prosperity and success. For instance ,it has led the Government into ambitious schemes of land settlement, which, whilst they have not proven themselves yet, seem to hr a sound investment. Immigrants, at tracted by tho healthy outlook of the West Australians .have desired to fettle here rather than in one of the Eastern States. Wheat-farmers squtters, dairy-farmers, orehanlists, vignerons; alt manner of primary producers have forgotten their customary caution arid have gone boldly ahead. It is a dangerous proceeding, say the critics, bint the seasons have been exceptionally good, and n catastrophe hasn’t oocurred yet. And 1929—centenary year—is going to sec the exportation of the State’s greatest wheat harvest.

But there is always a fly in the ointment. Observers are now telling us that, due to world over-production, the price of wheat will fall, and while the harvest will be a record in quantity it will not yield a. record return to the farmer. Indeed, they moan, it mav result in a loss to the farmers.

Next year should prove very interesting, and slrould greatly advertise the State. A permanent committee is in charge of the celebrations, which will last throughout the year. West Australians residing in other States and others will be invited to join in tho trek “Back 1o tho Golden West,” and prominent citizens of other States will he the guests of the Government. In-ter-State organisations will be asked to hold their annual conference during tlio year in tho State and to join in tho revelry.

One of the most spectacular features will he an aeroplane race across Australia, to finish at the Maylands aerodrome. Tho proposal is now almost definitely fixed, and it is presumed that a big worth-while prize will be offered Probably the race will begn at Sydney, and it is thought that overseaaviators' as .well as Australian will enter the event.

All this should greatly advertise the State.

In 1929, too, the Perth-A'delaide aerial service, to he subsidised heavily by the Federal Government, will begin. The machines are now in order. Reverting to the weather that has treated tho State so liberally: Perth and Fremantle and subunbs have been deluged and drembod with rain. Great winds have lifted roofs ‘ flattened fences, tore out trees, swept telegraph lines info tangle of wires. Ships stood out at seal rather than approach the stormy coast. In the country the wind was disregarded and the rain was cheered; in the city everyone was wet and disguisted .with so much meteorological fury.