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Hokitika Guardian, 17 November 1928, Page 4

The forward movement indicated yesterday in regard to the development ot the flax industry at Groves Swamp, near Hokitika, will he pleasing news to the community. The establishment of an important industrial undertaking so close to the town where it is expected upward of two hundred hands will ho employed eventually,- suggests that a very important development for the benefit of the district is assured. The area of territory to he operated on is a. very extensive one, and is considered highly suitable for the purpose. Some extensive drainage works are said to he required in the first instance with the intention of increasing the available area for reproduction. A large milling plant of the latest design is to be installed and the latest methods of preparing the fibre- for utility purposes will be included in the plant. 'The pleasing feature of tbe scheme is the utilisation of what in the ordinary course might he regarded as one of the waste places of Westland. There arc many swamp areas up and down the Coast, and if they can he utilised to economic advantage on a large scale, then we may expect an extension of the general scheme of operations. In other parts of the district, similar projects are on the tapis, so that the industrial possibilities with regard to the venture are very great. The district lias been lacking in its varieties of industrial occupations. The singular character of sawmilling meant that the principal avenue of occupation was affected by the market, and the rise and fall had its effect on the general prosperity. With a. second string for a large employing industry the advantages as regards employment will he doubled and give "renter stability for remunerative labour in the district. The development of the industry is therefore to be, welcomed from every point of view.