GOLD-MINING REVIVAL

Hokitika Guardian, 7 February 1929, Page 2

GOLD-MINING REVIVAL

RICH TIMBER AREAS. BRIGHT PROSPECTS OF WEST COAST. WELLINGTON, February 5. That the West Coast of. the South Island is :entoriiig on an ora of renewed prosperity is the impression lionned by the Hon. W. A. Veitch, Minister of Labour and Mines, who has made a comprehensive tour oi that part of New Zealand. “What 1 liked most about the West Coast,” remarked the Minister, to a correspondent of the “Lyttelton Times” “is that there are several directions in which almost unlimited progress can be made. That fact, coupled with the optimism of the people, suggests that there is going to be a great revival 'off prosperity there within a reasonable time. I was shown timliet areas within reach of Okarito harbour where, according to Government figures, there are two thousand million feet of valuable timber. Coal deposits all over the Coast show great promise, though for the moment this industry is dull. It must, however, return to prosperity now that- the Dominion generally has got over its economic difficulties. “ There are a great many people who imagine that the West Coast has no attractions for tourists,” continued Mr Veitch, “but the scenery I saw, with good roads lending through it, cannot be surpassed in any part of New Zealand, possibly nowhere else in the world. PROSPECTING ENCOURAGED. “There is not much being done in gold mining at present, but 1 met people who believe there is a reviva' about to take place, and several very interesting and promising undertakings have been financed. I have, aftei consultation with the officers of my Department, decided to adopt a new method , for the encouragement of prospecting, of which a good deal is beim: done on. the West Coast. This improved system will, of course, apply throughout the Dominion.”

With well over a hundred deputations and many social functions, Mr Veitch carried away a good impression of West Coast hospitality.