The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, MAY 18, 1929. A PLEASING OUTLOOK.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 May 1929, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, MAY 18, 1929. A PLEASING OUTLOOK.

Tiiehk is a very pleasing outiook tor the town and district in the present course of events, and brighter and busier times may he looked for as a result of happenings within the district. Westland has proved always to he very self-contained, and has been able over a long term of years to paddle its own canoe in a very satisfactory manner. Relying on its own resources, and possessing a selfreliant, thrifty people, tile town for its size proves to he one of the wealthiest in the Dominion, judged by the money at deposit in the local hanks This solid position is' reflected in the smooth-running of business, and the general satisfaction with which trading is conducted. The local bodies of late are also nourishing in better

financial circumstances, though at the same time carrying on a well-sustain-ed works expenditure. Settlement has had good seasons cf late, and those engaged iji pastoral pursuits, whether dairying or stock-raising, have had increased incomes due to - better prices and demand for buttter, wool, and stock generally. The milling industry has been the ieast prosperous in financial results, but the turnover has been well maintained, and the labour employed and the value of the commodity produced has been above the average. The improved loading and better access with .more bridges, are bringing more' people co our midst. The fa’ct that for the first three months of the year, over 500 cars came through the Arthur’s Pass tunnel, means that at least 2000 extra people visited the district in that period." But that was only one portal—the traffic •ia Nelson with cars was probably is great, doubling the number of extra visitors. While on top of that there were the thousands who- travelled into Westland by rail. The district is becoming a notable tourist centre and as access and accommodation are improved tbe value of the traffic will grow materially. This particular kind of triune is going to assist to develop South Westland very noticeably, and that locality is a great feeder to the town. Just at the moment there are several enterprises on the tapis, the "development of which will mean growing prosperity to this centre. The raising of ilax on Groves Swamp is being financed by Australian money which should reap a rich reward from he enterprise This venture will soon be moving in earnest and will mean a now township within easy reach of Hokitika. The mining enterprise south of Okarito is taking shape. There arc gangs of men at work improving tracks and transporting plant, while others are building a pipe line from Lake \lpino fo supply power for the dredging. There'is another pron ising flax enterprise at Watnroa, where Canterbury capital should be profitably invested. South of the ’Watnroa there are options on land running info thousands of pounds, likely to be exorcised shortly, and a new industry will .ensue. Nearer home, -the time is perhaps not far distant when another dredge must appear on Ttitnu Flat to work the very rich, deep ground the present dredge has to leave for the time being. There are other mining enterprises in the northern district, where also the developing power scheme will he . a special aid to industry. That power will soon be serving the various settled districts north of flic Hokitika river, and must be of material purpose in assisting L'cnl prosperity. All tho«o aids and enterprises will help Hokitika, whore nlrendv dwelling houses are son roe for new arrivals, and n inifd building lin»m must soon set in. Afore shoos will be rormired and that demand is fo be supplied also indenting n r f '‘' 1 ' 1 - inocs fo mool (he pleasing ouflo'k which is ahead of flm town.

What has just been written as to the immediate future of Hokitika and district! should be an incentive to the

. copic to become interested in tim welfare of the plate and by all possible means licit) it ahead. With a ../Kid liar such as prevails here, .shipping should bo established, but the imtiati.e must cvino fr m the people themselves, 'they must be prepared u> lie!) hnaiieia.ly. 'I In re is ample -uitw. rtl freight, and by loyalty on

.lie part or importers, considerable in.varti freight l-liouki iie availalile were a none ~r i,oats running direct to Mokioi.:a. i iiere is the opportunity for a rery payable proposition operaletl on right ones, ai.tl so great an opening lioiild not be- ios.. the town should

prepare to improve i.sclf for the ■ .rigluer times ahead. .Streets and .o.tpaUis are in neul of miicli atteiitii.n, and there is a rr.sponsibili.y on • lie lot al Council to face the position, Hitt d > what is necessary in this mater. Equally so with the lo al body esjmn.siblo largely f.r the destiny of

he co..ntrv district. It, too, has ;i r -

;-pon.sibility in attending to the needs of the settlers, and seeing that the •primary work in regard to roads and nidges l a., the ei r-ost a t-ntion. The wants of the district should be review'd and pressed for with a united fr lit. Yesterday, reference was made to matters affecting Government control notably in regard to railway extension road works and the development cf tourist traffic. There is scope here for much spade work in forwarding proposals leading up to an acceptance of the responsibilities by the -o.eminent. That can best be done ‘iV the cl.se, personal touch, and as soon as the people through their representations- arc agreed upon as to what they want, then there should be mn ac.ive and sustained effort to

.chieve the desired goal. When it is e.alicd what \\estland has done during the past sixty years or so, tiie wealth produced and the development established, and recall too, that so small a part of the whole has been drought int> profit, then it must be realised that the fuller development of Westland, and the lin. ing up of .ill parts with the comm- n centre at Hokitika, will lift the district ahead tremendously, ’more than doubling the population and assuring a great .stretch of settled country indefinitely. The on.l ok for the district bong so pensnntly promising there is o occasion for rapining, but the healthy, cheerful spirit which has invariably marked the demeanour of .the people might well be prominent, to-

etlier with Hie firm resolve of each to do his or her part in any and all effort to assist in lifting the town and district ahead, and so hasten the better times now looming ahead.