The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, AUGUST 19, 1929. FAITH IN THE FUTURE.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 August 1929, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, AUGUST 19, 1929. FAITH IN THE FUTURE.

Very rightly a good deal of p.easure and gra..i neat ion is being expressed at the enterpnisng proposals of the Rimu bold Dredging Coy. combined with the lvanieri Electric Coy. entering on such a large undertaking as was outlined in our previous issue. The action is indicuttive of an abiding faith in the future which has .been continued of

course by careful prospecting results in advance. The point to be made, however, is that if companies situated so remote as they are from the district, have such ample faith in the prospects, it were we 1 that residents and business people general.y should be equally confident in the assured future of Westland. And apart even from the splendid example of the American mining investors in the future of Westland, there are nmole reasons for equal faith locally. The substance of things hoped for in regard to progress and prosperity are impossible because of the natural resources of the district. We saw last week, the expression of faith in the possibilities to result from a harbour at Okarito, just as we saw a short time previously of great settlement possibilities if the Jackson Bay district were roaded and served with an all the

year round port. In those two instances alone there are all the elements tor very material progress in Westland, if the developments suggested and so strongly urged, are taicen in hand. Recent reference was made also as to the great improvements foreshadowed in regard to roading and bridging in South Westland. These works and the creation of an arterial highway not menaced by lloods, must do a great deal to help progress. And while all these advantages are centred in the southern district, let us not be unmindful of what the northern district holds in regard to the future if its resources are developed. The mining venture so close to Hokitika which has an assured life of 20 years, is but one of other similar mining ventures possible in the northern area. The produce from the land in this upper part of Westland, is also capable of greater volume under proper treatment, as also with an infusion of new settlers if the Government could be induced to apply their land for settlement policy ;o this district. And well they might, fjr the average value of land in Westland is notably lower than in other parts of the Dominion where land is being acquired for settlement. These facts should engender the fullest faith in the future, and shoud be an incentive to press for some consideration for Westland. Another industry which this, district could support admirably is wood ,pulp. The largest reserve forests of the Dominion are in Westland, and on this West Coast private enterprise has plumbed the position and can produce a satisfactory scheme on which the industry can be founded. This, of 'course', would be of immense value not only to the district, hut also to New Zen.and as a whole, and the sooner the negotiations in the matter are brought to a head the bettor, In other directions private oapital is developing the flax industry in such a way that it will become shortly an important factor in local progress. All tnese matters are evidence of the potentialities of the district, and warrant tile fu lest fai-h in the future of the place. There need be no pessimism about the immediate future of Westland, for the na.unil assets of the country are such that with the encouragement of enterprise, capital will be introduced and great strides made for the all-round advancement of the town and district.