The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, OCTOBER, 14, 1929. INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 October 1929, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, OCTOBER, 14, 1929. INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES.

From the information published in this issue it will he seen that various industrial enterprises are taking shape in the vicinity of Hokitika, all of which are destined to play an important part in the future prosperity of the district. Each enterprise means the employment of considerable labour; and the consequent increase in population, and all being on entirely new lines will mean greatly added features to the (production of the place. Since the passing of the gold-mining so far as the hands of alluvial diggers were concerned, sawmilling lias been the predominating medium, for employment and progress. In the late years settlement has gone ahead, and stock pro-

<1 action and dairy farming have assisted greatly to assure the wealth of the distri.-t and establish it on more permanent hues. Now comes further industrial expansion which wdl employ considerable labour, and establish centres of industry and pioduction which will be of great ass.stance to the general weal of the district. The

if ax-milling propositions being the most advanced, may he mentioned first, 'these are now in very definite shape. One at South Hokitika is in motion already, the preliminary drainage works to prepare the areas for flax production being in hand and advancing satisfactorily. 'J his enterprise is quite close to Hokitika, and in due course ail industrial township will be established, for it is expected considerable labour will be required to operate the proposals on the l.nes intended. In South Westland, north of the Wataroa river, a second flax-milling undertaking has now assumed the right proportions to venture the definite determination to begin operations shortly. The freehold areas necessary in this install e, were acquired some time ago, and it is understood the capital required is assured, and so another considerable enterprise will go forward, adding to the productive wealth of Westland. In regard to flax-milling, considerable progress of late years has been made in the treatment of the fibre and also its uses. Modern machinery and fresh methods are revolutionisJig the treatment of flax, and the purposes for which the prepared commodity may now be used, are widened also. . Very important industrial results might therefore follow the development of flax product on in this district o'U a large s ale, so that a very pioinis’ng vest'a opens up as to the general possibility of these latest industrial enterprises. 1 In regard to wood pulp production, mentioned specially in this issue, there is the promise of a very great industry of surpassing value to Westland, This territory has the greatest store of native woods in the Dominion, and if in addibon to their value for timber production, the waste product, and the small timber, as well as the less durable kinds which may be proved suitable for wood-pulping, an industry of definite value to the Dominion will he established. The proposals in that direction are now taking definite shape, and q local directorate will exercise practical control in the business of the Company, which has this important project in mind. It is not by any means a new undertaking. Wood-pulping lias been a subject for possible development diver a long term of years, hut the venture has never -reached the stage it has at present, whep there is a sincere and earnest usikfe hi the; interests of the future of Westland to push the industry forward: This will be a great enterprise if it can he achieved The local conditions in its favour are very evident. There is a suitale site; the promise of ample electrical power; a splendid water supply; and a rail connection with all the large sawmills whence so much waste product may be procured.' The attracting features of the proposal are so striking that they will commend themselves 1 to all who des’re to see Westland permanently prosperous, and no doubt a great deal to that end can be assured by the creation of industrial enterprises wherein more and more labour will he required, and so ensuring definitely the future affluence of the district.