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Hokitika Guardian, 16 October 1929, Page 4

The Westland Progress League has taken up with a good show of spirit, the proposal to have the district well represented at the next Winter Show at Christchurch, and enter into competition with the Canterbury producing districts in regard to bay displays. This is a step in the right direction which we hope will be carried the full length, and assure the display. There is a very hopeful outlook at the present; regarding the prospects of the district, and it would be an opportune time. to take the tide at the flood, and make the most of the serving stream. The district has been isolated for so long that folk are slow to realise -just what might help to assist towards progress and prosperity. The people have lived so long within themseilves that there is not the desire to emulate, yet the district has resources which justify the fullest advertisement to attract interest and attention to the distent, and so draw population and ensure greater stability and permanency. The business mail who realises his duty to himself is not slow to advertise his wares, and he reaps his reward. The history of all the greatest business ventures is built upon advertising. There are many forms of ventilating knowledge and understanding about a. commodity or a district, and the one selected in this instance is competition at a large exhibition patronised by thousands of people, the bulk of whom are interested in produce and production. Week by week we see prime stock going to Canterbury and realising the top prices. The stock comes off Westland pastures and the stock sales are in themselves an advertisement. But the district has other resources worth blazing broadcast beyond stock raising. Farm and dairy produce here is good enough to put in open competition with the prime products of Canterbury, and if the Westland produce can be shown to emulate or equal the East Coast produce, the approach to prime quality here will add greatly to land values and vested interests. There will grow a demand for land and a desire for settlement, and that wlil result in an influx of population, the great need of the district to settle its long length of territory. The League is therefore going on right lines in the effort to stimulate the interest of the settlers in the pro.'e t of a district representation at Christchurch. Meetings are to be held in the country, commencing to-morrow night at Aralmra, and next week at j Kokatahi. The help and co-operation of the country districts are highly essential. and when the scope and direction of the oropn-n! is fully realised, we hope it will be supported practically by all parts of Westland.