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Hokitika Guardian, 7 November 1929, Page 4

It was plea ing to note that the County Chairman (Mr B. Ward) in his review oF southern prospects, Following . .s late trip into the district, returned with su h a pleasant conviction as to the future of the district. Mr Ward real ses what goal roads arc doing For the district, and is anxious to see the main Fowler pushed further south. Between Cooks and Maintain, if not Puri nan rivers, there is a long st retch of tint .country, very much out of the picture of Westland’s general, progress, because of the lack ol communication equal to the northern territory. The experience of the south generally was very much the same before the roads reached their present standard, and bridges spanned the rivers As the road was improved and the rivers bridged, the south began to come into its own. That has been the experience as section by section the did u 1 Let became better served with roads. A similar experience awaits the Knrangarua-Bruee Bay-Mailitalii area when first-class roading is provided. At present a rough road carrying but few vehicles and rougher river beds, preclude speedy or even comfortable transport. The fords are always more or loss precarious, and are not inviting to strangers, and the general intercourse that has grown up in other parts, does not eventuate further south. But as The access is improved that inter-communication will come and the localities will grow in opulence. Cooks Flat was very iso*:'ted till recently, but with the improved roads and the dangerous crossings bridged, many hundreds of people will travel the route, and traffic creates prosperity. Mr Ward spoke of the hopefulness of the settlers themselves further sout.li as they realise the import of the new road connection, and it is to be hoped that the promises and prospects will he fulfilled. The southern district is an assured feeder to northern W estland, because this is the outlet, and all development further south is reflected here more or less. With the interest now being centred in the south it-is certain industries will be developed there There is a move now of a definite nature with regard to flaxmilling. The great forests of the south must in time be tapped for the needs ox New Zealand as a whole. Meantime settlement is progressing. More land is being brought into profit. With the increasing flocks and herds the wealth of the district is growing, and there is a buoyant feeling among the settlers,' for where access is good there are thriving communities. And the possibility of mineral finds of value is always on the tapis, because Westland is so largely impregnated with so mnnv kinds of minerals. The better roading of the southern district is therefore a matter of outstanding importance and it is well to have the County Chairman’s assurance that the centre.“ng authority is alive- to the full interests of the clistri t and will help towards its natural destiny.