FUTURE OF SOUTH WESTLAND

Hokitika Guardian, 5 February 1930, Page 3

FUTURE OF SOUTH WESTLAND

.VIJ MITER 131 PRE-SEI.)

POSSIBILITIES OF GREATER, PRODUCTION.

'I lie splendid weather experienced during Hit past, lew hays eonunned the lavourauio impression formed by the jVlinisivr oi .Mines,' the hou. \V. A. Vehcb, on his first trip to South Westland, which lie made about a year ago. On this occasion he penetrated lli'r'thor south, and he also \ isited the Fox olacier, seventeen miles beyond the Franz [Josef. Oil his return to Greyniouth, Mf Veitch told a representative that he" was greatly impressed ly the prospects of the southern district. “1 have not a shadow of doubt about the future of South Westland,he said. “We had excellent weather all the way, and I took advantage of the opportunity to go on the ice at the Fox Glacier. I had previously been on the Franz .Josef Glacier. I a.m very much impressed with the possibilities and potential wealth of South Westland. Some day in the not far-distant future it will carry a much larger population than at present.” ■’ . ’ The possibilities of the tourist traffic in tlie light of thn excellent accommodation already available at the Franz Mosef and Fox glaciers were Very Considerable; said the 1 Minister. The time had come when serious notice must he taken of the Scenic attractions of South Westland," which had been described by numbers ’ of tourists ‘with world-wide experience 1 as the- most beautiful in the world. An important feature in this direction was the. Varied quality of the scenery. The lakes, glaciers and bush set in the majestic mountain scenerv possessed by South Westland, gave it an advantage that was sure to prove attractive to large numbers of tourists in the future. The roads were beiner imoroved and a bridging of the worst rivers was in progress.

The timber industry, said Mr Veitch was destined to play an imoortant part in the development of South Westland. There were immense quantities of. valuable timber for which an immediate market could he found.

“I had the pleasure of meeting a number of deputations representing the primary producers in different marts of the district.” he added, “and I was very favourably impressed with the progressive character of the settlers and the great possibilities of production from the soil. I am sure there are very large areas of land in South Westland suitable for much more intensive cultivation than they have Had up to the present. As the population of the district increases, I believe we may look confidently for a rapid and general increase of primary nroduction in all phases. I have always had great confidence in South Westland, and this visit has certainly strengthened my confidence in its future. Apart from a business aspect of the trip, we found the people, as usualj .extremely kind and hospitable.” The Minister left by yesterday’s express for Cliristchurch, proceeding to Wellington that night.