The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 1930. AND SETTLEMENT IN WESTLAND

Hokitika Guardian, 3 April 1930, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 1930. AND SETTLEMENT IN WESTLAND

At the ve.y cordial speech-making made at tue civic sendovf to Mr W. 1. Aloi-petli, ex-Commissioncr of Crown hands, on J uesdav, a note struck by :ur 1 . Cagney, the newly-appointed Commissioner was arresting, for it was very satisiactory to hear. Mr Cagney m merring to the good work of his predecessor under whom he had had mien good training, spoke not inappropriately of Mr Mo,peril's consideration for South Westland, and what had been done by that officer during his term to limber‘settlement in the ioeaL’.y. And uy way of a (pleasing climax Air Cagney spoke earnestly of following in Mr Morpeth’s footsteps in that respect. It was very cheering to hear the comment and the declaration, for there is plenty of scope l for action along the lines Mr Morpeth*initiated. Land settlement in Westland, strange to say has never come into its own. In the two or three isolated cases where land settlement was promoted, nie results have been satisfactory, and contented continue on thenholdings, regular and steady producers adding to the country’s wealth. There is surely room in Westland with all its area of Crown Lands for a more definite policy of land settlement. It ns not so long ago there was a clamour for the cutting up of the Poerua run for closer settlement, and also for the utilisation of La Fontaine swamp lands, These two areas are in the Inter-Wanganui district, but there are many other localities up and down Westland where settlement propositions might be put in hand, The country continues to spend huge sums on “relief” works, while land waiting to be brought into profit for permanent

production, remains isolated and neglected. Mr Morpeth advocated important roading schemes to open up land for settlement and to give assured access to various localities more or less remote. In the neglect of a land settlement one special shortcoming has I,oen the disability regarding access. Where established settlements are loaded at all adequately, there is not any /question about their progress, 'tney are prospering, and that fact should be an incentive to action in regard to other localities. The first cost of some of the undertakings may appear considerable, but the asset once provided, is of enduring value, and it is in that light the expenditure should be viewed. Reading, therefore could have a double-barrelled purpose at this juncture, first in opening desirable localities for permanent settlement, and second in providing remunerative work to the country, instead of mere “relief’’ work, which has .ut a transi.ory value for the immediate present. Results have , shown tnat the permanent future of Westland is hound up in the wealth to he won from the land. On that account there should be a concentration regarding “settlement and more settlement.” The mining era if not passing, is far irom what it was. The timber era is reaping the main crop, and in time will not he the industrial return it is. Rut there remains always the land, and seeing that the land of Westland is suitable for pastoral purposes, and gives handsome returns under proper treatment, land settlement should be in the forefront of ihe district development now and at all times. Tt was stood therefore to have Mr Caeney’s declaration and confession of faith as to his intentions to promote land settlement to the best of his ability and in that, good work he should have all possible public support.