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Hokitika Guardian, 17 June 1931, Page 4

The pastoral qualities* of "Westland grazing country have been praised from time to time as destined to constitute a second Taranaki when brought into full profit and with closer settlement. Further confirmation of this prophecy is in evidence by the fac-t of the outstanding success of the Kokatahi Dairy Factory at the Winter Show at Palmerston North. The product from the local factory ranked very high indeed, tieing with another factory for the New Zealand championship, while Kokatahi also secured the South Island Championship, as well as four other first prizes, a second and a third. In American parlance, tins reads like “scooping the pool,” and the local factory is to he congratulated very heartily indeed on its .success. This, of course, is not the first notable achievement by the Factory, nor of other factories in the district. The Arnhuta Dairy Fctory has been to.the fore very prominently at other shows, while some of the Grey Valley factories from time to time take foremost places, and give practical confirmation of the all round capabilities p. the West Coast land for grass growing. In addition, we know, too, that in stock raising some of the best cattle and lambs produced at Addington, have lieen reared on Westland pastures, and unable to compare favourably with “prime Canterbury," which has a world reputation in overseas markets. Lately, we were able to congratulate several settlers on their success in the herd testing. Here again, Kokatahi was in the fore front, and Mr J. Monk bolds a very bandsome trophy this year for the good record of bis herd. Results such as these do not suggest despair in regard to the future of pastoral pursuits m

Wibstland. There was something in what Mr O’Brien said the other night in regard to more settlement- in Westland, despite what Governemnt experts say in a negative and discouraging way about land settlement up anil down the district. The success of the Kokatahi dairying comes # at an opportune time to give the Member for Westland a fresh text to extol Westland’s capabiii.ies o:i the floor of House, and to secure the creation of a policy to bring about more settlement. The fanners in the House know something of the merits of the Palmerston North Show, ami emphasising the Westland success, Mr O’Brien should have many ready hearers. It is an opportunity to further advertise the district’s capabilities in regard to the extension of pastoral pursuits which should not be lost. In this connection, let as once again congratulate Kokatahi district oil this timely material success, the advantage of which should be reflected throughout the district.