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Hokitika Guardian, 21 November 1931, Page 4

There is a very striking paragraph in Mr Greenslade’s address to the residents of Far South Westland (appearing in this issue) which is pregnant with possibilities if the suggestion therein is given effect. We reu-r to the reference of gold-mining and the declaration that the candidate favours sending out an exploratory geological party into the little known parts of Westland to locate mineral deposits. This branch of research suggests itself as being of value to Westland, and particularly the southern district, which is believed to be highly mineralised. The survey parties in the early days had some small knowledge of the southern mineralogy, but the territory had never been traversed from the geological point of view. Here, then, is a maiden field for exploration, and Mr Greenslade is to be commended for. bringing the suggestion forward. The point is made, also, by the candidate for the Westland seat, that there is so much country in the south, still in the hands of the Crr .vn. There is thus a large area of Ci ovu estate which would he benefitted by the exploration suggested, and the Government expenditure in the first inst-nce would be for the benefit of its own lands. At the time of the Christchurch exhibition about 25 years ago, the then Commissioner

of Lands, the late Mr G. J. Roberts, who was in charge of the Westland Court, was able from hjs own knowledge of explorations in the south, to indicate something of the variety of the mineral deposits, but his useful information was not followed up because more prosperous times were enjoyed, and work was plentiful. The position to-day is changed. Men are anxious to go into the back country if .encouraged and assisted, but the layman requires tO' be led to a great ex.tent by the scientist. For that reason more should be known about the geology of the south, and a reeonnaisance survey to that end would be of great advantage, in drawing attention to the located deposits and in encouraging public enterprise to take up the development of those deposits considered worth while. New Zealand is doing an amount of research work in other directions, mainly for the development of industry in the centres, but here is a prospect to open new country and establish mineral developments on a considerable scale for the employment of labour as well as setting a maiden area of territory waiting for population. Whoever is returned for tbe Westland seat we hope Mr Greensbule’s excellent prowill not be lost sight of.;