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Hokitika Guardian, 1 June 1932, Page 4

The visit of the Minister of Mines to South Westland did not leave as hopeful a feeling as was the case in the north. The Minister had to face direct demands for money, and he had to repeat .what was said here that his department was without funds. Such is a most unfortunate, state- of affairs at a time when gold-mining is so much in evidence. It has to be borne m mind that the goldfields of the early days were, all accessible very easily. To locate now finds it ip necessary to go further afield, and it is in this direction that the Mines Department could aissist iogitimlxtely. The Minister’s'refuge was to appeal to the Unemployment Board for labour. But if that Board can find money for labour, sure'y it could do something practical for the Mines Department in the way of a money grant. Such money We are persuaded would be utilised to better advantage and with a hope of better value if the Mines Department could grant subsidies, I-t would then be. for the subsidised parties to do as much with the' money as -possible, and tlie net return to the country would be substantial. In this connection we have in blind the opening of a road to Gillespies Beach. If the Company concerned could be granted a subsidy of half the estimated cost, there would be a saving to the country of the other half, while the Company finding the balance would see that value wa-s given—probably by small contracts for working parties-. and the work would be done the quicker, and a large industry established in the locality which would employ much labour for years to- come. It is only by actions such as these that the unemployment trouble is to be overcome. Assist to establish industry and the money will be spent most usefully.