The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1933 IMPROVING TIMES.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 October 1933, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1933 IMPROVING TIMES.

I here appears to be a ready answer to the oft-repeated inquiry: “Are the times improving.” Looking around there is the palpable increase in the totalisator turn over, which is the medium first at hand for the circulation of spare cash. New Zealanders take greatly to sport, and to horse racing in particular, for which they ■are catered for very freely. Racing, and its allied sport, trotting have developed into something of an industry, so great is the' turn-over in the maintenance of the sport. The former signs of decreased totalisator investments which marked the spread of the depression, are disappearing, and there are now outward and visible- signs of the swing the other way, and a palpable increase is noticeable. This, too, though many of the late holiday meetings were held in adverse weather conditions. In another direction where there is an opening for speculation, the signs and portents may be described, also, as a favourable indication of the ' 'improving times. In a late review of investments, a financial journal remarks: -—“There was considerable activity in the last four weeks 011 the various -Stock Ex a changes, though in the first week or 90 in October there was less business in Auckland than before, while the southern centres still had good business. Government securities have again been in demand, and bank shares have continued to harden,.. The better prospects in Australia were reflected in the case of concerns operating there. Investors in many concerns must be content with small dividends, as prices have been sent up- to unjustifiable levels. There has been during the month considerable activity in mining shares, with gold still rising and in all probability likely to go higher.” This rising barometer in the volume of business on the Stock Exchange which are operating daily in the centres, and through the brokers in all parts, is a clear manifestation that there is money to spare for investment in the Dominion in an 'increasing volume. The enhanced values of gold has increased mining activities greatly, and an increaseing quantity of gold is being recovered. Wool values, too, are up, and likely still to rise, which fact will add to the value of exports, and result in more money returning to the Dominion. The increased circulation will have a general benefit, and trade .generally will continue to reflect the improving position. In this general advantage Westland has the opportunity to participate. It is an increasing gold producer, and the flocks and herds are expanding. Wool production is now something of an asset to the local sheepfarmer, who will feel the benefit, also, of the better price for sheep and lambs. The lambing season on the Coast lias been exceptionally good, and the large increase will mean added returns. Westland continues to improve in the matter of stock production generally, an indication that settlement along with dairying is becoming more and more established. When the far south district is roaded, a locality brought to mind by the large mobs of excellent stock brought forward far the spring sale, its production will bo more and more marked. There is something of a fillip in the timber-milling trade, and white pine is now being brought some eighty miles from the south by motor lorry to the rail head at Ross.* This increased expansion means adding to the local wealth and the advantage will be general. Altogether this district has natural assets which will enable it to participate in the improving times and should assist in the more marked progress of Westland.