SOCIAL.

Southland Times, Issue 962, 3 June 1868, Page 3

SOCIAL.

The steady progress that Southland has made, in the face of financial difficulties of a most serious character, is now acknowledged to have been great and unexpected. Three years ago this province was the black sheep of the colony, a small community with extravagant instincts, and but little self-restraint. This was the tone indulged in by a large section of the press of the colony, and although greatly unfounded, it was generally received as an accepted fact from its constant repetition, but how different is the picture now. What is now the position of this so-called insolvent province? During the period to -which we have referred there has been going on a steady progress that has led to an amount of commercial solidity, extensive agricultural and pastoral settlement, and general contentment unknown in any other province. Southland has tided over her embarrassments, and now occupies the enviable position of being in the front rank of progressive colonial settlements. During the season of depression the lesson "that permanent prosperity " was attainable without the aid of extensive gold discoveries has been learnt, and persevering industry is acknowledged to be the one thing needful to ensure the stability and prosperity of a country.

A retrospective glance at the changes that have taken place during this brief period will suffice to prove that this province has advanced while most of the others have retrograded. Agricultural operations have been gradually expanding, improved systems of cultivation have been adopted, and a spirit of emulation in the breeding of stock evoked that has led to the importation of cattle and

sheep .from other, countries of the very highest character. The crown lands have been freely purchased, and the work of settlement actively carried on. The Government have been enabled to go extensively into road making, and to carry out other public works. The labor market has been almost exhausted, and is oftentimes so completely bare that agricultural and other industries are considerably circumscribed for want of hands. Southland only wants one thing to render it the most prosperous province in New Zealand, „ viz : — population. It is not too much to affirm that there is scope and verge enough here for a large number of workers from the home country yearly, for many years to come. In addition to the numerous industries now being carried on, there are others of a most promising character awaiting development. The discovery of extensive coal fields in proximity to a large tract of ironstone country points to the time when this province shall be renowned not only for its grain, wool, and superior stock, but also for its mineral products and varied manufactures. It is scarcely possible to imagine

the extent of the natural resources of the Province. Day after day fresh evidence is cropping up to prove that as yet little is known of the hidden wealth we possess. It is true that this Province has not such extensive gold fields as some of its neighbors. It is perhaps a matter for congratulation that it has not. The auriferou3 land, however, already prospected is amply sufficient to give remunerative employment to any surplus labor that is likely to be found in this%*rovince, and rich enough to enable the industrious miner to accumulate in a short time sufficient money to purchase his own homestead — to become a permanent settler.

In thus alluding to the present position of Southland, as compared with what it was three years ago, we have no desire to over-estimate its capabilities, or picture its returning prosperity ia too nattering colors. It is patent that material progress has outrunpopulation. Inalmosteverydistrict a want of labor is very often severely felt, and unless a constant stream of immigration can be secured, cultivation must b 3 compressed, the development of our coal andiron fields indefinitely postponed, and manufacturing operations curtailed. It is indeed to be hoped that the Provincial Government will be prepared by the next meeting of the Council with an immigration scheme better calculated to supply the want of population than the existing one. This is a matter that cannot be delayed. The construction of the railway to Winton will require more hands than the Province can supply; In addition to this, the railway works will facilitate the opening up of the lime, coal, and iron fields that are known to exist near the projected line, and thereby increase the demand for labor. It is apparent that immigration should be encouraged — all the Province requires to secure progress is extensive population.