SOUTHLAND AND THE LAKES DISTRICT.

Southland Times, Issue 1317, 4 October 1870, Page 2

SOUTHLAND AND THE LAKES DISTRICT.

The remarks we have from time to time made in reference to the trade of the Lakes district, and more especially the gfOiyang^Jippoaitiojtt-tffJjrliUTi '■ ti luAfli^ttaim-vC- — the Wakatipu to cultivate commercial relations with as are borne out by the following extract from the local journal :— Tt is quite pleasant to observe the effects that have been produced by the reunion of Otago and Southland. In Queenstown, in urging any matter, we were always afraid of wounding the dignity of Otago, and especially it any request to advance the facilities of intercourse with Southland had to be made. Tn fact, while the two Provinces were disunited, a barrier existed that debarred all harmonious action. There was no cooperation — no community of interests. That state of affairs has certainly passed away. We observe that oar Dunedin merchants are quite amiable, instead of sneering at Southland, and we have no doubt that eventually — with a more regular service of boats to the Bluffmuch of the traffic will pass through Southland. • Besides this, the fact of our having, as a community, urged the Government to complete the Invercargill railway from Winton Bush to Lake Wakatip, has produced a kindly effect. The proposition was cordially received by both parties, and we are glad to be in the happy position of being able, figuratively* to shake hands on good terms with both capitals — Dunedin and Invercargill. We have not had much to complain of from Dunedin for the last year or two, and a. feeling of respect will always be felt for the manner the. Council has dealt with our unavoidably numerous claims. Dunedin is so good a market to buy in that no fear of any illfounded jealousy need — nor do we think 'will : — arise. On the other hand, we are anxious to promote a more intimate alliance in the other direction — believing that it will be of mutual advantage to both Southland and Otago, as well as to ourselves. As a community we are sound- and healthy, and our commercial Houses stand in high repute. If then we can cement a closer alliance that shall help to advance our prosperity, we' give further guarantees yet ©f our soundness, and how, desirable it is to promote such interests for the benefit of all parties. These are some of the feelings that the reunion of the two Provinces seemrto ns to have given rise to. We hope hereafter to see that from these spring good fruits, and hope that one of them will be the considering of Queenstown as no longer the outpost of the Province of Otago, but as its natural centre. We are certain of a glorious future. Our goldfields are only now being realty developed. We have minerals, corn', and oil— indeed, it is a land of milk and honey. We gladly, therefore, hail the kindly feelings the reunion- has produced. — mmm^ mmmmmmml^^m m