The Daily News. MONDAY, APRIL 1, 1902. MR E. M. SMITH'S MISSION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXIII, Issue 65, 1 April 1901, Page 2

The Daily News. MONDAY, APRIL 1, 1902. MR E. M. SMITH'S MISSION.

Thk departure ef Mr E. M. Smith, M.H.R., and the occasion of his yigit is a matter of more than local interest-. We doubt if there are any who refuse to believe in the value of the iron sand deposits, though there are some who have little faith in the possibility of the sand being profitably manufactured into marketable iron and steel. There have, however, been plenty of things proposed by scientists and inventors which have been lawghed to scorn when first proposed, but are now considered se_ simple that the ridicule and disbelief with which they were at first received seems amazing. The payable manufacture of marketable iron and steel out of the iren sand, for which the beach in the vicinity of New Ply-1 mouth is so remarkable, is noth-i ing like so wonderful as many things that have been successfully accomplished during the Victorian era. These who heard Mr. Smith's eloquent address, at the send-oft'tendered to him on Wednesday evening, mint have been impressed with his facts with bis earnestness and with his sineere belief in the project. Mr. Smith's history of his first connection with the iroasand (which he painted out was brought under his notice by others who were then as firm believers in the possibility of working the sand as he afterwards became), of tbe many attempts to work it, both by himself and others, of the partial successes and bis opinion of tbo cause of failure would, if reduced to writing, read like a romance equalling in interest the story of tbe many iuventors to whose enthusiasm, determination, perseverance and skill the world is indebted for many comforts. Speaking amongst friends there was an absence of the eombativenf ss, which characterises so many of Mr. Smith's public utterances, caused by the hostility displayed towards him by a certain section of the community ; but there was the same fire and the same confidence in his ultimate suceess that has won &o many friends to his cmse. Much of the epposition to Mr Smith is purely political but Mr Smith explained that he had to fight his way into the House t-o secure success and he hoped in leaving to leave behind him all ill will and personal feeling. Many in New Plymouth know the story of the trials aad difficulties he has had to contend with and the sacrifices he and his family have made, the many bitter disappointments and humiliations he has had to endure, through all of which he has steadfastly looked forward to the success which he is confidfmt will sooner or latter crown his efforts. That he leaves under exceedingly favourable circumstances, on this occasion, no one can doubt. Mr Berry'e story of his own and the Hen. A. J, (Jaduaaa's connection , with the project must impress every^

body that there is great hope of , success. Mr, Berry is well-known as ] a cautious and successful man of buai- ; ness, who is not likely to enter into ; any wild cslt eehembS. Mr. Oadman's | standing, his colonial reputation, and ais known ability as a politician and I business man, is sufficient to satisfy anyone that every detail if the ironsand question has been earefully and fully gone into. With many, the question has been ene of coat, and the fact of the offer a Government bonus of £50,000 together with the high price of iron and steel now ruling, render the present an exceedingly favourable opportunity to give the question s thorough triil. The establishment o r iron and steel works in this colony if j

a matter of colonial importance and makes the success of Mr. Smith's mission a matter of colonial interest. That everything ha<i been done by Messrs. , Berry and Cadnaan to secure succesgoes without saying. Money has oeen spant freely to secure the many valuable options whieh are necessary, or will help to further the success of the project. We feel sure Mr. Smith takes with him the best wishes, for his suceeßs, of the whole people. The establishmeat of such works as were indicated the other night by Mr. Berry, will chamg© the face of the whole of Caranaki, both town and cauntry, and ensure its permanent and solid prosperity.