TO DAY’S ANNIVERSARY.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 March 1922, Page 4

TO DAY’S ANNIVERSARY.

The anniversary of the founding of the settlement of New Plymouth, arid the Province of Taranaki is an event that should be of much interest to the present day community. It is always well to bear in mind year by year how the province has developed from early days, so that there is a. fitness in observing the anniversary of the Province of Taranaki, which has grown to bo the most productive and prosperous area in the Dominion. Eighty-one years is not, when estimating the progress of a country or a province, a long period, and in Taranaki’s case it has been frequently said that the Native troubles put back development for fifty years, and though that may be somewhat exaggerated, there is no doubt the effect was very great. As the Province of Taranaki originated in the settlement of New Plymouth in 1841, it should be interesting that the parent town has retained its premier position and become one of the important seaports of the Dominion. This fact in no way detracts from the splendid progress made by the other large towns in the province. Rather it emphasises the spirit of progress and determination that has overcome all handicaps and raised Taranaki to its present enviable position. The. little band of original settlers have mostly gone the way of all flesh, but their work, and that of their successors has made the province what it is, and the citizens of to-day have much to appreciate as the outcome of the "spadework” of these doughty pioneers, whose example should act as a powerful 'stimulus to the present and future generations. If space permitted the present would be a fitting opportunity to give a sketch of Taranaki as it is today, but there should be no necessity for such details. Its flourishing towns and prosperity reflect the productivity of its eoil and the industry of its people, while the value of its exports give conclusive proof of its solidity. There is still room for increased production, and we can only hope that each anniversary will bear witness to an ever-increasing development.