The Temuka Leader SATURDAY, JULY 21, 1888. LACK OF ENTERPRISE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1766, 21 July 1888, Page 2

The Temuka Leader SATURDAY, JULY 21, 1888. LACK OF ENTERPRISE.

There is not an empty dwellinghouse or cottage in either Temuka or Timaru. Several shops are empty in Timaru—there never has been within the memory of the oldest inhabitant so many places of business vacant in that town—but dwelling-houses cannot be got there for love or money. This shows great lack of enterprise, but want of confidence is the prevailing characteristic of the times, and consequently it is not to be wondered at. No man has the spirit to invest a penny in anything which does not show an immediate return; no man has the slightest confidence in himself, nor in anybody; the genius of speculation has taken wings for Victoria, and everything is “flat, stale, and unprofitable.” Whatever other districts may do, it is not necessary for South Canterbury people to dread the future. There is not much better land on the face of the earth ; its area is extensive; it is one of the most populous parts of New Zealand, and if people do not succeed here there cannot be much prosperity anywhere else. Timaru, however, has a great drawback, that goes a long way towards counteracting its natural advantages. There is hardly an import* ing merchant in it; it is a nest of agencies representing certain financial corporations, whose managers’ highest aspirations are to return a 10 per cent, dividend for their directors. If in the place of these Timaru had a few wealthy merchants who would feel an interest in the progress of the place, and assist in setting on foot movements for developing its industrial resources, it would be a different place very soon. But in spite of these drawbacks it must go ahead, and men with money ought not to be afraid of building there, for its future is assured.