The Pres SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 1937. Developing South Westland

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22111, 5 June 1937, Page 14

The Pres SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 1937. Developing South Westland

It is just over a year since the Minister for Public Works, on a visit to South Westland, promised to have the Jackson’s Bay harbour scheme investigated; and a district which has waited long lifetime in the hope of seeing golden promises fulfilled, and has waited in vain, will think well of a Minister whose delay is so short. A special message to “ The Press ” yesterday reported that a Government party has lately completed an extensive survey, which has furnished the materials for a report and estimates; and the party has been followed by an engineer of the Public Works Department. If expectation of a favourable decision and early progress is strong in the district, this is good reason for it; and it is backed by full confidence in the results of any thorough inquiry. What has impressed Minister after Minister who has visited this rich but neglected area is of course familiar knowledge on the spot. The settlers of South Westland know, as few otheis can know, the 'immense wealth of their district in timber, in grazing lands for beef cattle and dairy cattle, in gold and other metals and minerals, in fishing grounds, and in tourist attractions; and only their knowledge, sustaining their faith in the future of this country, has encouraged them to endure the almost incredible disadvantages and hardships of isolation. No other part of New Zealand, comparable in resources, has so long been left without adequate road, rail, or shipping facilities for its development; and no other part has been so frequently disappointed by fair words. It is not to be denied that the nature of the cmfntry is such as to make road and rail costs exceptionally heavy over the average-mile; and it remains to be seen what relative advantage, counting cost and service, a harbour scheme and its ancillary road system may have over any other. The natural suitability of Jackson’s Bay must be an important factor. But so much may be said in advance of an official report and statement: that further postponement of action to develop South Westland should be regarded as out of the question. Whatever is the best transport scheme, on the long and wide view of the potentialities of the district, should be adopted and begun. The Minister for Industries and Commerce said in February, “ Something must “be done.” He did not know what; but his colleague should shortly be able to say.