Sound base for development

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32702, 3 September 1971, Page 11

Sound base for development

Manufacturers and processors from Karamea to Jackson’s Bay are adding significantly to the wealth of the West Coast.

Though coal mining contributes to the economic wellbeing particularly in the north of the West CoestBuller region and maintains a community in Westport, this community in turn nurtures small industries such as those in engineering, textiles, furniture, timber milling, fish processing and foundry. Another substantial industry associated with Westport is the cement works at Cape Foulwind, which is also a regular user of the port. However, for the future, the growing capacity of farming and forestry also guarantees a steady growth in industry and commerce in the Westport areas. With all the elements of economic growth established in Westport, including well-developed services such as the new recreation hall and cabaret completed in the town centre and new developments under construction or to be built such as a new Government office block, and the expansion of hotels and motels to take advantage of the tourist industry—Westport is well placed for future growth from developments in the extraction and processing of natural resources. Reefton, also depending in the past largely on mining, is now well supported by farming, and a textile unit established there leads the way for the type of small industry which can be developed in such a community. The milling and processing of timber is expected to provide some diversity of economic interest in Reefton in the future. A range of light manufacturing industries has been established in Greymouth, and these industries as in other parts of the dis-

trict are being encouraged by the Department of Industries and Commerce to raise their sights to manufacture for the requirements of other markets in New Zealand and even for export. Manufactured goods in this category include record players and radio speakers, water skis, water toboggans, dressed timber products, plywood, furniture and other miscellaneous items. Adding considerably to the economy of the Greymouth district are industries such as textiles, fishing and coal mining, with the farming and forestry industries again showing their ability to grow and support an urban community whose manufactured goods also provide a potential for growth. Metal and engineering trades are well established in Greymouth with one large engineering and foundry company and several smaller metal manufacturing units and with various manufacturing developments well under way or being developed. Examples include log hauling machinery, motor body building and prefabricated metal garages. In the southern part of the region, Hokitika, Ross and Hari Hari are all developing worthwhile industries, include dairy processing, jewerrery, building stone and aggregate, and eel processing. Other industries, including textiles, furniture and light engineering, are also well established in the area. With 'a strong farming background, particularly of dairy and beef production, the Hokitika and South Westland area is provided with a good base for future developments in manufacturing. ______