MR J. H. ELWORTHY. ‘Several facets of progress’

Press, 14 November 1981, Page 7

MR J. H. ELWORTHY. ‘Several facets of progress’

The National member of Parliament for Waitaki, Mr Jonathon Elworthy points to several facets of progress and development. He cites the development of our energy resources, new industries, farming, forestry, and tourism, factors on which the country’s prosperity depends — “All happening in full measure in the Waitaki electorate.” So far, $4BO million 'has been spent on the Upper Waitaki project since 1972, he says. A further $l2O million would be spent before the completion date of 1984. The Lower Waitaki development, estimated to cost $1 billion, would be started in 1986, the first generators to be commissioned next year.

New Zealand Cement Holdings was working on final plans to build a $l3O million cement factory at Weston. It would employ more than 100 persons and is likely to lead to the redevelopment of the Oamaru harbour, Mr Elworthy says. The Forest Service development at Elephant Hill is flourishing and already provided a substantial number of job opportunities. Mr Elworthy sees the electorate as encompassing every kind of development in

New Zealand, with all types of farming from fine wool to horticulture. Sandwiched in between is grazing, fattening, cereal cropping, stone-fruit, pip-fruit, the largest area of flood-irrigation land in the country and two freezing works with “outstanding” industrial relations records.