South Island progress

Press, 19 July 1983, Page 20

South Island progress

Sir,—l refer to the article “S.I. warned of ’slide’” (“The Press,” July 14). I believe Mr Michael Mellon raises some very valid points and it is indeed necessary that someipositive action be taken to prevent Canterbury from becoming another Dunedin or. West Coast. Obviously, part of the answer would be more jobs but the only positive way extra jobs can be created is through export or more processing of exports. Perhaps an organisation similar to the D.F.C. but funded by South Island money and reserved for South Island export orientated businesses would be one solution. Also the case for cheaper residential power in the South Island should be pushed hard by local M.P.s. Councils and other local bodies should give more attention to attracting industry in the Christchurch area. This is already happening in some of the smaller South Island centres but why wait until it is too late for Christchurch? Christchurch is considered by many overseas visitors as a beautiful city — perhaps this could be emphasised more as a reason to settle or remain in Christchurch. — Yours, etc., GARY N. McVICAR. July 15, 1983.