SOUTH WESTLAND POSSIBILITIES

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 130, 25 February 1908, Page 10

SOUTH WESTLAND POSSIBILITIES

— » — MR.. M'XAB'S TOUR. (BY 'TELEGRAPH—MESS 'ASSOCIATION.) ' ..Hokitika, February 24.. The Minister, for. .Lands ■ concluded his visit to Westland this: morning, having re-, turned'from SoiytliWestland list night. In the course of an interview tli(P'Mimster: stated that bis: expectations of the possibilities of the district were considerably exceeded.- There was. every prospect that as railway' communication .is bettered the district .will prove highly successful for agricultural-.purposes. The erection of a bridge over, the Big Wanganui River lie considered the most urgent, work at the present time. Until it is/completed any dairying industry on" the largo Wanganui .flat cannot succeed. This settlement should prove' a highly successful 'one. The proposal for an- experimental" station: in Westland: would ■be ,very favourably considered.' The' district should prove' a very substantial- feeder to the - railway . when through, communication _with ■ Ganterbury was made.' The' pastures in : the various- set- ! ' tlements were' found in splendid condition, in.marked contrast to.the area in,the-North Island recently inspected by the,-Minister.: With railway communication' completed arid' low values of land in comparison' with other parts of the Dominion the Minister., asserts that a large number., of settlers; will your into the district, its future • as an _ agncultural centre being assured. The .Minister expressed tlie .opinion that to secure'-a-wido range of railway feeders for;the East-West Coast railway it : would bo necessary :to extend the: railway below Ross, coiinecting up the-large agricultural centres and-splendid timber areas available there.- '. <• The' Minister left Greymoutlrthis: morning. Tho weather bas been gloriously fine during tho' .wliole of his stay...

Messrs.- Watkins, Tyer and Tolan (printers) notify that the result of the Webb v. Tresidder championship sculling match • :\vill ■•be posted on the firm's notice .board, .: opposite Messrs. Veitch and Alien s; corneiv immediately .after, tho race.