DOWN THE COAST

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 87, 6 January 1933, Page 8

DOWN THE COAST

Sources of Wealth GOLD AND TOURISTS Tradition of Pioneers “My recent trip down the West Coast of New Zealand,” said. Mr. T. A. Fraser, of Oriental Bay, who has just returned from a visit to Westland, “conveyed the impression that the South Island, with its wealth of glorious scenery is somewhat neglected so far as tourist traffic is concerned as compared with the North Island. The high steamer fares and freight on a car to either Picton or Lyttelton, and incidental charges, such as 7/- per car wharfage charged at Picton by the Government, are obstacles that call for adjustment by an ordinary common sense policy in helping, in these days of reduced spending power, both New Zealanders and visitors from abroad. "Such a step,” said Mr. Fraser, “would, I am sure, be in the direct interests of further developing our tourist traffic, at the same time giving New Zealanders a fair opportunity of knowing their own country and ‘spending wisely.’ ” “In this somewhat artificial age,” continued Mr. Fraser, “it was a positive inspiration to come in contact with the resolute and optimistic people on the Coast, who from the earliest pioneering days, have always been noted for their hospitality. To traverse the country, which was, in parts, a hive of industry, and observe the changed conditions in such towns as Waimea, Staffordtown, and Kumara, cannot but impress one with a profound admiration for the descendants of those stalwart and stout-hearted pioneers. Plenty of Gold. “Notwithstanding that in certain old workings water rights have been disposed of for the purpose of generating electricity, gold is still being obtained, and the general opinion held by practical miners is that there is much more gold in New Zealand than has ever been taken out,” continued Mr. i raser. “A revival of the gold-mining industry is being confidently looked forward to on the Coast. In passing, one may mention a particular instance where foreign capital and enterprise have been responsible for modern dredging methods on a large scale, and have proved over a period of time, what science and initiative may accomplish. “Practical miners on the Coast,” said Mr. Fraser, “hold the view that any national effort to revive the industry should only be based on lines dictated by modern scientific principles, care being taken at first and always to avoid anything in the nature of bolstering up unsound undertakings which will only tend to destroy that confidence which is so necessary to achieve success. Spirit of Independence. 'To the casual observer,” said Mr. Fraser, “the traditional spirit of independence is still very much alive among the people of the Coast. You meet young men who once had hopes of city careers after years of study isolating themselves for weeks at a stretch to search for the precious metal, preferring isolation and its accompanying privations to walking the streets of a city in search of work which does not exist. Having noted thus, I hope that our leaders will appreciate the fact that never in the history of the country has it been so imperative a duty to find ways and means of aiding and encouraging the development of our natural resources, and particularly that of gold-mining. M ith a steadily diminishing demand for coal as the resjjilt of our hydroelectric works, and the .ever-increasing number of oil-burning steamers,” said Mr. Fraser, “it is difficult to understand why no announcement of any kind is made by the Government, with the view of heartening up the people, as to what is actually being done, concerning even tentative plans, in the matter of the hydrogenation of coal, the process by which we could produce our own petrol, and so reduce the cost of transport, and so afford work and wages to many of our citizens, instead of pouring money into the pockets of foreign corporations.”