The Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14th., 1934. HARBOUR JUBILEE.

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 December 1934, Page 6

The Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14th., 1934. HARBOUR JUBILEE.

JT is easy to believe that in the early clays of the West Coast settlement, the pioneers had many arguments as to which centre would develop most as the years went by. Local patriotism probably accounted for some of the predictions. Some townships whose prospects looked bright then, are now little more than names. Others have managed to effect a degree of progress, but there is little doubt to-day, that Greymouth is the chief town on the West Coast, and that it owes its prosperity partly to its harbour. Congratulations therefore to the Greymouth Harbour Board, to-day, on attaining its 50th year, will be many and sincere, and good wishes will be expressed that the next 50 years 'will prove as successful as the period that has passed. It has been a difficult task to make the harbour a success. Nature hindered as-well as helped, and for years the Grey bar had a bad reputation among mariners. By large expenditure and courageous enterprise, much of the handicap in entering or leaving the port, has been removed, and to-day, there is little real danger providing the human element is not at fault. The harbour equipment generally is

modern and sufficient, and when the Board’s development and protection work schemes are complete. Greymouth will have as good a harbour as desired. The Board’s riverworks have helped to minimise the former flood danger, and, generally, the town and district have cause to share in the gratification the Board members will feel to-day. AchieveImonis have been accompanied by j mistakes, and the 50 years’ history has not all been pleasant, but the dark chapters may well be forgotten to-day and the bright ones emphasised, if only to develop inspiration for the future. The railways competition for traffic once sea-borne, grows keener, and who can say, to-day, what the effect of aerial transport will be by 1984. Meanwhile, the district may be thankful that the port has flourished hitherto, and be confident that the tasks of the future will be met with similar courage as those of the past. ;

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING. town, can progress unless its retailers are enterprising, and Greymouth people proud of the status of the borough, should not forget that this happy state of affairs would not have been possible, if retailers had not, risked their capital, and given practical proofs of their belief that Greymouth must flourish. Admittedly, the primary motive of shop-keepers is to gain a.living for themselves, but unless they also possess the spirit of community service, they rarely succeed. A retailer’s life has many special worries and problems, especially in limes of depression such as the country has just experienced. Outgoings and overhead costs have always to be borne, and were it not for periods like Christmas, shop-keepers would be hard put to show a credit balance at the end of the. year’s trading. It is opportune, therefore, to appeal to all residents to give preference of patronage, this gift-purchasing season, to Greymouth establishments, which’ offer all that can be obtained elsewhere, and on equally favourable terms. And i£ the shopping is done as early as possible, this will show appreciated consideration for the staffs.