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Hokitika Guardian, 6 August 1929, Page 4

It is pleasing to learn that the-lamb-ing season in the district has opened so well, and with the mild weather experienced there should be a better return even than last season. Last year was probably a record for the district, the export of lambs being certainly the highest yet attained. This is a very complete answer to the frequent attacks on the Westland climate, •and certainly very creditable to the Westland pastures. Now that the railway facilities are available for direct contact with a stable market, there is every reason to hnd this branch of farming growing. The district has qualities in respect to sheep farming which could not be tried out previously because of the difficulty and expense 'in reaching a stable market. Much the same applies to pigs. But the Midland railway direct to the weekly market at Addington has altered all that, and the settlers are now encouraged to venture more and more into sheeprearing. There has been some qualms about the invasion of the wool market

by synthetic productions, but although steps are being taken to counteract this menace both-in Australia and atHome ,the situation so far is not too disquieting or sufficient to suggest any slackening in production. The aspect of the "success of sheep farming here at fnis juncture, is that Westland has qualities which will enable it to improve substantiailly the produce of the district.'' This fact also gives Westland special claims’ at this juncture for consideration in regard to the Government land settlement policy. In addition to considerable areas of unoccupied Crown lands, there are large runs and other holdings worth looking into as to areas for closer settlement. At Wellington recently, Mr W. Df’Nolan told Ministers of the large runs in the Haast-' Okuru”’’ district, which roaded, afe ! 1 splendidly suited for closer, settlement. Nearer ! the rail-head, also,; a considerable area could be found. The time is very o opportune, therefore, to press the claims of the distict in this respe’ct and urge the Government to turn serious' attention to Westland as a' promising district for more and more settlement. \There is no high cost of land' involved to place a heavy burden on the tenants, and it is clear the land can produce more and more; as it is brought into fuller profit. This is a matter of local importance * which should be pressed to the fullest extent.