The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1937. THE NEAR SOUTH.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 September 1937, Page 4

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1937. THE NEAR SOUTH.

While much has been heard of the far south of late, and deservedly so—‘for the locality has been too long neglected —it is pleasing to learn that the near south (which may be considered to embrace the territory served by the State highway), is prospering and justifying expectations as to a usetul producing future. The new roads being opened in the district to serve outlyin2 places, in most cases tap extensive tracts of timber lands, and the milling industry is expanding. In the InterWanganui district the roads down the Wanganui rivers are most useful assets governing the future of the locality. A remarkable extent of forest country is tapped by the roads, and until the railway reaches down that far. the road outlet will be used. It has been suggested that the first section for the railway extension should reach to Inter-Wanganui. The great store of timber between the Mikonut and Mt. Hercules surety justifies the

Government enterprise in railing the length referred to. An exceedingly good route is possible, and to retrieve the greatest economic value from the forest, rail transport will eclipse ail other proposals. But settlement also needs the line to assist production and carry out the produce of the district. The heavy timber lands will need time to bring them into quicker production, and the success of stock rearing and dairy products would be helped by the railway. In connection with tin.* stock, this season's lambing promises to ue very good indeed. The railway would certainly play a great part in hastening the fuller settlement of the near south, and for that reason and the amount of (extra land which would bo available, the Crown would enjoy a quicker return for the expenditure going on in the district. The Okarito region is awaiting anxiously the outcome of the efforts to reopen the harbour. A considerable expenditure has to be faced, and the promoters of the scheme are sanguine of success. The port when available would be used extensively for limber export, as between Wataron and the point of shipment there are several mills operating, ami an export trade would he assured at once. The extent of industry already to be noticed is the fullest warrantr.v for the greatest faith in the future of the near south. The district presents a very prosperous appearance, and the residents are showing enterprise on their part in improving residences and buildings generally, while the people are in good heart realising that with the attention the district is receiving it will continue to forge ahead. The opinions expressed on all sides favour the. railway proposal as the one means to aid the near south most definitely. Given that modern means of transport, the production of the south will expand rapidly.- The history of railway extension in Westland has been in keeping with that statement. Although there were years of waiting after inuen agitation, all lines put down at local request have more than justified what was expected of them. We are persuaded such will he repeated as the railway is pushed south of Ross, and the district should use a united voice to support the Member for Westland in the effort to secure the early authorisation of the railway in question.