The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) MONDAY, MAY 20, 1940. A SOUTHERN TRIBUTE.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 May 1940, Page 4

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) MONDAY, MAY 20, 1940. A SOUTHERN TRIBUTE.

At Okarito to-morrow a worthy tribute is to be paid to past events identified with tile history of Westland. The purchase of this extensive West Coast was a policy stroke ot the early days, which ensured peace with the nations and permitted settle-

me lit and intercourse to open up ; without any of the serious waimKe complications which bumpered the North Island. The "bargain was completed well in advance of the gold discovery which changed the complexion of the whole future of the Coast. The early explorers who received but poor recompense for their self-sacri-fice, had penetrated into many parts, and made important discoveiies —including coal —hut gold was not - looked' for. The very difficult country for access was its drawback and indeed led to its condemnation by some - of the earlier officials who were discouraged by the difficulties of travel and, the cost of transport. But the gold discovery was the faclor to change instantly the earliest f,.1,e impressions of the intrinsic value of the West Coast. Mackay made his difficult trip down the sea beach accompanied by the Native Chiefs, land Hie purchase price was fixed at £3OO at Okarito, with “adequate reserves to conserve the Maori interests.” It is interesting to recall that the rentals received by the natives reach .£5300 annually, m that over the years more adequate recompense is shown'. The memorial likewise tributes Tasman, the famous Dutch navigator, who was the first to sight New Zealand in the Okarito region in 1642; also Captain Cook, the discoverer of the whole of New Zealand, who ed up the Okarito coast in 1770. Tasman’s description of the country lie saw, was “a great land uplifted high,” which aptly described the mountain range he would first see. Appropriately, the two highest peaks are named after the voyagers, Cook and Tasman, and these are visible from the monument. These two names are thus linked with the district whore the memorial has been raised. Finally, on the obelisk, there is the recognition of the pioneer host who went into the south district and made its permanent settlement possible by their energy and sturdy enterprise. The lot of the pioneer in those early days was a difficult one. Spread along the coastline, they settled, in remote places, with no ready means of access, and indifferent means of communication. Regular services in mails and transport were long in coming and the isolation must have presented many difficulties, particularly to families. Yet, with courage and determination. and the will to succeed, they held on. In time, very comfortable homes were provided, families increased, and the flocks and herds grew. They founded settlements, and their families flourish after them. It is well to honour their memory in this Centennial year, for as the founders of Westland, they played a very full part in starting the practical occupation of the district. The early gold miners in their thousands, reaped their harvest and mmtly departed. The salt of the earth remained ard ’began to till the ground, which has 'ever since responded to their efforts. Many have prospered, and well deserve the fruits of their labours, for they had to carve out their destiny with their own 'hands unaided . and often far-removed from a neighbour,

It is well to recall their real part in the country’s progress, and to remind those who gome alter of all that is owing to the pioneers of the past.