GREAT POTENTIALITIES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 26 October 1928, Page 4

GREAT POTENTIALITIES

ON more than one occasion we have referred to tho vast potentialities of New Zealand's mineral resources. For years wo have advocated the adoption of a national policy for their systematic exploitation in order that the country's prosperity should be greatly increased. Only a few days ago we lamented tho fact that none of the three leaders of the parties now engaged in election campaigning had made any reference to this important subject in their manifestoes. It was, therefore, satisfactory to learn from Mr F. W. O. Smith last night that he has not overlooked the matter. Great though the wealth is that we now obtain from agricultural and pastoral pursuits, there is, as the candidate emphasised, an even greater source of wealth in our mineral deposits. Their full development on properly planned lines would increase our wealth and prosperity, and make New Zealand a great nation with a great people. "We must have more money and more people, and the day will come when this will happen," Mr Smith deflared. Without taking a parochial view of it, this district should also bear in mind the further point stressed by last night's speaker—that we have minerals containing this great potential wealth, in huge areas almost at our doors. This source of wealth will be drawn upon some day; the sooner the better.