AUCKLAND'S GREAT FUTURE

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15298, 10 May 1913, Page 9

AUCKLAND'S GREAT FUTURE

DR. IfITCHETT'S PREDICTION. PRE-EMINENCE IN . COMMERCE. A happy note .that found a cordial res-, ponse from the big. gathering was struck by Dr. F. Fitchett, the Public Trustee, during his speech at the opening of the Public Trust Office, \ yesterday. He contrasted the attitude towards their city of people of Wellington and of Auckland, and then proceeded to give hie explanation of the pride which the people of Auckland feel in the city. Dr. Fitchett remarked- that the new offices, had been . built not for .'■ sentiment, but simply as a business proposition. "I do- not think Auckland is properly recognised in the. South," said Dr. . Fitchett; amidst applause. "In the beauty of landscape and seascape Auckland is recognised as unapproached . and unapproachable, but we do not spend £20,000 on-offices on that account. My view is— and it is that view that has led to the erection ' of' these 1 offices—that Auckland must in time be as pre-eminent in commerce and in population as'it is i% beauty. " Auckland has possessions that are shared by no other part of tfie Dominion," Dr. Fitchett continued. "She has been endowed by Nature with monopolieskauri gum, kauri timber; and her mining •fields. If the Government v would only rise to a sense of its responsibilities and enable Europeans to get on the Maori lands, there would be such development as even Auckland . cannot imagine." Dr. Fitchett referred to the TJrewcra Country, saying the native lands of that region could be alienated only by the Government, and the Government was doing nothing. The city was the Mecca of .those retired from active life on account of its splendid climate, and its large pleasure population i was another important element. The people loved the place because it was ; worth loving. One of the.' greatest factors ' in the city's prosperity was the wonder- [ ful loyalty of Aucklanders to Auckland. (Loud Applause). : ■ ■•••; ;•■ • ■•-.,