THE SECOND CENTURY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27040, 26 March 1949, Page 8

THE SECOND CENTURY

Sir,—No doubt you consider your paper the premier paper of Otago, with its subscribers spread to all four corners of the province. No doubt you feel the responsibility of your position as editor of a paper that is supposed to mirror public opinion from all over Otago. However, in spite of appreciating the difficulties of doing such a job, I feel I must point out that you are “ missing out ’ rather badly, particularly at the present time, when the second century of Otago is being ushered in by statements of various citizens on the outlook for the future. „ The future development of Dunedin requires an outside urge to give it impetus. To illustrate what I mean, I would refer you to two photographs, one of Dunedin in 1861 and one of Dunedin in 1863. The material progress made In those two years was the result of the demands made on Dunedin by the gold rush in Central. To-day Dunedin needs pressure from without to improve its facilities. This pressure or demand will come if the province is developed. It does not take much imagination to realise the difference that double the population in Central Otago would have on Dunedin. In order to have Increased population in Central Otago, the natural resources of the province need to be developed wisely. I feel that you should bring this aspect of the future before the public more, and invite expression of opinion on how it could best be brought about. Authoritative articles on the mineral and agricultural resources, the tourist trade possibilities, irrigation, utilisation of electricity for this purpose, and pump drainage, river control and soil conservation, rabbit control, transport and trading facilities, etc., would. I think, make a worth-while series.—l am. etc..

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