WEST COAST PEOPLE ARE OPTIMISTIC, SAYS MINISTER.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18684, 13 February 1929, Page 8

WEST COAST PEOPLE ARE OPTIMISTIC, SAYS MINISTER.

IMPROVEMENTS NEEDED IN GOLD MINING.

(Special to the “ Star. ” ). WANGANUI, February 13. The Hon W. A. Veitch, w-hen referring to his visit to the West Coast, said that his trip had been a very strenuous one, but was none the less enjoyable on that account. The hospitality and goodwill of the people had not diminished from the earlier days of the Seddon administration, but of all the kindnesses extended to him by the people of the Coast what appealed to him most of all was the social given to him at Greymouth by a combination of all sections of the railway service as the first railwayman who had acquired Cabinet rank in New Zealand, at which he renewed acquaintance with many old friends. Mr Veitch said that there was a decided feeling of optimism throughout the West Coast of the South Island which was in the fortunate position of having a number of industries which could be developed to better advantage. Firstly, the fruit industry in the Motueka electorate had great possibilities. There was a general feeling of optimism amongst those wjio were interested in gold and coal mining, both of which had passed through a period of depression, but were now showing definite signs of recover)-. It was obvious that the greatest need of the gold mining industry was, first, a more comprehensive system of prospecting, and, secondly, the adoption of highly organised methods of production. Both of these he was considering seriously with a view to improving conditions, especially in the matter of prospecting. There were great possibilities for tourist traffic on the Coast, where the scenery was unsurpassed. There were huge quantities of valuable virgin forest timber which could be exploited to advantage. The administration of county affairs was a revelation to him. The condition of such roads as they possessed was most creditable to the local bodies concerned in view of the verylimited finance available to them.