SOUTH WESTLAND NOTES.

West Coast Times, 12 April 1912, Page 2

SOUTH WESTLAND NOTES.

(Our Own Correspondent.)

A sports' meeting was to be held in Okarito to-day (Easter Monday), but the rain is coming down steadily, so they had to bo postponed until to-mor-row.

Many tourists arc visiting the scenic resorts, especially tho Franz Josef Glacier, during the last fortnight, tome coming over the ranges from the Hermitage.

Mr. Jas. Graham has completed tho

addition: to his hotel at the Waiho, and that establishment is now one of the most up-to-date in Westland, well adapted to accommodate any largo nninh'v of tourists:, that may visit tho locality.

The oil vessel “ Wakaiti,” is doing good work as far as Okarito is coneernod, she has run four trips in succession, and seemed to do :o with case. Ii is certain that if this regularity continues 'and there seems to ho every probability of such being the ease) a frequent service by this vessel will result in giving general sati faction, goods will 1)9 delieved at Okarito morn regularly, while sleeper cutters will he encouraged to commence their occupation again. With a slight rise in hemp, the local mills no doubt would commence operations as millers could be sure of having that product shipped oltcn so that advantage could he takento place hemp on the market when required. In many other ways also a frequent and regular service would help industries, and allow the district to advance. Of course large vessels would encourage an export timber trade, etc., but tin’s we cannot expect until the harbour is improved. Despite all agitation it appears we cannot hope for anv progress in this direction, while Mr. T. E. Y .Sodden, the present pusillanimous member for Westland occupies the scat for tin's constituency. He has never moved to advocate the Harbour improvement. No doubt his regard for “vested interests” and “monopoly” is a first consideration. While writing this I am reminded that at the recent “Pro-Liberal” mooting at Hokitika Mr. Murdoch, Mayor of Kumara, is reported to have said that tlie people of that district should he thankful to Sir Joseph Ward personally for having the water race constructed, otherwise 1 Kumara. would have declined to the same extent as Okarito. “ Well done, Mr. Murdoch,” yon like to gull people. Now the fact is:—Kumara fortunately still retains sufficient population to force thenclaims on the Governmcnt—the voting strength of that district demanded attention, anci wc all know the Ward party were “right out” after votes, but your readers must remember that no matter how just and right the claims of the Kumara people wore had that district declined to the same extent as Okarito and the votes being as scarce —the water race would never have boon granted. As far as Okarito is concerned, over since Mr. -T. E. Y. Seddon lias been member for Westland the population has been declining, and that, despite the fact that the district contains all the essentials, viz., land, timber, flax, gold, scenery, etc., to warrant progress, and population to increase, but that needed commodity. “Votes” arc scarce, therefore right and justice is not the ruling power at present.

Sheep dipping is tho rule just now with settlers. I notice that efforts are being made to improve the flecks. 4'cry little progress seems to he made in starting tho Wataroa Dairy Factory. The fact is that new settlers aro required in the district, but it seems the land is all monopolised by people who will not use it, or allow others to do so. This state of things is indeed bad, but if tho new Land Commisdonor acts up to what ho says, things will be altered. Land that is now left in its native state will be made productive, and a much needed population will arrive, which is necessary to make that portion of the district progress as it should do.