Page:Rambles on the Golden Coast of New Zealand.djvu/199



N various parts of Westland there are proved to be resources which only require a continuance of the interest now being taken in them, to ensure their development, to create an influx of population, and to firmly establish large industries which should contribute much to the common wealth of the Colony. In the Hokitika and Totara districts, the amount of enterprise which has been displayed in the formation and carrying on of several large mining companies is worthy of all praise, and proves the great confidence which is entertained by both local and foreign capitalists in the resources of these localities.

The timber trade is likewise an important industry, which must, in the course of time, command success on the West Coast.

The alluvial goldfields, extending as they do from north to south in every direction; the recently discovered quartz reefs at Cedar Creek, which only await development; the marble quarries of Caswell Sound; the lithographic quarries of Pawarika; the numerous discoveries of iron, copper, silver, antimony, plumbago, tin, and other minerals, all point to the grand future and ultimate prosperity of the well-named Golden Coast. Of its inhabitants it may justly be said, though they have laboured under many disadvantages as compared with those of other parts of the Colony, they have endeavoured to make the best of that which they possess. They have overcome many difficulties which appeared insurmountable by a sparse population of limited means and appliances. There has certainly been no disposition to imitate the example of a recalcitrant lady of historical fame—Lot’s wife.

But while the spirit has been willing on the part of Westlanders, in regard both to the discovery and development of its hidden resources, the wherewithal to carry out their desires has been of an exceedingly limited character. More particularly does this apply to the southern portion of Westland. There can be no question that, from Hokitika southwards to the boundary line between Westland and Otago, there is a vast estate, the value of which is mainly dependent upon the development of its mineral deposits. A large portion of this country is comparatively unknown, and, I am confident, is worthy of being examined, not by what are usually known as Government prospecting parties, but thoroughly and systematically by an organised party of explorers, combining practical and theoretical experience, and superintended by a competent and responsible leader. Free from the obstruction of natives, such as interfered with the opening of goldfields in the North Island; presenting no special difficulties in the matter of