The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1911.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3411, 30 December 1911, Page 6

The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1911.

There can be not the slightest doubt that the expiring year will be looked back upon as a period in which Gisborne and district made . ery striking advancement. To commence with it will Ire acknowledged that the time now seems very much closer when the disadvantage of comparative isolation which attaches to this important portion of the Dominion will no longer obtain. As far as the “sea gates’’ to the town and district are concerned, the position, thanks to the excellent work accomplished by the Maui during the past twelve months, is, it cannot be contested, vastly improved. There is now a considerably greater depth of water in the river, which has enabled vessels of a much larger type—such as the Haupiri, for example—to work the inner harbor. It had, of course, been expected that a ferry service between Gisborne and Napier would have been inaugurated this summer, but pending further improvements to the river the matter has unfortunately been deferred. A service of this nature would, however, he of such great advantage to Gisborne and district that its desii ableness is not likely to be overlooked. With regard to the future of the inner harbor, it is now clear that, ere long, a much greater' depth of water will be obtained, and what will go still further towards its improvement will be the contemplated straightening of the channel, and it is to be trusted the projected extension of the breakwater. In connection with the port it will also be agreed that the recent decision to appoint a competent engineer is a very forward step. Coming to the question of railway communication, too, the passing year must be reckoned one of very considerable importance. Great strides have, undoubtedly, been made during the last twelve months in regard to the construction of the line which is ultimately to link up Poverty Bay with the Auckland district. In this connection, the Otoko section will, it is expected, be ready to he handed over to the Railway. Department early next year. What is more, it is now generally recognised throughout the Dominion that the time has arrived when the work of connecting Gisborne with Napier by rail should he pushed ahead. Already authority lias been given by Parliament for a start to he made with the construction of the lino at both ends, hut the matter of route, has not- yet been finally settled. By|

A Period of Progress.

tbo way, we ■"•ay aay that m tl„ s regard we do not share the view of those who think that the present unsettled state of affairs political may militate against an early start being made upon this important undertaking. Iso matter whether the Conservative party , or the Liberal party bo m power, tins work, which is of a national character, cannot be delayed. This is unquestionably the position, and has been suppo cd by the leaders of both the chief political parties in the Dominion at the present time. Turning to the town of Gisborne itself, the expiring year, will be agreed, has witnessed Truly remarkable advancement. n o iusi ness area a number of imposing structures— including the Bank of New Zealand, extensive additions to the Masonic Hotel, Harris's buildings, ctc.have been completed, whilst several other substantial business premises are to be erected during.the coming year. As regards new residences, no other year has seen such remarkable progress, for all parts of the town and suM.ms have been the scene of building operations. How much advancement has been made in this direction may be gauged from the fact that the amounts in respect of the building permits for the year aggregated £90,430. as agains £72,887 for 1910, whilst the totals as regards residences were £08,583 am £45.000 respectively. But concurren. with the increase of material prosperity. the civic authorities have, of course, been engaged upon the advancement of a number of very important undertakings having for their object the enhancement, in a consider:! ile measure, of the health, comfort, and convenience of the residents. In His direction the coming year, too, will prove a very busy one for those wno control borough affairs. As regaics the East Coast generally, and in particular those districts which immediately surround the town of Cisco! no, the year 1.911 has also seen a wonderful 'amount of progress, which, of course, indicates a period of all-round prosperity. ~V\ ith the consequent in crease in the quantity of meat grown : the enhanced size of the season's wool clip: and the development winch has taken place in other pursuits—notably the dairying industry—the mateiinl wealth of the community must be greatly augmented as the result of the work of this year. Then, again, whilst the town and'district has been glad to welcome many new settlers duiing the past twelve months, it has, on tne other hand, had to mourn the loss of a number of prominent and very highly respected townspeople and settlers, including not a few of the old identities. As for the prospects in regard to the town and district, there need, we feel, lie not the slightest misgivings. Everything shows that Poverty Bay mustforge ahead. In concluding this broad review of the gratifying position of tin’s portion of the Dominion, we desire only to add that it gives- us the greatest pleasure to wish one and all A VERY HAPPY AM) PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.