in some localities, coal mining in others, and scattered farms everywhere, the countryside acquired an atmosphere of permanent settlement. The mushroom cities with their numerous saloons and stores settled down into homely townships. Thus was Old Westland of which Mr. Lord has written changed into the Westland as we know it to-day. Nor has the quickening touch of gold quite forsaken it. Gone are the individual diggings, but huge dredges and other modern methods are employed in taking large quantities of gold from areas too slightly endowed for the cruder methods of the old days.
With this change in the outward condition of the West Coast it is inevitable that there should be a gradual change in its people. Those of us who were privileged to know the vanguard of that brave army of miners cherish memories of their simple virtues. Above all were they brave in adversity—friendly and hospitable—generous in deed and thought, and in all places and at all times honest and trustworthy. These were the qualities they left as a heritage, and despite the gradual changes which have overtaken the outward condition of the West Coasters and despite—indeed because of—its long period of isolation, these are the qualities still to be found by those who return and move about with sympathy and understanding.
Christchurch,
- November, 1939.
