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Hokitika Guardian, 5 June 1917, Page 2

It is good news to hear that the bridging of the Mikonu.ii river is being brought once more into the region of a practical possibility. Private •enterprise has taken up the matter both seriously and determinedly, and we understand the work is to go ahead. A largo sawnilling enterprise is about to be established at Ross,, the presentterminus of the railway. Milling timber is to be brought from Hie south side of the Mikonui river, and for this purpose a mill st eam’tramway is to De laid, and the river is to he spanned by a girder bridge. To render the bridge suitable for vehicle and general transport the millers are prepared, wo learn, to give tlia local bodies the right to planik the bridge, construct road approaches, and usa the bridge for public purposes either than the uses of the rails which arc to remain the sole property and uses of the millers for ther business. This seems to be a very generous offer. It is also most opportune, for the river stands in urgent need of a traffic bridge. Apparently it, is futile looking to the Governmentto fulfil their promise of bridging tne river. If they would not construct it when the funds were voted and available, they are not likely to undertake ifc now when the excuse- can be made so easily that thereare not any funds. The importance of the work brings it within the sphere of the local bodies to take up without , delay. One opportunity was lost by procrastination, or rather striving for the shadow and missing tbo substance. The second opportunity should be seized wun avidity and tlio work pushed through without a moment’s delay. It will ne an immense boon to tho whole district, for all parts will participate in tne southern property.