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Hokitika Guardian, 29 January 1918, Page 2

A Correspondent in this issue draws attention to Government neglect of nn important work in South Westland. 1 Infort unately the charge is well ground ed. The wliolo cause for the delay in constructing the road in question appears to rest upon the Public Works I Department. The Lands Department had the cutting up of the Waitangi Illoek in hand, and in performing that task, loaded the value of the sections sufficiently to cover the estimated cost of the road. The settlers paid their de posits accordingly and are no doubt going on paying the periodical payments on this loaded basis. The road is necessary for the effective working of the areas, and the Dennrtment must realise that. The carrying out of the work was entrusted to tho' Public Works Department. It is understood it has made some effort to get the worn under way, but that is not sufficient. Tf from any cause whatever the cost of the road has increased, the Government having entered into a contract with the settlors to provide the road, should do so. They are taking the money of the settlors for a road which is not i n existence, and are retaining it, something which does not belong to them. This is not “tho square deal’’ our Premier boasts of, nor is it in keeping with his promise to the Member of Westland when the hitter left on active service, and Air Massey promised to guard the constituents’ interests. The settlers affected should lay the matter before the Premier as also a request to expend Scally Hoad vote which abuts the Waitangi road block and completes ! direct access to the Matainui Cheese < Factory. < The amenities of the town are being c added to, by the attention devoted to f the beautifying efforts going in various n

directions. Reference is made in this issue to what has boon done at Maeandrew Square and also at the Pioneer’s Memorial. The results of a little enthusiastic attention is most gratifying and the thanks of the community are due to those responsible for the good work done. What has been achieved should be an encouragement to the authorities to have the operations extended. The town possesses an excellent asset in Cass Square, and visitors there to-morrow at the Floral Fete will be struck, probably' at its uncared for appearance. The Square needs something more than the usual spring cleaning which is necessary now, as wc are again within hail of the annual .school excursions from the northern districts. The possession of the Square accounts for the long continued frequency of these friendly invasions from tlie north, and their value to the town must be well understood. If the Square were made more attractive from every point of view, and above all kept in cleanly order, there would b<> no occasion to doubt the continuance of the visits. The corner plots may be made bright and attractive looking, the pathways kept in decent order, and certainly facilities provided for juvenile recreation. Hiis is as desirable for our own town folk as for visitors, for with so many motor cars about the streets the children would he much safer enjoying themselves free from the street dangers. The attention to Cass Square will well repay the town.