Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star MONDAY, JUNE 10th, 1918. SOUTH WESTLAND’S FUTURE.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 June 1918, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star MONDAY, JUNE 10th, 1918. SOUTH WESTLAND’S FUTURE.

Thk attention drawn to South Westland by the special articles appearing iu our last three issue&s relating to a recent official visit by the County authorities, should awaken more than passing interest in the future of the vast district stretching south. Settling is proceeding apace, and the development going on, both in regard to dairying [ ami grazing, is marked by very successI ful results. The term South Westland | embraces a very long range of country, the future of which is now well established. Land settlement is opening up the country, and turning the empty spaces into profitable account. Despite isolation and difficulties of communication, the district has forged ahead, ana established a reputation a« to its enduring character. The southern district will thus bo a greater feeder to this northern position, which is practically the chief outlet and certainly tho artery means for direct communication. Any advancement iu the south will be for the betterment of these parts, nnd assist to establish permanency here. It is, ohviously, to the best interests of all parts of Westland to see the .South given the fullest opportunity to expand, and for this I'eaaon something more than a 'sympathetio interest should be taken in the fortunes of tho southern district. Tli© interest should be practically expressed by a keen desire to assist in seeing full justice done, so that the future which promises so well may he hastened to its fuller measure of lucrative advancement without undue delay. It is well .at this stage to repent once again that South Westland has been very unfairly dealt with iu the matter of railway eommjunication. Parliament authorised the work and voted tho money for the initial coat, but a

cb&nfia of Ctrrwajueitt tc the district vetoed the expenditure, and Westland south is still without its railway. There is. small hope of its coming to pass in the immediate future owing to the war conditions, hut if there is any sense of fairness or justice in the present fusion Government

what may not bo done now with regain to railways, mnj’ certainly be done in reference to much needed road bridges The articles wo have just published indicate very clearly that provision should be made for important, bridges on the main south road, and the circumstances are such that these requirements should be demanded in no uncertain sound. Wc make bold to say that there is no more worthy district in the Dominion than South Westland for this class of expenditure. The Government profess to have a particular regard for what are called the “back-blocks.” The isolation of the south district fills'this bill admirably. The future of the district is assured by results now demonstrated. That future can be enhanced and the national wealth increased bv i improving the means for eommumca- | tion. Westland is the Cinderella of the Tc.Virist Department. In other part.s i of the Dominion money is lavishly expended lor access to beauty spots. Hero, there is nature's own beauty spot—a | sheer delight for tourists to revel in, — but it is often inaccessible for the want' of a few bridges. The dairying industry is hampered by the want- of bridges and necessary commodities are delayed in transport for tlio same reason. There are in'any esontial reasons why the country should provide the bridges with the least possibly delay, and to bring the issue to a point, the people as a whole should demand the necssary attention without loss of time. In that way the future of South Westland can bo hastened to speedy realisation.