Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1918. BRIDGE OR ROAD.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 October 1918, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1918. BRIDGE OR ROAD.

Ait i.st.vo out of the reference to the need for bridging the’Little Waitaha river as the most certain and prompt means of* facilitating .transport. into South Westland at the present stage of affairs, some of the settlers of the

Inter-Wanganui district have been moved to express their views in regard to tho necessity for diverting the funds for the bridge to the deviation road • round Bold Head. In one of the letters ! printed this week, we are charged with j publishing an “inspired” article on the - question. Our only inspiration in regard to the matters affecting South Westland is to seek to have done works I which will be of the greatest advantage to the' district. If the writers would | impute any other motives to us in this or any other matter affecting the district, we can only believe that their • Siwn prejudiced feelings have blftidI ed them to facts which are obviously ! plain to those who care to take a dispassionate view of the position. As rci gards Bold Head road, its importance has not been overlooked by this paper; but at the present juncture it is not possible to see it completed within any reasonable time. In the alternative it ! is possible to see the bridge materialise within a year if the folk would show any unity of action and looking to the interests of the district, we have no hesitation in repeating our unqualified support in favour of the immediate construction of the bridge. In reference to the road, and realising the delay likely to ensue owing to the want of funds to carry it to completion, it would be. of greater advantage to South Westland, in our opinion to sec all energy concentrated on the extension of j the railway south to the Waitaha, to which point Parliament has sanctioned its construction. There is a. road in existence, a road which despite its drawbacks has carried all the traffic there has been to make South Westland what it is. The deviation would be a second (a shorter distance and easier grade admittedly) route to the same point; while the railway would he the third line of connection. The deviation at this juncture appears a superfluity in the light of economical expenditure, and looking to the present means of road access, that should suffice till the railway comes, and there is every ground to urge for its immediate construction, once the curtain is rung down upon the war. The railway woun. he constructed by the State, so also would the Little Waitaha bridge. Tin deviation road would be largely a charge on the ratepayers, now and for all time To begin with, the Minister, lias indicated that the people' must pay hah the cost of the metalling—a very large sum—while the entire maintenance of the road will fall on the local body. It will not form .part- of the main south road, for that is in existence now. The deviation road is liable to damage hv drifting sands and sea erosion and damage in places. It crosses swamp country at other points. For long dr tattoos metal will ho scarce and altogether, if the road should be finished the ratepayers will find themselves charged with a very costly piece of work for upkeep. Perhaps if the ratepayers of the district realise this impost is to fall upon them they will not he ns anxious to incur .the burden.