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Hokitika Guardian, 18 November 1918, Page 2

Thid practical finish of the war should mean tho holding of the overdue general election in New Zealand. Th,-> call of Mr Massey and Sir Joseph Ward to 'England will now delay the event, for which there will he further reason to hold back to await the return of our soldiers. It is being reported, however that a poll on the liquor question is to he hastened, and before the brief session of Parliament now sitting comes to a head, legislation in that direction will he made operative. So far it is hinted only two issues will he put before the people, continuance and n;itional prohibition (with compensation). This is the original suggestion of the Efficiency Board to the Government, which is being accepted apparently to the exclusion of the counter proposals

put forward by tho various petitions which have been presented to Ministers. If the report proves correct, this will lie ihe first opportunity for a straightout vote on the liquor question. Formerly there was a half-way proposal—as it- were—to vote for a reduction and so gradually extinguish the trade. Now tho issue is to be direct one, and tlioso voting will have a perfectly clear idea of what is to be determined by tho voting. The question is one for a democratic vote. There is so much divided opin ion expressed, and the whole subject so obtrudes on all general political questions, that it- will be a relief to find,the question settled one way or the other on a straight-out poll. The pros and eons are sure to be put fully before the people in the meantime, and any laggards in making up their minds will have- ample assistance in doing so before tho eventful poll comes to pass.

Tni" suggestion for motor bridges to be 'provided across the principal streams on tue south run to Waiho Gorge is one w hich should be actively taken up now that the strain of the war is past, and it should l>e possible to give greater attention to public works. '1 ho south district is flourishing to such an extent that it fully deserves the moans for quicker communication. When purely holiday resorts like the Heimitage are equipped with the conveniences for swift transport, surely a rapidly rising industrial settlement like South Westland should be on an equal footing. The present epidemic running through tho country, and the absence of medical aid available to go south, necessitates the speedy transport of patients north. The bridgless streams are a block to such traffic. The same applies in the case of accident- or other sudden sickness. Hie district is not served with hospital conveniences, nearer than Hokitika and to minimise the risk and danger to life, the best facilities possible should be provided for transport. The f ft et that the south mail stands in jeopardy is a particularly strong reason why the road should he made fully complete for motor traffic. There appears to be a difficulty in securing coach transport for the long distance, but a motor mail service would be an enhanced convenience in every way. AH through North Canterbury Motor bridges span the great north road. Westland should be no less favoured on its great south road—at all events the principal streams blocking and delaying motor traffic should be made readily passable.