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Hokitika Guardian, 26 May 1919, Page 2

The Canterbury and West Coast members, or at least an influential section of that representation, have bearded the lion in his den, the Minister of Public Works in his room, regarding the progress of works in connection with the Otira Tunnel. This important interview has been long overdue. It is understood that the press was not admitted, and from his may ibo inferred there iwns tsome candid talk. Tho Minister as far as can' be •gleaned, was more condescending in his reply than lie has been informative

to the representations of the local bodies. He dropped from the stereotyped language of obtaining a report, or of having heard the representations, of promising careful consideration, to the more definite statement that something actually would lie done. What tlie details are," have nob be revealed as yet, but the members of the deputation may be expected to liarrass the Minister till his promises are fulfilled. It is noticed that some changes are being made in tho engineering staff at the work. This gives the opening for the Department, if it is in earnest about pushing the work through rapidly, to put tho best man in the country’s employ in supremo control, and giving the officer carte blanche instructions to expedite the work. This was done, with admirable results when it was a question of speeding up the completion of tho Nortli Island Main Trunk Jine. A West Coaster was selected on

that occasion, and the celerity displayed put a feather in his cap which marked him subsequently for the highest promotion, while tho Minister and tho Go. vornment of the day won renown, which stands still to their credit. In regard to the Otira Tunnel works, the advice might well be “go and do likewise” before the situation is absolutely forced.

It is to he hoped that in a moment o r haste the Borough Council will not °mction ally serious demolition of the trees round about Cass Square. Recently axe and saw have been used rather ruthlesesly, and many fine trees have been left blooding, somewhat dangerously. The romovnl of the sheltering lower limbs, on the wholesale plan, also exposes tho whole tree to tho fuller play

of rough winds, a hurricane or gale has now freer play to do greater havoc to the standing trees which are at once a shelter and an ornamental protection to the local recreation ground. The proposal to demolish the trees on the eastern side is not a reasonable request, and those councillors who had something to say in defence of the position, are to be commended for their larger outlook. The most that might bn done in the matter is to top off the tops of some of the trees, but to thin them out by complete destruction is to destroy what was in mind years ago, when the citizens had the trees planted originally. In the'shelter, and ornament they are performing what was intended, and it will be a serious act ,of vandalism to interfere with t’ scheme now that it has ctmic to fruition. The Council has done good work in cleaning up the Square. The work was long overdue, and for that reason, tho cost was greater than it should be. Having put the grounds in passable order, it is to be hoped they will not be allowed to drop back to an unkempt condition again. The square is an asset of great value to the town, and ornamented and maintained as it should be, it can be made of greater value still. It is to me hoped the Council will carefully weigh the matter regarding tlio trees without sanctioning wholesale destruction.