Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star THURSDAY, JULY 24th., 1919. A MISJUDGMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 July 1919, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star THURSDAY, JULY 24th., 1919. A MISJUDGMENT.

When passing through Christchurch last week the Acting Premier, Sir James Allen, was asked whether the completion of the Arthur’s Pass tunnel would not help to solve tho coal problem by allowing the trucks to discharge their coal more often, and Sir James Allen said the Arthur’s Pass tunnel was a most important work which should be completed as early as possible, but it was quite feasible to believe that there were even more urgent works than this. The most urgent works, lie claimed, were the development of water-power throughout the Dominion in order to lessen the demand upon the coal supplies. He contended that the extra amount of coal secured on account of the greater activity of the mines due to the opening of the tunnel would not be much. This reply displays rather a misjudgment of the position, and a lack of statesmanship not to be expected from Sir James Allen. The fact that he, as Acting Premier holds such views might be some clue to the cause of the Government indifference in prosecuting more earnestly the completion of the Otira tunnel. That there is such lukewarmness in high and influential places is another reason why the agitation for the prompt completion of the works should not slumber nor 6lecp. The need for and urgency of the work, should be pressed publicly in season and out of season, and now that we are approaching another and vital session of Parliament, tho subject should be revived with more intensity than ever. If, for instance, the Otira works are to dally along till water-power development is put into shape, the vision for an early completion vanishes at once. The coal crisis appears to have given Sir James Allen some ideas about water power which he did not possess previously. But from a national point of view at this juncture there is not any analogy between the two projects. If Sir James Allen viewed the completion of the Otira tunnel from the statesman’s point of view he would‘not give expression to the dallying policy suggested by his remarks. There is a crying need for the work so that the capital sunk in the railway may be made useful and' reproductive so that direct intercourse between two provinces, which can assist each other so much, might he possible; so that increased trading will result; so that the commodities of the Coast, for which Canterbury and Otago are crying out for—coal and timber —may be at hand, delivered promptly and regularly and at a reduced cost. As far ns the South Island is concerned, thoro is nothing of more vital importance to its future in the way of public works, than the linking up of the East and West Coasts. 'That a member of the Government does not show more enthusiasm about a work of the character of the piercing of tho Southern Alps for railway communication surprises us. Sir James Allen must realise the importance for direct and swift means of transport. Were the tunnel line operating now we doubt very much if a coal crisis would be existing. The delays ill tile past with regard to shipping would have been avoided, and more fuel coul have been stored than was otherwise possible. The water power development is very important, and it must come, hut there is not any reason why the tunnel, all but completed should he delayed on that account. Tho works could go on simultaneously, but it is clear that Government interest in the Otira works must ho heightened if the line is to ho through in a reason-

able period of time. Recognising this the agitation for the work must be carried on with renewed vigor. There were those who grumbled and complained about the cost of tho \>eace celebrations. Looking back over the immediate past one would like to hear

what the grumblers have to say now. This applies not only to this district, but to the Dominion as. a whole. The result fully justilied tho cost, which proved most certainly to be worth while. The’ occasion brought out a a very loyal manifestation of the people’s inward feelings in regard to their relations with the Empire.

They recognised the incomparable importance of the occasion, and the security established by the signing -of the Peace Treaty. Surely such an event was worthy the holiday making and the festivity. One thing is clear, by t'ao special prominence given to the children we are persuaded their minds were impressed and they will carry with them through life recollections of the historic event. As time goes on we trust they . will Lave occasion to realise the priceless importance of peace to them and their country, and that they will regard with undying gratitude the sacrifice made for their future security. We hope, too, that in and by the celebrations, the men and women who seived directly in the war, and helped "n a personal way to achieve, the victory, realised something of the dominions’ thanks for those splendid services rendered. The peace celebrations were an expression of hearty thanks to all who served, and were a tangible symbol of tho feelings of the people as a whole for the great deliverance. In other and more practical ways the country is bound to follow up public opinion by seeking always to do the right thing for those who served. In this way we will prove tho genuineness of the peace celebrations.

Ouii Wellington correspondent continues to make frequent reference to matters political, from which we may infer that the coming session is very much iii the public mind in the Empire City. The political truce still holds good with the Reformers and the Liberals, and will not he determined till Mr Massey and Sir Joseph Ward so decide. The leaders are due back Text month, but whether it will lie necessary to meet Parliament together, or as separate units, remains to be seen. It can be well understood that as the position stands Labour prospects are looking bright, for with the field of criticism entirely to itself it is having its own way entirely. The prospects of tho parties, however, can not be determined till the rival planks are before the country. Meantime candidates are beginning to announce themselves. The Welfare League is said to he canvassing hard for new blood in some electorates, and it is not unlikely that several very capable business men will be induced to olfer themselves. There was an announcement yesterday in the person of General Bussell, whose advent into political circles will be welcomed. General Russell is a nephew of the late Sir William Bussell, and (lid splendid war service with the New Zealand army abroad. His polities are not disclosed as yet, but lie is the stamp of man to make good in the political arena. It is being whispered that he will have a walkover so far as the laterals are concerned, Sir John Findlay not standing again for Hawke’s Bay seat. Ihe com ing elections will account, no doubt, for many fresh faces in Parliament, and it is to be hoped that there will be a leaven at least of men of General Russel’s stamp in the new House.