SOUTH WESTLAND.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 July 1919, Page 1

SOUTH WESTLAND.

VISIT BY BISHOP JULIUS. SOME INTERESTING OBSERVATIONS.

CIIIUSTCIIURCH, July IS

Bishop Julius, who lias just returned from a pastoral visit to the 'West Coast, had some adventures in crossing; the rivers in South. West!and. and spoke feelingly to-day of the great need for bridges on the Coast. As lar as the glacier all the big rivers and at least two creeks required to be bridged When this was done there would bo through motor traffic, which would greatly advance the prosperity of South Westland. Even as it was, 'the settlers were making a great change, and showing what may be done when their conditions are improved. Owing to the isolated nature of the people south of Wataroa, there was great difficulty in obtaining medical assistance, except at enormous cost.

Referring to church work. Bishop Julius said he was able to see but very little, but that little was full of encouragement. The Church of England served the whole of South Westland in the old, hard days of dangerous travelling. In Hokitika a memorial church was being lmilt. In Hari JTari the people were enlarging their church and bidding a vicarage. “At Wataroa T dedicated a new church, and before long I think there will bo another at the glacier,” said the Bishop, lie 1c " marked that ho would like to know the number of men from South Westland who went to th o front. Ho was ecitaiu the figures would compare favourably with those of any other part of the Dominion.