Hokitika Guardian & Evining Star WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29th. 1919. ADVERTISING THE SOUTH.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 October 1919, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evining Star WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29th. 1919. ADVERTISING THE SOUTH.

The general election is responsible for one good result—it has taken an extra visitor into South Westland—our land of great promise, Mr O’Brien, the Labor candidate lias ventured south, but like so many other travellers Ire has failed to go the whole way, wijtli the resulj; that jfclie real back blocks of South Westland ayo still to him an unknown quantity. Yet hjj? explora-

tions a s far as they have gone, have been of value pi opening his eyes as to the splendid natural resources of the district. Mr O’Bren gives a very faithful record of the south trip, but what ■' had to put up with are iho everyday experiences of the average traveller who ventures into the remoter parts of the district. Mr O’Brien’s observations are therefore confirmation rf many references made as to the plight of the South, and if they could foe impressed on the authorities that be, in such a way ns to carry conviction and resolve to mend the postiion, everyone would be grateful. The need of the south is bridges and more bridges and still more bridges. Tin's has been the cry for long years past, and slowly but surely the demand is being satisfied.

It is interesting to recall that recently the Mikonui river and Evans creek have been bridged and it is pleasing •n be able to state that with the necessary labor available immediately the Little Waitaha and Little Wanganui rivers will- be bridged. These are the most formidable crossings on the vehicle road at present, and of the two rivers next in importance to them, the Tatar© is to be put in hand shortly .and local' timber used, while there ig a vote for the Waitangi bridge op the latest Estimates, and bridge sites are being surveyed at all the lesser streams. A year ago the Engineer-in-Chief resolved that the most urgent matter for South Westland was the bridging of the rivers to the Wfliho and this resolution is in a fair way of being carried into effect within a reasonable time. Unfortunately Mr J Holmes like Mr O’Brien did not travel all the way south, and has not realised in a personal w r ay how urgent is the need for bridges and more hrdges still further south. Mr O’Brien, however, went further south than Mr Holmes, and saw where the Public Works De- j partment had anticipated events by erecting a bridge over the Waikukupa. But the Department does not merit any censure on that account for it will ho necessary to anticipate wheel traffic in the far south if all the bridges are to he bridged promptly. There is, however, a bridge most urgently required at Wniho, a fact plain to every traveller who lias the opportunity of inspecting its turbulent waters. Wai- , kukupa bridge is in need of rebuilding 1 because the Roads Department responsible for its erection selected local material which proved sappy, and a i vote is on the latest Estimates for this structure also. The position with re- j gard to bridges is now governed main- I ly by the laEbr question, and if suffi- 1 c'ient labor were forthcoming the next year and a half should witness a material advance with regard to public conveniences for transport and communication. 'But though this is’ so favorable, the invariable rule is that continued agitation is necessary to keep the Government and its Departments up to the full mark of activity. Mrj ] O’Brien’s expression of opinion on the subject is therefore very acceptable as a fresh mind brought to hear on the matter, and so assisting to ventilate yet once again what always strikes the traveller moving into the south.