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Hokitika Guardian, 26 November 1919, Page 2

The substantial work by the Hokitika Borough Council going forward in Hall Street must be a considerable dram on the ordinary revenue, but of which this permanent work is being done. There is a considerable amount still to do. before his arterial drain reaches its objective, the swamp lands in the north town boundary. This drain is only one erf a scheme intended to give relief to the storm waters which aggregate on the northern boundary, and the chances are that proceeding with these works out of the ordinary annual receipts, completion of the scheme will he long delayed. There is also the view that if works of the present magnitude are continued out of annual receipts, there will be a skimping of funds for the ordinary upkeep of the town. This view and prospect leads up to the suggestion that the time is opportune for the local Council to consider a general improvement scheme, and carry out the works with loan moneys, repaying the interest and providing a sinking fund out of the ordinary revenue. It does not appear to be right to saddle the cost for the whole of the present permanent works on the present ratepayers, and by raising a loan the repayments can be spread over a reasonable period, and the works in point of fact, carried out more economically. In the new year more labor will be available and carrying ont necessary works will be one way of employing that labor to the lasting value of the burgesses. This is not a new suggestion, but it is worth repeating now and better still, it is certainly worth while for the Borough Council to take up the project and push a completed drainage scheme through before next rainy season.

The holiday season is approaching and signs are evidencing themselves already that a larger number of people than usual will be on the move holiday making. Last year the epidemic came at the end of the war to check holidaymaking, for there were many people anxious for relaxation after the strain and stress of the war period. The elections being held so late may have some check upon the holiday makers during the early part of December, but before the month closes, a large section of the community will be on the move and the Coast is sure to be an attraction for an increased army of visitors. The railway time-table is likely to- be more generous than heretofore, and it is hoped also that there will be some reduction in the return fares with the object of encouraging traffic to provide additional revenue for the Treasury. Motor traffic will increase by leaps and bounds from all accounts, and the hostelries are likely to lie fully taxed by visitors from afar well over the holiday season. This reminder should awaken proprietors to a sense of their opportunities during the coming season, by preparing to cater as liberally as possible for an increased number of visitors. This applies equally to the country resorts where holiday makers go for a regular rendezvous. The local bodies require to be alert also and do their part in seeing that the roads are in good order. LAll sporting gatherings are sure to have record attendances, and in this connection alone there will be abnormal .traffic on the roads. This reminder should lead to every preparation being made for a very busy season ahead.