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Hokitika Guardian, 12 January 1920, Page 2

Tiie subject just referred to might be made part of a municipal scheme for the improvement of our town. Hie place sadly Jacks a policy which would have for its object the betterment of conditions round about PSf. Tta time has arrived for more pride to shown in the general appearance of the town and this could be undertaken at a very reasonable cost if the Council cared to take the initiative. There is a ease in point at present regarding the Hall Street drain. All the town expenditure is being put into that jv,ork, while other public works are at n standstill, with the result that over the holidays the streets wore a very neglected appearance. Even the scavenging of the water tables was .neglected, while the luxurious growth of weeds was Permitted at nature's own sweet will. Permanent, work of the character of that performed in Hall Street, -might well be dope- out of a small Joan, the repayment of which could be spread over a. term of years, This would free annual revenue for the ftdiniftisfcratit e purposes for which it is raised, ant! with staff and implements, the appearance of the town could he made more pleasing to the eye, and certainly more presentable Vo the -scores of visitors, who come this way at this time of the year. Even the “annual” clearing up of .the town was neglected this season, and Hie result is a serious reflection on the i.nuiagemen,t. The Council gets wlmt it asks for in the way of revenue and the ratepayers w#l expc.c.t jp return some tangible proof of the wise expenditure in regard to loan money which diture of that money. A reasonable policy of expenditure in regard to Joan money which could be raised easily and cheaply, would free annual income for the ordinary maintenance and administration, and result in the town presenting a more cared for appearance, not alone at holiday time, but all the year round.

A scavening system to clean up the main streets is urgently necessary for health as well as appearance Sake. With proper pride taken in the upkeep of the town, its popularity as a tourist and holiday centre must grow. In any case more I visitors will be coming here from now l on and the town should prepare itself I for the friendly invasion.

Dame Rumor has been verified at last bv the semi-official report that Sir James Allen is to be the next High ’ Commissioner. This means that Sir James Allen will be retiring shortly j from Parliament and from the Ministry. As Mr Massey’s first lieutenant he will be greatly missed, for the Reform party is not strong in its juI niors. There might be some hope of I Sir Thomas McKenzie changing places.

Sir Thomas has sat in Parliament already from the neighborhood of Bruce, and it was reported some time ago, that Sir Thomas desired to re-enter New Zealand politics. Sir James Allen did not win the seat with much to spare last month but there were many cross currents operating against him. Sir Thomas MacKenzie would have behind him the prestige he established among the soldiers while on ’ active service, and the ability and zeal with which be has filled the High Commissionership. His political fate, however, is not of moment at this juncture, but it is due to Sir James Allen to compliment him j personally on his preferment for the exalted position be is about to accept. In the world war, Sir James Allen Inlaved a prominent part under the

very adverse circumstances, ne | a hard row to hoe, but in the face of great opposition he made good and achieved a remarkable success as Mini-' ister of Defence. As has been said of him, ‘‘he delivered the goods,” and his whole bearing has been that of a man ibent on doing' his duty—difficult and misunderstood publicly as it was so often. Although not. seeing eye to eye with Sir James Allen on political subjects, fairness compels ns to say how much his work and worth as Minister of Defence is appreciated and lie deserves some reward for those most valuable services. Whether lie will be a success as High Commissionei remains to be seen. Perhaps he has not I the qualities which will count for success in the new sphere, but it would not be fair to prejudge him; rather to give him the opportunity of. a fair run and the chance to make good there as he did’ a s Defence Minister. For the present all that is necessary' is to congratulate him and wish him well in his I intended new sphere of duties.