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Hokitika Guardian, 16 February 1920, Page 2

It is pleasing to find such upajjimity op the part of the local bodies as to the desirability of rendering Malunappa stream navigable by small boat and .motor launch traffic. The interest suddenly aroused in the matter, it is hoped, will Jead to practical results. There is a consensus of opinion a s to the necessity for the work, and the next move is to resolve upon a plan of action and a moans to carry it out. Lake Mahinapua and its approaches are within the area of a scenic reserve, and so located there is a special elajm on the Government to assist, The Tourist Department which acts for the Govern, meat in such matters, is notoriously indifferent when Westland interests are involved, It, is necessary therefore for the local bodies to give a lead in the matter when the estimated cost is arrived at, and ask for a subsidy. Tho clearing of the stream should not I he beyond the resources of the local bodies, 'and-this section of the work should be expedited. Placing a lock in file stream at the falls will be a costly undertaking and will take time. If -the creek .were cleared and a good track mado to the falls, bpating above that region would bo possible at all

stages of tlie tide and lock could come later. By this means early advantage could be taken of. the attractive features. of the stream and lake by holiday makers. On Friday night a point was raised in regard to the whitebait

industry. The creek waters are so congenial. that the locality is one of the earliest places visited by the little fish in season. At the same time the sawduct in the stream must be harmful to the fish and if the waters were kept clear' of the sawdust the hauls should be greater instead of lesser. In former times the creek waters were always

attractive to the fish, and clearing out the stream is hardly likely to do otherwise than improve the position for a better run of fish. No doubt this aspect will be weighed duly, but it seems most desirable to open the water route for traffic to the lake

The fact that the Fire Brigade lias thought it necessary to call the attention of the Borough Council to the deficiencies of the water-supply should help the people to realise that something more is necessary to help themselves in the way of a more permanent supply for the town. The future ahead of the' place suggests that a much greater volume of water'will ho required for domestic purposes, and apart from fire prevention it is urgent that the supply should be enlarged. The community has enjoyed the benefit of j the present supply for fire prevention long enough to realise that- the town has been exceedingly well served, and that, the investment has been a good one for the municipality generally. It has long been patent that the town supply of water was inadequate for the pressing requirements of; the community, and its enlargement should now be seriously considered. This column is not the place to discuss certain phases of the matter. The Council has the principal responsibility to devise its own schemes, but under the Municipal Corporations Act the Council may call in assistance from non-council-lors to deal with civic subjects. If this were done in this instance we believe good advice could be tendered to the Council‘in respect to the undertaking which would be to ■ the present and future advantage of the Borough. Tt is not necessary to stress this suggestion further, but leave It open for the Council in its wisdom to take it up or not. The Council is considering loan proposals at the present, so that the moment is very opportune to deal practically wilTf the water supply question. The expenditure required about the town in civic improvements is not large in the aggregate, and in any case it is suggested the works should he carried over a period. Such bting the case there Is wider room for action re-

garding the water supply, and the Council might well concentrate on such a civic necessity.