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Hokitika Guardian, 8 October 1920, Page 2

The Canterbury Progress League is asking the support of the West Coast local bodies in regard to tip* request to the Government to carry out the Hiley scheme so far as it affects the Lyttel-ton-Christchurcli railway system. The scheme provides in the main for the du- . plication of the Lyttelton Tunnel and the electrification of the line, as a • means to ensure quicker and more regular transit. It provides also for 1 an improved lay-out of the station yards as well as additional goods’ accommodation. The West Coast is naturally interested in this work. Before it can he all consummated Lyttelton will be the deep sea harbor of the West Coast. In something like s two years now the two Coasts will be linked together through the Otira tunnel and the over- j seas traffic to and from the West Coast will pass in the main through the port j of Lyttelton. The Coast will have a bulky export trade to dispose of, and improved railway facilities at the other end will be essential. At present there i 3 congestion and complaint, and the position will be assentuated when the volume of'business is increased by the addition of the West Coast trade. It is going to be n matter of great importance therefore that the railway service on the Eiast Const should be brought up to full requirements." Mr Hiley’s scheme has been on the stocks for a long time. In point of fact his report on the matter but covered i -> obvious. The war intervened however, and the great work was held up. Now that we are getting back to normal conditions the Government may he expected. to take up these deferred mat- , tersj. Canterbury Progress League is alive to he situation, and is getting in early and unitedly. The West Coast local bodies should lend a helping hand ■ and assist to push forward th c important project by all the influence in their power. ’

Another flatter the wide awake Progress League of Canterbury is moving in is m regard to the School of Forestry. dt is proposed this should be founded in conjunction with the Canterbury University College. The Dominion has gone to the expense of importing an experienced director of Forestry, and that gentleman has reported in favour of the Chair of Forestry being established at Canterbury. Naturally he gave very good reasons for his recommendation, and being a new arrival and entirely impartial in his provincial leanings, his decision should be all the more acceptable to the authorities. But these are the days of political influence, and a northern province said to .enjoy more than its share of political “pull,” is making a bid for the School of Forestry, and its influence is so marked as to threaten t” over-ride th c recommendation of the Director. In. these circumstances, Canterbury alive to the situation is not leaving anything to chance, but is pushing its claims in a well-organised manner, A deputation is .going to Wellington, on the 14th. inst., and the day previously every local body in Canterbury and on the West Coast is asked to telegraph a recommendation to the Government in favour of Canterbury’s claims. Looking to the time when the East and West Coast railway will be an accomplished fact t l '- people on this side of the range will recognise the value of having the School of Forestry so adjacent to our forests. The climatic conditions of this Const aire the most favourable fov forestry growth in the Dominion. The School of Forestry should be established naturally. near the point of practical utility as possible. The railway connection soon to be accomplished will establish the close intimacy which is desirable, and the students will have the forests for practical utility -actually at the door of the school. The Coast is interested and it should no less specially concerned than other parts of the neighbouring province of Canterbury.