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Hokitika Guardian, 20 December 1920, Page 2

It is pleasing to note that the Pailway Department lias at last recognised the claims of this district for some improved ■ treatment in Tegard to the overland service. During the present holiday period, Hokitika is in daily communication l>y rail and ooach with Christchnii'ch. 'This ready connection fias keen refused hitherto hy the Department, and probably it is not unlikely tEat the motor service inaugurated

I»y the Westland Chamber of Commerce assisted by the local bodies, has beeh a determining factor in the decision. The motor service is now a very popular institution with the travelling public lieing prompt, comfortable and regular. Incidentally it gives the traveller a very , pleasant spin through some interesting scenic country, and is a wellvaried break to the rail and coach part of the journey. It has a growing popularity and being a speedy service outdistancing the train on the trip round by Greymouth it has a good deal to commend it for passengers travelling to and from Hokitika. Of late even passengers from Greymouth have heard of the fame of the ride, and have come to Hokitika overnight to enjoy the morning spin out to Otira, which is done .comfortably in a little over two hours. The routo takes a short cut : across country and lands the traveller at his destination much sooner than the I long ride hy "'ay of Greymouth nnd I Moann, Some day perhaps we might have a deviation railway line traversing 1 the Arahura Ynlley and then by the , | Kawliaka across country to Jackson. When the south country develops, this 1 short cut might become a necessity. It is a feasible route, and ns a matter of fact was surveyed and graded away back in the late sixties when there was some talk of a railway from Canterbury. If built in those days the route, I just mentioned is the one which would ] have been adopted, being practically

identical with the road route taken up about the same time. The plans for tho railway route, arc still extant. Meantime, the available railway line is being brought more to meet the convenience of the people of tins district who will appreciate the, consideration shown them even if belated and under pressure of the peoplo attempting to dp something to 'help themelves.