Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 12 January 1921, Page 2

Thkrk is a feelings abroad that while the Government has given the district fair consideration in undertaking the erection of the Little Waitaha and Waitangi bridges this year, a more important work than either of these is being left. We refer to the Little Wanganui bridge. The ford at the Little Wanganui river is considered the most difficult on the south "route, and since a start lias been made to confine the river waters in mid-channel, the ford crossing will become deeper and more and more difficult for motor traffic. Until the

bridge is erected it will become the one chief barrier to regular motor traffic sf&utli. Thoro is, therefore, a general desijre to see tenders called for the bridge. From a monetary point of view the request is not unreasonable, for Parliament has voted a grant suffi-

ciently large enough to enable the work to proceed. When we remember that the money for Little Waitaha bridge has been voted oveir and over again for several years past, it is not really equitable to count it in with this year's appropriation. The amount therefore belongs to tlie past. The erection rf the Little Wanganui bridge would

therefore become new money for this year,—although the amount is not actually new for this current period. The main fact to be faced now is that the Little Wanganui river will bo the chief barrier on the south run, and r he question arises cannot something >o done to minimise the difficulties of the position;. Tire matter is important enough to consider the question of a cheap temporary low level bridge of handy material to negotiate the deep fords till the main structure can b 1 gone on with. The completion of the bridge and the south approach is a woric of considerable magnitude, rml will take a good deal of time "ml money to complete. But a few hundred pounds would provide a temporary makeshift bridge for traffic, and be 1 saving of thousands of pounds in transit conveniences. This matter seems to be so urgent that the community generally might take up the project and seek' to see it brought, to pass quickly so that the crossing will lose -ts present terrors. The necessity For the bridge is so very urgent that the question of ways and means for a temporary structure might well engage cho minds of all concerned.

It is an improving sign of the times to learn that this year’s municipal elections are likely to bring about a local contest. If this is so it should result in greater interest being taken in municipal matters, a result greatly to be wished for. The elections are due to be held in April next, and the ocoaB ion will afford the ratepayers an opportunity to make a fresh, choice ot representatives if they so wish it. . ’o names of several gentlemen are being mentioned as likely candidates, ami their standing and calibre arc such rs to suggest that the public are beginning to realise that it is time a wider interest were taken in local affairs. It » not much to the point to blame the Council afl a whole for negligence or indiitoi«nce to the public wants The Council i„ thereby the will of the people, nd it is for the latter to sufficiently miciest themselves in securing the most active citizens for the posts of civic government. If there has been ground for complaint in the past, all must share in the blame, for the election went by default, and the Council mid to he accepted as it was. A timely reminder now will forewarn the ratepayers of the duty they have to perform next April, and we hope that the gentlemen who come forward n> election will have in their minds some progressive ideas on which to formulate an active and useful municipal policy. The present year has opportunities for this town and district, IHe town and district have to prepare fir busy times ahead. One of the actions to the credit of the present Council is ttio electric-lighting contract, and the town requires to live up to this progressive condition of affairs. Ibe lig'd should materialise before the present Council goes out of office, and it should mark the lieginning of a new epoch in municipal affairs. With move light and energy available, the townspeople generally should be stimulated to greater civic action, and there should be a concerted move to advance public interests and remove some of the ’•<*- proaches in regard to present day i requirements about the town. All this will be possible if the ratepayers will take full advantage of the electoral opening in April next.