Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 7 February 1921, Page 2

Cantchjjuhv, which in the near future | will be brought into such close relationship with the West Coast and Westland in particular, is looking forward with great hopes and expectations to the provincial development to ensue from the complete installation of elec-tric-power. The Lake Coleridge scheme is already working its transformation scheme. Not only are the towns and cities through which the power, lines puss, very considerably brightened in outward appearance when gaily lit at nights, but the homes and dwellings of the people are enhanced in comfort, by the conveniences to be derived from the uses of electricity. In addition to this, industry is expanding j in all sorts of unexpected directions, j There is a ease recorded where tram- 1

way wheels are now being cast in the vicinity of Christchurch, for all parls of the Dominion, which in pre-war days had to be imported from Germany, the ‘ great Krupp factory being the supplier. The adaptation of electrical power has enabled the wheels of the required strength and wearing life to be turned out here in the country of consumption, and at a lower cost. This is only one example of the expansion

going on, and as more and more power is available,- this development will become more marked. Just now power and light are being used to the capacity production, and the demand is far from satisfied. Within a year there will be a fifty per cent increase in the power and light available, and the advance of the various communities will then be more remarkable still. Canterbury is awake certainly to the opportunity to progress afforded by the free use of electric power and light.

Thk suggestion was put forward in this paper not so long ago that steps should be taken to throw a low level bridge across the Little Wanganui river as a temporary crossing for vehicles up to two or three tons loading, till the main road bridge is erected. From various quarters we liaVe heard this proposal endorsed, and the matter is mentioned again now to suggest +bat some line of agitation should be takm to ensure the required action in the matter. Such a proposal was mentioned before in regard to tho Little Weitalia, but the travelling public, or those responsible for the inaction have preferred to put up with six or seven years' of inconvenience and danger in cros sing the open ford. It will not be necessary to wait that further term for Little Wanganui bridge, hut if there is no immediate prospelet of the work being started, and there appears to be long drawn out delays regarding the supply of material, then the cheap and temporary work suggested might ’.veil engage the attention of tho authorities. In the first place the Puhi'e Works Department should be consulted as to a definite statement regarding the undertaking of the work: If it is to bo |)ostponcd somewhat indefinitely a combination of (lie County Council, Automobile Association and Progress Leagus

should seek a £ for £ grant from the Government and have the temporary low level crossing put in. It womd be a boon to all traffic and would Fft the south ahead by two or three years’ time in the matter of motor traffic-. Now is flie time to act so that ere u.e Hood season is due a safe and secure crossing will be available for the growing traffic which assists so materially to force the south district ahead.