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Hokitika Guardian, 8 February 1921, Page 2

Tin.; Minis:.- of I’ublie Works (Hon. .1. (;. Coates) is making a detailed tour of the South Island. His trip is confined chiefly to the I vast Coast. country, and the time he is devoting to the inspection of the back country and its requirements, suggests to the public press on the other side of the ranges that at last Canterbury in particular is being restored to the political map. Canterbury has long had a grievance that it was not enjoying “the square deal'’ meted out to the North Island provinces, and that, in point of fact it was being studiously neglected. Being essentially English, Canterbury appears to have been slow to realise that to attain its it should not only ask, but also agitate to receive its share of the good things which fall from the table of the Government, ft is realising this essential fact now, and in the realisation which is examplified by securing the visit of the Minister of Public Works the people are discovering what a good man the country has in the person of Mr Coates. He is regarded in Canterbury apparently as the next best asset the Government has to the Prime Minister himself. Mr Massey is in the South Island this week, and Canterbury will be seeking to show him special favor also, so as to help remove the ratiheT bad: impression created when Mr Massey was last in the city of Christchurch, and was refused a public hearing. However in respect to Mr Coates there is a very fine feeling cx-

istiiig, and it would not be surprising if the confidence shown in the Minister by Canterbury, is reciprocated by the Minister. The public have genuine requirements in the development. of which the Government should assist. These have been put before the. Minister and the whole matters so demonstrated that the urgency for the works has been plainly emphasised. Canterbury is to be congratulated on getting the Minister so much to themselves, and having the oportunity of giving him a personally conducted tour to see ilie country and its wants. If Westland had a similar opportunity it would be a golden chance to advance local interests and we hope the time to do so will appear in good season, and so open the way to material advancement.