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Hokitika Guardian, 24 February 1921, Page 2

Tilt; Canterbury Progress League, at

tlio instigation of the Westland Brandi, is co-operating in the request to the Government to provide as soon as possible additional timber stacking space and siding access for railway export from Hokitika. When it is mentioned that within this year it is expected the products of no less than lifteen sawmills will be shipped by rail from Hokitika station, the necessity for greater facilities for stacking and loading is apparent at once. According to the reply of the General Manager of Railways published in this issue, the necessary plans in connection with the now proposals for space and station accommodation are now in course of preparation, and will be completed as expeditiously as possible. When Mr Massey was here the matter was mentioned and the Minister of Railways promised to accelerate matters. Owing to tlie congestion about the station, the request presents a problem, particularly as it is imperative to increase the railway yard accommodation. Hokitika station, when the Midland railway is in operation shortly, is going to be a very important station on the East and West Coast line, and it is necessary now to plan for a more extensive station, platform and yard space. This is quite apart from tlio millers’ request for stacking « and siding accommodation, but doubtless the railway authorities are working out the two matters in one plan. This adjustment will take a little time, but it would appear from Mr McY illy’s reply that tlio Department realises fully what is required, and consequently will be doing its host to bring down effoctivo proposals to cope with all requirements. It is very satisfactory indeed to find that the needs of the place demand this attention from the authorities. It is an evidence of real progress, and a sign that the district is forging ahead solidly. The arrangements to be made will fit. in with the greatly increased

traffic to and from Hokitika whic-i will result immediately the Otira tunnel is brought’ into use for through traffic, and here we have at once practical evidence of the great fillip the district will derive from the convenience of being linked up with t.u* South Island rail-

way system. Tur. biennial elections in connection with the municipal affairs takes place in the course of a few weeks, and wo notice that in some towns and cities, various organisations are busy selecting a “ticket” for the contests. In Hokitika, unfortunately, there has been almost studied indifference when the time for the election comes round, and practically no public interest in t.ie person nel of the Council. We are persuaded this is not good for the civic health of the community. The laissez faire attitude which marks the position reflects itself on the work of the Council, and the town does not obtain the value it should from is municipal government. We -boast a. good deal at times about our democracy, and what it can do tor a people and the place, but if the individuals are slothful as to the work to be done, mid even shirk their democratic responsibilities, they will obtain short measure as regards the benefit which should acme. Tt is time therefore that there was a civic awakening and a determination on behalf of the citizens to participate actively in their duties and privileges. The town will be what the people themselves care to make it. Hokitika has advantages in situation and natural surroundings which afford it the opportunity of being no mean town. It has traditional associations linking it with the past, which it should be the pride of the people to maintain, if not to enhance. It is the nominal capital of ’Westland, and it should endeavour to live ’up to that reputation. Opportunity appears

to he opening the door very wide to add to our immediate future if the people will but themselves put forward a helping hand. Very soon the railway to and from Christchurch will be arriving and departing daily from Hokitika. That trade should exercise a magio effort in the future of the town, and what are we doing to prepare for tho new era ? Soon we might begin to set our house in order for the new epoch and the coining municipal elections afford tlie opportunity for a beginning right at hand. ■ ii-i —a—— ii iiMiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiriinrro