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Hokitika Guardian, 2 June 1921, Page 2

Tin', directors of the Hokitika Shipping Company are evidently making praiseworthy efforts to secure a suitable steamer tor the combined southern and northern trade. War conditions aflected ship-building as seriously as anyother trade in the matter of cost, so that shipping ’’’ot all kinds has been extrpordinorily high. The difficulty has been to get in touch with a boat at all suitable at price within the probable means of the Company. Prices are now failing, and the latest quotations from Australia and elsewhere indicate boats will be obtainable at a more reasonable figure in the very near future. The Company is preparing for this eventuality and is fixing its possible means at £6,000. To raise the sum named if is proposed to issue preferential shares in the existing company which will be entitled to the first dividend of eight percent on the surplus earnings. As a further security it is proposed that the steamer purchased be insured for two-thirds of value, so that there will be tangible security in the event of loss. The need for a steamer of suitable carrying capacity for the south trade is very apparent, and if dairying begins no>: year in the far .south as is contemplated the need will be more imperative still. All parts of the south district are destined to advance, and with workable ports at Okarito, Bruce Bay, and Oknru very useful trade could be done. No doubt the Company will look for substantial support from the sogth in the present venture. The people will have to bo prepared to help themselves in regard to shipping in a greater ’degree than they have done in the past, and if the right lead is given from that quarter. we feel sure the business people of Hokitika will be prepared to help generously also ; but it will be only lvall parts of the south doing its best that the present proposal can tv brought to pass.

Thk highly successful lighting ol the streets last night by electricity deserves special mention and the Electric Company, and the Borough Council are t<» be congratulated on the success of the innovation. The effect was a great improvement on the previous lighting of the streets. Tills was not attributable, of course, in any way to the gas supply. but to the system under which the Council carried out the lighting arrangements. A more advanced and liberal system lias now been brought into vogue, and the Coune.il deserves commendation for its courage and enterprise. Nothing succeeds like success, and on all sides last night the action of the council was appreciated. The Company promises to supply a good service when everything is in proper running order. Then all ilie street lights will be not less than 100 candle power each, adding to the general effectiveness of the lighting. The Council owes it to all parts of the town to see now that there arc no dark' corners. The increase in the number of lights is an advance of over fifty per cent, and should any part of the town lie stil omitted it is to be hoped the defect will be quickly made good. Extra lights are to he supplied we understand for the Clock Tower, and we suggest that spot lights be provided also for the ftcddbn Memorial, and the Pinner Monument. Both are worthy special lighting arrangements, and the suggestion might well have effect, town by the enterprise shown by the authorities has a service now which will help to forge it more and more to the fivint. The Suburban lighting will pop'ulinVise that part for residential quarters, and on that account alone the population will lie added to. Hokitika now ranks with the most progressive towns in the Dominion, anti it is doubtful if anywhere, yon wIU

find better lit streets. Advance Hokitika.

To-mohrow will he the King’s Birthday, when his Majesty will he 56 years of age. Born on June 3rd 1865, the present King became. Duke of York in 1892, and Prince of Wales in 1901. He succeeded to the throne (in his 45th year) on May 6tli, 1910, being proclaimed King three days later, and his coronation Look place on 22nd June in the following year. He was married in 1893 and has live surviving children, four sons and one daughter. The eldest son, the present Prince of Wales, toured the Dominion last year. King George, who followed King Edward the Peacemaker, has reigned during the most difficult years in English history. Throughout all the troublous times, the Great War, industrial strife, an:l in the present period of practically civil wai in Ireland, the King has more than held the confidence of the nation, There is never an occasion on which lie goes among his people, and lie mixes with them most freely, hut he is acclaimed by the populace, and is rightly regarded as the Sovereign of the nation, typifying the monarchy which has given to the Empire such steadfast rule and government. No form of government may exist without its headpiece— he it litojiarchial, republican, communistic—and the British Empire is well served by the reigning House. The King is as lie is regarded the head of the nation, lie stands lor the constitution, that pact written or unwritten, under which law and order are enforced, and which means the authority of sure government. As to the goodness of the government, tlin't is for the people who are franchised to elect their own Parliaments. The King, and the upholding of the King, .means h good deal these difficult times, and it is for all loyalists to stand shoulder to shoulder and by precept and example ■display their fealty to the King of Great Britain. GOD SAVE THE KING.