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Hokitika Guardian, 13 December 1921, Page 2

It is very satisfactory to noto that tho Government is fully charged with the need for rebuilding the Mental Hospital, in order to outfit the institution for the effective discharge of its purpose. We realised from tho outset that this matter because of its acuteness would have tho proper attention. Long before the matter was referred to in the East Coast press wo were aware the authorities were alive to the position, and information came our way that the matter would lie dealt with satisfactorily. That belief has been justified by the latest Ministerial pronouncement. Large works these times cannot bo carried out hv tho wave of a magic wand. In whatever walk of life patience has to be exercised where works are involved. The wheels of industry grind slowly and there are .many exemplifications of that la even outside the. Government sphere of influence. Something more than money is required and that is time. We lucre to remember in regard to the Government that money is a scarce commodity, and it cannot always he readily provided. From our knowledge of the present ease, and our facts were gleaned from the inside, we felt that everything possible was being done. There is no doubt of the Minister’s conviction, but he had to convince Cabinet and that took some time. Fortunately he was backed, not only by bis officials but also public opinion, and so the necessary works have been sanctioned. The public now have the knowledge that a very important matter is to receive that degree of attention which lias for so long been so manifestly necessary. CoNSiKKRAHLE inconvenience continues to be experienced in the present curtailed running of the Boss railway service. The public do not complain of the curtailment, if in tho interests of economy that has become necessary, but desire on the days the shrvice is running, that the time-table Inc a more reasonable one. In point of fact that tiie service be for the convenience of tho public using the line and not for the

convenience of the staff 'working the line. That is a simple request as affecting » public utility, and it is bored the Department will ceine to realise the merits of the case. The Ross Tioromdi Council has taken the matter up on behalf of the southern people who are mainly interested, and it is hoped the representations will result in an effective change. There should not bo a great deal of difficulty in adjusting ■ time-table to meet the position, if reasonable consideration is given to loci requirements, hut the first consideration in these matters always appears to be the time of the staff. Tlie public

traffic has secondary consideration, and i the consequence is with a restricted sfervice the publirt interests actually suffer. The Ross Council failed to move , local official opinion, which no doubt is acting under instructions. It is now proposed to go to the fountain head and endeavour to induce tlie Minister of Railways to consider the matter. Hokitika local bodies arc no less interested in tlie matter, and xffiould co-operate and support the southern representations on the matter.