Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 6 January 1922, Page 2

The complaints made in regard to the state of Lake Kanieri road draw attention to the fact, that the important highway referred to will not be satisfactory for all classes of traffic, till it is put in proper order To do so requires funds and an effective scheme. The lakeside is an undoubted asset to the place, and it will “pay” both directly and indirectly to have the route to that locality in the best possible order. Those responsible for the upkeep of the road have a, responsibility in the matter which should not be shirked. The road is narrow, and widening will be costly, but even on the present width a good deal of improvement could be effected for the convenience of traffic. There is no lack of material at hand to make a first class road. Plenty of hard metal for breaking purposes can be obtained centrally at the Forks while good gravel pits are available at easy distances all- along the route. A stone crushing plant and a road roller would be a very material aid to make the Lake Kanieri road what it should be—the best in the district. It would be economy, also to make a first-class road at the outset. The continual outgoings for repairs at present, and the unsatisfactory condition of the road is a poor return for the expenditure involved. To give satisfaction, a road-mak-ing plant is necessary and it would be available to do similar good work in other parts of the country, and- so give extra good value to the ratepayers. The Council appears to have a usefu] asset in the motor tipping lorry lately acquired. That machine from all accounts does in a way what ten horses and drays would be required to do. An experience of that nature should give the Council courage to use more and more machinery in its road work. If the road plant were complete, it should certainly include a stone crusher and a road roller and all who use the roads would no doubt be prepared to contribute- a special rate to get the excellent results it is possible to obtain by effectively—and more economically—using such a plant on the roads of the district.

Sir Rudyard Kipling’s message to Ulster was not of that helpful character in the Irish crisis to bo expected from one who has the interests of the Empire so much at heart as the nation’s popular patriotic poet. Ulster lias loyal friends and, well wishers everywhere, but her best friends are

not loyal to a part only but to the whole Empire. Ulster leaders made serious mistakes as did others in their over zeal, but the intense loyalty of Ulster was not misjudged. In the final settlement of the affairs of Ireland, Ulster as a part will not receive any less consideration than th« remainder of Ireland. The pre-disposilion will be to show Ulster any favor possible. But Ulster’s friends require to be temperate and patient. The Irish situation would not have reached its present promising outlook but for the temperate action of Mr Lloyd George and his wonderful patience all through the negotiations. Let us not forget that hitherto the settlement of the Irish problem spelt failure to all who had tackled the question seriously. Least of all was Ulster able to make any overtures lead nng up to a favourable issue. Yet I we are persuaded the people of Ulster 1 are wishful for a permanent peace in Ireland. They do not wish the present j reign of terror to continue indefinitely j Rather we think, would they be prc> pared to make sacrifices to end the aw- j fill terror and disorganisation prevail-

ing. Such being the case, Ulster we hope will handle “the fateful days of her choice “temperately and patiently. Ulster is no doubt well aware of tho public favor with her, and to retain that cordial spirit in the ending of the present dark days, Ulster, we hope, will act circumspectly, and not do anything precipitately at the behest of fire brands, who mean well, but who are prompted by personal prejudices, the very worst motives ' where a sane judgment is called for. Ulster can play a conspicuous part in the final settlement of Irish affairs, and we hope that part will he well played with a due regard to the feelings of its loyal friends and well wishes all over the world.