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Hokitika Guardian, 31 January 1922, Page 2

As to the .Estimates, they are more disappointing than the Statement itself. Westland County in particular seems to be badly hit. There is very little ‘l‘new’* money . for Iroads—less than £2ooo—but the severest blow of all is the cancellation of votes appropriated by Parliament in the previous year Fully £6,000 worth of votes are so cancelled, so the roading of the district will be £4,000 worse 'off—and this in a year following a record, which is to be a greater record of expenditure still I There are heavy cancellings in all Departments. The Tourist votes listed a year ago, are quietly all wiped out—not a penny for West' land, though the Tourist expenditure last year was a record—Rotorua as usual enjoying the bulk of the expenditure. In Public Works roads, there is the big drop we have referred to. It is deplorable to think that both the Waitangi and Wailio Bridge are to be abandoned sine die. Necessary back-block roads remote from railways and vitally necessary" for settlement developmnt, have gone by the board. So, too, in the Mines votes, not only are no new votes proposed, but roads for mining in the back country are cut' out and disappear from the Estimates!. A tftudy of the figures will show that Westland County is one of the -worst treated in the Dominion. It is certainly the worst treated on the Coast. It happens to be larger in area than the other three counties on the Coast, and it has the greatest loss in votes, losing more votes than the other threje Counties put together. The Estimates' under this analysis seem to be the worst on record, while on top of this criticism, is the fact that the Minister has dishonoured his promise in regard to finishing the bridges on the route Ross to Waiho, i by deliberately cutting down the votes to impossible dimensions. I

There seems to be only one cheering aspect of the Estimates as far as this district is concerned, and that is the £B,OOO vote for the Mental Hospital. This belated attention is the outcome of. the strong expression dp jiubllic opinion, and if public opinion would similarly shape itself with regard to the treatment the district is receiving in reference to andi biridges, perhaps equally satisfactory results might come to pass. In regard to the Mental Hospital works, these are now in hand. A comprehensive scheme of rebuilding is to b«t carried out. The plans are now ready and the preliminary work" is being advanced as fast' as labor and material will permit. A new “lay-out” of the grounds and approaches is being perfected Some of

I the old buildings are demolished already to make way for ifche new I buildings. A commodiqus workshop is built, p.nd therein a great deal of the work (including fittings and furniture) will, bk> prepared. An entirely new seheiYie on the cottage system is being designed for the patiepts. This j can be brought into vogue very quickly {now for the female patients, a preliminary move being under way. large building for domestic purposes to I include kitchen, bakehouse, store, dining rooms etef has been designed and will be the first central building to be erected. It will cost aoout £S.CO" The works immediately contemplated do not provide specially for the accommodation of the male patients. That will have to come later. But it is at least satisfactory a start is being made and when the Hon Parr visits the institution next month it is hoped what he sees will spur hTih ‘to not limit the expenditure by even the £B,OOO now . -,-oted, but pus"h on the building scheme so that the living conditions of the patients will not longer than possible remain a reproach to the powers that be.