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Hokitika Guardian, 22 March 1922, Page 2

It wa.s very satisfactory to note during the late tour of the Minister of Public Works through South Westland that ho was definitely resolved to proceed with tile bridging of tliti W'tiho river. This work is to be taken irt hand ns soon as the financial position improves and it seems reasonable to hope that preliminary provision for the structure will be made on this year’s Estimates. This is very satisfactory, and is in keeping with the general attitude maintained by Mr Coates in regard to Hie South Westland bridges. Mr Coates regards the bridging of the Waiho river at its fullest importance, and being so impressed lie i& sure to give the work special consideration when the opportunity serves. The proposed bridge which will be a suspension bridge, will be one of the most important in Westland. The northern approach has been formed for some time, blit this is a comparatively light part of the cost. The Waiho river is an ice fed stream, with a rough rocky bottom. In Hood time, it is swift and dangerous often carrying large blocks of ice down stream. Piles would soon be cut about by the drifting ice and cylinders would be difficult to sink. The suspension bridge will be tlu* most secure and lasting, and it is very satisfactory to find so permanent u design has been resolved upon. The briuge will he the commencement of the main highway into the fa r south, and ensure vehicle traction for an extended distance. It will he a great boon to traffic for the crossing is one of the most difficult and dangerous ulong the whole southern route.

An exceptional opportunity appears to be offering the farming community of the district in the winter school to hb held hero in the middle of May. The classes will be held tw : ce daily and special instruction will bv given b.v leading professors of Canterbury College and others highly q nidified to deal with the special subjects they will take up. Various branches of farming and farm management will be treated, inel'iiding the care of stock and other valuable instruction in respect to successful settlement. The instruction will be given free, the organisation of the work being taken up by the W. E. A. and the Progress League, with the common object of advancing local interests for the general betterment of the community at large. Students will be attracted no doubt from other parts—and they will be welcome. Those on the land in this district, and particularly the younger folk, should take j full advantage of such an excellent op- 1 ening as will occur. The classes will be open to all, and many of the outside visitors will come this way with a view to spying out the country, and ascertaining what openings there are as to future settlement. To meet these people and exchange views in regard to farming and stock, will itself be an education worth while. In addition to the class work, sections interested in farm management will visit various parts of the district and instruction be given in regard to management, recurrence of crops, care of stock, and generally a practical form of information which will be easily carried through life. The settles of the jrumedmte neighbourhood

and of South Westland should keep the date of the winter school in mind, and make a special effort to attend and glean-all the knowledge they can. It is a rare opportunity rendered possible by the practical interest Canterbury people are taking lit Westland, and the most should be made of this practical form of kinship.