Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 19 May 1922, Page 2

Timm: is of course no more important matter affecting the immediate futme of this Coast tlian the completion of the Midland Railway. In regard to the speedy opening of the through line Westland has the whole-hearted support of the Canterbury people, and the Hast Coast representatives here just now are very much alive to the need for tlie finishing of the work as quickly a,s possible. This was amply demonstrated at the meeting at the Town Hall yesterday afternoon. The visitors in crossing over this week, noted the state of the works and.although many men are employed and much activity is shown, the doubt arose whether the Tine could Uo opened for through traffic by December. Action was resolved upon to prove the position to the fullest, and secure by all reasonable means the accomplishment of the end desired, bast summer it will be remembered the o was great congestion of traffic on the overland route. Tt was felt then it was most desirable to get passengers and mail traffic through the tunnel next season. This is as desirable ns ever, and strenuous efforts by organised agitation are to be made to that end. The country needs the revenue which the completed railway will immediately earn. The delay in opening the line is a national loss financially, nip] that j

loss should be cut without delay and the railway made revenue earning. There are still six or seven months to push on the works and the agitation now being revived will, it is hoped, achieve what is aimed at.

It was a very kindly thought of the Canterbury visitors now amotlgst us which prompted to-day’s visit to South Westlkli'd to note the progress being made with the Southern bridges. If is something like twenty months now since a delegation of the Canterbury Progress Teague paid a visit south for the purpose of spying out the country. 'I he members of that delegation were greatly impressed with the country, and undertook to advocate the construction of tlie principal bridges. Since then the Tittle Waitaha, and Tittle Wanganui Iniilges have been undertaken, but are not yet available for traffic, while tenders have been called for the Wnitnngi bridge. The two bridges under construction are hastening slowly. In the case of the bittle Waitaha bridge the structure is erected, but there is not much hope nf the approaches lieing ready under some months. It is desired to see this work expedited. In regard to the Tit. tie Wanganui bridge, there lias been delays through floods, and it is hoped also to nave this work hastened so that it will be ready within a reasonable time. As regards Waitangi bridge it is most desirable that a tender be accepted. If this work were put in hand, now it is not likely the completed bridge and approaches would be ready before ' the summer of 1923. That is quite

long enough to wait in view of tho promises made in the past, and if the visitors who are south to-day at their own initiative and expense can but hasten matters, they will command the lasting gratitude of the community.