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Hokitika Guardian, 31 May 1922, Page 2

Apropos of what has just been written there was pleasing confirmation in the views given by Mr A. G. Henderson, President of the Canterbury Progress League, to a. Christchurch interviewer, on his return from liis recent, vis-.’, here. Mr Henderson was an observ ant visitor, and recognises what the Midland railway will do for the Coast. This part has an exceptional opportuliity to profit- from the development about to take place. The great outlay on the railway could not have been made without adding enormously to /be wealth of this Province. A quick, cheap and safe means of transport is what has long been waited for. Tho railway will supply it, linking up the district with market places for all its products, and securing an outlet overseats for surplus products. It will ho n time of great opportunity. Mr Henderson has sensed out all this, and having gliinped the value of southern Westland with its vast pastoral resources, readily sees that the district must come into its own, once the railway is an accomplished fact, He advises well and iri keeping with local ideas when he suggests the provision of more and ■r

more accommodation. The scenic attractions we have about us every day, are not appreciated by the residents, but visitors cannot fail to be delighted with the wonderful spectacle which the Southern Alps panorama presents. It is an everlasting asset which can never be lost to the town. Its presence and its beauty needs -to be noised abrad, so that before anything else, Hokitika alone will he worth a pilgrimnge for the scenic glories it has about it. A great lever can be, made of this unrivalled possession which is beyond compare, and is one of tile leading factors, no doubt in impressing .Air Henderson with the high opinion he lias of the assured future of the district

Thu vagaries of the Town Clock have been such of late as to occasion a good deal of coninint, humorous and otherwise. However, it has to he borne in mind that a timepiece, like anything else cannot go on for ever without proper attention, The clock has been going since 1003 and after nearly a score of years of service it is not ally wolider that it should need soin e attention oiit of tho ordinary, if it is to continue to do reliable service. The clock never had fair chalice in that th e well for the weight to fall was never deep enough, while the sea air Wijs not ; the outset effectually sealed out. It is not so long ago that the controlling body with a spirit of the vandal removed the chimes. These valuable bells were not placed there to be removed, and if there was any defect in the supports that should have lieen strengthened and the chimes secured. Public opinion, is indifferent to this matter, as to many other small tilings, but tliere is ail advantage in having a clock and chimes installed atid kejit in order. If it were kept ill order the service would he probably, itiore ujlifbrmly appreciated. to that end it is suggested that the authorities might secure the service of an expert to place the clock and hells in complete order ; aleo to remove the unsightly and decayed wooden portions of the tower which were never intended to he there. In these times when there is said to ho a wave of civic pride gathering force, some practical thoughts might lie turned in the direction of making the Town Clock a more Useful adjunct to the public service. That the Clock is of service is plain front the many complaints about its late erratic time-keeping and the sooner it is put in the way of being of practical value to the community, tlie better