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Hokitika Guardian, 15 August 1922, Page 2

In yesterday’s issue it was remarked that the various progress leagues on the Coast should unite and work in co-ope-ratiou for the larger public works which it is desired to see accomplished to ensure inoie marked progress in a national way. At the recent conference at Christchurch the right unity of spirit u'iiji shown and it was noticeable that all parts of the Coast had something favourable to say in regard to the exhibition at Hokitika to mark the open, ing of the Arthur’s Pass tunnel. The Grcyinolith representative (Mr Steer), was particularly cordial, as also were the gentlemen representing Reefton and Westport. There is no doubt with the closer trading relation which will follow the opening of the Midand railway there will lie commercial advantages for the benefit of all the districts on the Coast. It will hr- of groat importance to have Westport linked up with the gener-l Coast railway system via the Bailor Goige, and attention might well be concentrated on that work as soon ns tile Arthur’s Pass tunnel is out of hand. The main portion of the labouring work will be completed by Christmas leaving only the mechanics and electricians t<> perform the filial touches It will not be too much now to urge the provision of a substantial vote tor the Bullor Gorge railway line, so that the linking up of the WestportReefton towns will be accomplished tho quickei. This done and the four principal centres of population on the Coast will he linker! by rail and become more directly interested in the fortunos of each other than heretofore. The great value of achieving what is so desirable as soon as possible, is quite occasion enough for the four towns to work ill a, five co-operation in regard to goner*! progress and the four leagues would lie well advised to come closer together in the direction of their agitation affecting local matters. Thk Borough Council appears to be living np to its observance of the wellknown Latin motto: “festina lento”, in regard to the flotation of a local loan for municipal improvements. Forcible attention is called to the matter at this juncture by reason of tho fact that it has been found necessary to increase the Borough rates. The increase could be avoid 'd if many works of a permanent nature the Council is now doing out of ordinary maintenance, were transferred to a loan account. The Borough staff is constantly making concrete pipes to he used for permanent works. If the many defective wooden drains were overhauled they could be repaired in a comprehensive way, and the frittering away of money for repairs in wood, as often takes place, could be avoided. The money saved could he used for more legitimate work in maintenance in other parts of the town, which could he kept in more seemly order. The Council has the knowledge that in a general way a reasonable loan scheme can be carried, and that the money will be avail *ble as required at reason-

able rates of interact. In these elrcum. stances the present delay is to he regretted. The town is advancing markedly, and in keeping with that improvement, there is a call for more and more attention to the thoroughfares. An event of the greatest local interest is being foreshadowed for 1924, and the town will ho expected to rise to the evasion in no uncertain way. The tune is comparatively short, and if the Council is bent on doing its best for the town, no further time should bo lost in dallying over the preliminaries. The matter is important enough to call for a special mcetfhg of the Council so as to go fully into the details n»d save as much time as possible. The more energy the Council shows in the matter, the greater will he the interest aroused among the ratepayers and the will excited to assist to the fullest.