The Hokitika Guardian TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12th, 1922. SOUTH TRAFFIC.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 September 1922, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12th, 1922. SOUTH TRAFFIC.

With the bridging of the principal river crossings on the main south road to Waiho Gorge shortly to lie accomplished, there was every hope and expectation that traffic south would increase by leaps and bounds. Unfortunately at this stage heavy traffic is putting up the reads, hitherto in good order fop motoring while m«ny amnUer anfl large culverts fire falling into decay,

(Sind are not considered equul to the heavy traffic which southern development is creating. The hopes of seeing a steady stream of motor ear tratbc up and down the main south road in the coming season are not very blight at present. This is a disappointing prospect and is to be doplo.ed. The south road ’was not built lor a. heavy class of traffic, but it is manifest with steady development going forward and 1 the curtailed shipping facilities that traffic must increase both in volume and variety. The expansion of the dairying industry is noticeable on nil sides; In the various districts fresh fauns are being taken up, and large buildings are being erected. This all means increased output of dairy produce, and patronage for a class of traffic on heavier lines; As regards bridges in need df repair and strengthening, it seems t.) be something of an anomaly that huge forests of standing timber should flank the road, yet small bridges are considered too weak for the traffic. The strehgtliening of the structures should not he a costly matter with the material right at hand. In regard to road maintenance a greater cost will he involved, because the highway was not built originally for the class of traffic now coining into vogue. The heavy traffic is likely to increase rather thilll decrease; On* interesting phase is that otic Department of the Government refuses to run rolling stock over a private line (under arrangement) while another Department is holding up a sawmill tramway extension. In botli cases the timber and other traffic which could be diverted from the main road by these means, will continue on the roads to be. maintained by a fhird Government Department. There is a lack of co-ordination ‘in the interests of practical economy. The restoration < f the important section of road beyond Ross is highly important, because it is the first link in the main south trip. To carry the traffic, much broken metal is obviously needed and a mechanical means for breaking the stone might well be employed if the repair work is to he continued on any scale. Unless the work is undertaken in a comprehensive wav. all traffic will be impeded and tho eost and. difficulty in negotiating the bad portions i f road will add to the eost of transport. Leading will require to Ik* restricted lor a time and speed very seriously regulated. In some parts of the North Island heavy traffic lias to stop altogether during certain months of the year. S luething of this nature of control will require to he done hereabouts if those engaged in the transport trade are not more reasonable in their management. The question of south traffic affects the welfare of the. community as a whole, and it has become a Very important public question. It is not a question of tho tho life of a industry’ or the success of a single venture, but is a matter intimately affecting all the people south and can be dealt with only as a general matter. The public will need to become interested in the matter if a measure of relief is to lie brought about through ordinary channels and the matter should not be neglected unduly.