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Hokitika Guardian, 8 January 1923, Page 2

•Aetkh much protiactcd delay the B<‘nmgh loan proposals are at last set down for consideration by the ratepayer.' at a poll to he held on the 19th aist. The loan poll is a matter in which those eligible to vote should take an earnest interest. The proposals as they are set out, unfortunately, are not giving geneial satisfaction. It is held in some quarters that too much is being devoted to drainage works which arc not of a sanitary nature, and therefore not so urgently necessary a* attention to the principal thoroughfares which arc in a sad state of disrepair. Perhaps, however, the Borough authorities will he aide to give the assurance that money lining provided for what are deemed permanent works local icvenuo will be more free to attend to maintenance works and that n specific sum will ho set apart for the latter purpose, [t is certainly very important that the ] rineipal thoroughfares should lie put in seemly order during this year. Tins necessity applies to footpaths as well as In roads or streets and Revell Street in particular should he a special object for attention on the part of the Council from the annual revenue. It is llie locality which yields the largest share of the local income and coming more and more into use should be put in hotter condition than it* is. A matter sueli as this adjusted, and the loan

proposals will stand in hotter favor. No doubt there will

he' a formal nuhlic meeting at which the proposals will he discussed, and sueli an occasion would he a useful opportunity to discuss some aspects of the details, and clear up any doubts and difficulties on points which may not appear too clear. The occasion marks a progressive step, and on that recount should claim tile fullest attention and consideration of the ratepayers into whose hands the matter passes now for approval.

Ik connection with the approaching exhibition it must not he overlooked, that, one of the principal occasion* in view is to commemorate the sixtieth year of the discovery of gold and the pioneer settlement of Westland. The

date of that important historical event is about a year hence, and falls within the period of the exhibition. No doubt the natal day of Westland will he fittingly celebrated during the progress nf the exhibition, hut the occasion will be altogether a memorable one and it should he specially marked. There should of course he a special place for the surviving pioneers of the middle sixties and it is to be honed thev anil their representatves will he able to foregather at a special function as was done in 1914. when the golden jubilee of the province was celebrated. The ili»ti'ht !••*?■* a •'"■'nr de«' p-, f'-e

pioneers of Westland, and to the wonderful spirit which prompted them to find, a pathway to the Coast and enter, ing its isolated wilds, create a new civilisation in these parts. The atmosphere of the old days still exists. It is perceptibly thinner no doubt, but ‘•Const ways” still have their vogue in the desire for the common welfare of humanity, in the recognition of the equality of men, man to mail, and in that genuine feeling of comradeship and hearty co-operation which has created the unity of action on which the fortunes of the district, hitherto left so much to •itself, has been built up. Y'os, most certainly, the pioneers surviving should find a favoured place in the programme of commemoration, and when matters are being put in order for the historical celebration, the recognition of the work and the worth of the old identities .-Jinuld he generous. There was a very pleasant record pot up :o 191-I - inil that occasion might well he a model lor next year s sixtieth eehliration of the advent of the pioneers mid the opening of Westland.