The Hokitika Guardian FRIDAY, MARCH 9th, 1923. MAIN ROAD TRAFFIC.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 March 1923, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian FRIDAY, MARCH 9th, 1923. MAIN ROAD TRAFFIC.

It appears likely from what was published yesterday as a result of the conversations with the District Engineer, that the question of main road traffic Is going to bulk largely in local considerations for the near future. In the first- place the Government is about to hand over to the local body a very considerable section of the main road, which will at once become a charge upon local government. There is some suggestion of the Government recognising its liability in respect to the state of the bridges it is foisting on to the County Council, and the state of the structures will be recognised when it is estimated some £3,600 will be required for the job I As regards the road surface, that with all its imperfections is to be passed on to the local body, which in turn will have to levy upon the ratepayers for the funds for the upkeep. So far there is no suggestion of any subsidy towards the upkeep, but as the Government pays subsidy elsewhere, Westland has surely not sinned so seriously as to be altogether shut out from Government favors. Besides, over the road in question, the major portion of the traffic is of an external source, visitors from all parts of the Dominion,

and as the Government is reaping something of a harvest from the duty on tyres, a portion of the money is equitably due here, where by reason of the state of the roads, motor tyres arc more readily cut out than worn [ out. Evidently tile local body is goi ing to have a fight ahead of it to sej eure reasonable consideration from the j Government. Then as to grants—monJ e.V voted by Parliament-—it appears the I Westland quota has been overspent. This is good news on the face ot it, hut we are inclined to think the quota could not have hcon on a basis equal to the extent of the district, nor in regard to the hack-block reading required. Hut flic Ministerial dictum will have to be accepted. Very great concern will ho felt in the Ross and son--1 them district when the effect of the : new motor regulations are realised. , The desire is to push heavy motor lorr.v i traffic off the road. There is a long j stretch of country which has suffered for long by reason of the shortcomings ■of transport. For years there was de- : lay in the road materialising. The sea transport wo.s intermittent. Then , there was the hampering delays caused , l>v tlic bridgeless rivers. Gradually the i larger streams have been spanned and | restricting fords avoided. But now ! the facilities are openinig for motor traffic and the settlers are about to enjoy cheaper freights and quicker transport, the heavy lorries are to he barred. If that comes to pass it means the leimposition of excessive freights and the restriction of industry. The -south has grown,very much of late, and the improved services have helped I to that end. They will be curtailed if j the regulations are enforced in their | present form, and the result will not j lie foi the benefit of the district. * South Westland is exceptionally placed, and it is not in keeping with ordinary methods of progress if traffic is going to be seriously curtailed just at the iimo when the Government wit.h the approbation of the people, hn.s been providing many excellent bridges to eater for improved traffic. The public works policy seems to have gone awry. Possibly it is because the position is j not fully understood. We hope that I is the explanation, and trust that when I Ibe matter is put up plainly and directly to the Minister, the South district and its industries and its future will he given a square deal. If on the other hand, the regulations are to he enforced in their present drastic conditions. the clock of progress is to be put buck and sooner or later someone will have to be called to serious account- for the serious injury thereby done to a district capable oi great development.