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Hokitika Guardian, 16 March 1923, Page 2

Hands oil' the scenic leserves! Ti ere will be very general agreement witn the views expressed by the lion. ti. .1. Anderson at the County t namiicis on Wednesday night m reply to a request made on behalf ot tile Timber \\ orkers Union to raid the scenic icserves for milling purposes. .Seeing that tin- Forestry Department lias reserves to the extent of over one million five hundred thousand acres in Westland now, in addition to the timber cutting rights licit! hy millers, there does not appear to be any legitimate reason to ravage the scenic reserves. ft appears to I** the desire to raid the reserves on the main south road. That route is a great scenic asset. and instead of depleting tile scenic reserves along that highway we would prefer to see tlu* reserves added to. so as to ensure the retention of the bush glory of tile trip for those who are to come after. It was comforting io find the Minister had set views on the subject, and we hope his colleagues will l>o no less positive in their views to preserve the scenic reserves, the existence of which we owe in the main to the late G. ,1. Roberts who was an enthusiast as to the special attractions of Westland with its unique hush glories.

The discussion with the Minister of Mines on Wednesday night with regard to the burden imposed oil tlie district by the heavy traffic regulations affecting the main south road, brought out very plainly the iniquity of the new charges and the loading restrictions. The speakers referred to the effect on the dairying and sawmilling industries, which will continue to lie the prime fnctors in the development of the south. Tf these industries are to flourish, it is essential that good access must be provided. In other parts one often hears of a “good roads movement.” The settlers of the south should associate themselves, and banded together endeavour to secure what the new regulations will deny. Tn considering the matter the other even-

ing, nothing definite was achieved because the matter was outside the jurisdiction of the Minister, but it is to bo hoped the public ventilation of the southern grievance will lead to the pro- I per authorities being prompted to give the matter fuller consideration leading up to a modification of the regulations whereby the chief need of the district ; in the matter of means of communiea- ; tion will have the best attention possible. |