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Hokitika Guardian, 27 March 1923, Page 2

It is expected that very shortly after the Borough Council and the Railway Engineers adjust matters in respect to an understanding regarding improvements to be effected at the Hokitika railway station, the work" necessary will be put in hand by the Department-. It is understood the plans for the

overhead bridge or footway are up-prov-ed. The work involves considerable reorganisation of the lines, ami the removal of the platform to a new site where the station will he of greater length ami more coiunicdidiTs. There will l:e considerable space for the shilling of carriages and trucks, in keeping with the importance of the staI rioit under the new arrangements. The | new service timo-rable to the East Coast will give a drool through connection from Hokitika and it is expected the time occupied ill the journey will he shortened considerably. As the matter is of considerable importance, it is worth noting that the Borough Council is moving at once in the discharge of its side of the bargain, and held a special Committee meeting hist night to finalise matters. The near approach of the opening of the line, combined with the great importance of the matter to this centre, suggests that the local body slumhl do everything possible to facilitate works about the. local station, and avoid any possible hitch or delay.

The proposal prepared for the meeting at the County Chambers on Thursday night in regard to the provision of a soldiers’ dub for the district should l:e a simple and effective way of bringing the object to pass. A building fund campaign is to be opened with the intention of appointing collectors to take tip weekly contributions. If the right enthusiasm is aroused the scheme should go well, and before the* end of the year the whole amount required should he raised. The main building, after being moved across the street, is to be put- in order without delay, and then added To as funds permit till the completed plan is realised. This is a sensible procedure, and should encourage sustained contributions. The building will be a useful adjunct to the town. The enlarged social hall which is to bo provided with suitable rooms attached, will fill a much-need-ed want, and is sure to be well patronised. The men’s; club room is certainly needed in a town of this- size, and well run as in other centres, v. ill bo a popular rendezvous. The district has done well with its war memorials to these who made the supreme sacrifice and very rightly that- duty was discharged betimes. There is now the duty to do something for the living who served no less gallantly, and we are sure the town will again do itself creuit in this matter. The opportunity will bo offered very shortly now. and the building should be a completed structure by the end-of the year, when so much is to come to pass in Hokitika.

The retiring Borough Inspector submitted to the Council on Friday nightan interesting resume of the year’s work. The report elicited some questions from councillors not aw are of the position as’to the retirement, or lather “promotion” of the officer to a less responsible position. The reply v. as not very illuminative and seemed to suggest that there was the appearance of Star Chamber methods in tlie matter. Tfce officer who is retiring appears to have been responsible for a largo amount of work, and the report

"liicfyis received without adverse cntici s hcws that the officer lias been very handy man for the local y. Needless to say there is a good j 0 f talk and enquiry why the officer.being suspended. The “promotion,, another task which might not 1% congenial, is regarded by some another way of inviting the officer retire. This in particular, 1 ooausfeeo'ding to all accounts, lit was noonsulted about the “promotion” * nlo the Council has thrust upon lii r [’] lc position as Mark Twain would 0 it. is at least peculiar. Ilowevethe object just now is to ap- ; reeiato D report of the retiring offier, wh(pp C ni's to have discharged even ve; o ncroiis duties very cheer•ully, nr, iis the satisfaction at least of havinprried out bis varied work in seomingljuelr a manner as not to draw an yen criticism from members.