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Hokitika Guardian, 6 April 1923, Page 2

I:; re-peet t > the foregoing it may lo urged that, though the League of Nations is not bound to interfere, it can do so ns an act of grave. The successful mediatii uin Epper Silesia supplies a precedent. But the position is net quite so simple. The League cannot take action rmi r Article 19 becntse no member'- Imnunial integrity or independence is threatened. Other articles enter the existing situation, but under these, apparently, the League cannot intervene on it- own volition. Tt must Ik- invited, and hitherto no one has offered it an invitation. Speakers on the sale of the Government advanced telling arguments against the invocation of the League at the present lime. Lord Robert Cecil, who has a passional,- belief in the destiny oi the League, deprecated intervention. Mr Boiiar Law pointed out that France and Belgium would certainly refuse to submit the dispute- to the League, that Italy would probably sympathise with their attitude and that the rebuff would he most damaging to the League's pre-tige ami prospects. The British Government. therefore, did nut think it advisable lo request the League i.,i meddle in what was not properly its business. The position taken up by the Government was unvliallengeab’e, and it is unwarrantable to regard the inaction of the League as a confession of failure mid' ineptitude. That the League has not settled these post-war disputes—lias not- even attempted to do so- proves nothing either wav. The League has already done good wi i k within its appointed field. Its chance to do still greater work will mine when the debris left by the war is cleared up, and the League can at last proceed on the mi--ion for which it was designed.

•Attention was called yesterday Id the need of a municipal awakening in icspect In utilising Borough reserves tor section sites and commencing the loan expenditure with the least possible delay. On a former occasion also attention was directed to the state ol the Town flail, but the Council is inactive in regard to the matter. To-day attention must he drawn to the spite of the Library building. It is wellknown to the Council which has lmd reports on the matter, and authorised expenditure, hut nothing is done. The interior is drifting into a disgraceful state as a result of the neglect, and we cannot do better than urge a personal visit of inspection by the individual members, when we are persuaded tneir feelings would Lo aroused and would result in positive action. Anyone who has any pride in the position id' the town, can hardly inspect the ruin that, is being wrought for the want of attention to the roof without feelings of dismay. We have no hesitation in saving that the condition of the building is not a credit to those who have assumed charge of it. Them responsibility is such that they will not do justice to their obligations without they storm and storm again at the Borough authority for the funds to put the building in seemly order ami stop the serious damage the weather is allowed to do to the interior of the building.

Tiie continued neglect of tlm Tourist Department to the scenic attractions cf Westland is a matter mentioned by many visitors, who nut only marvel that so little is known of the district in the outside centres, but also at the neglected state of many of the resorts which have to he approached by very indifferent tracks. In the glacier region, for instance, the want of improved access is often remarked upon. The neglected state of the hot springs is a positive reflection on the Tourist Department which in 1021-22 drew £00.404 for its annual apprcpdiation, and for 1922-23 was voted £71.792. Westland appears to be the special reject of the Tourist Department, yet world travellers who come here by chance on occasions extol the district as lieing a beautiful wonderland. The late visit of Mr Julian Grande and his remarks on the latent possibilities of Westland as an attractive resort for world tourists, should awaken the Department to a svtw of

its responsibilities and to the particularly fine opening there is to retain the volume of oversea tourist traffic by advertising abroad the glories of the Coast. If Mr Grande’s opinions were broadcasted and the scenic wonders advertised by poster and illustrated publication, tbe advertisement would have an arresting effect and help Now Zealand to retrieve its reputation as a unique holiday resort.