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Hokitika Guardian, 30 April 1923, Page 2

Thu district roads ex| enditure in the ('..unty, according is toe published statement just referred to, show that the year wound up with a surplus. I his was no doubt rendered possible by the fact that the principal arterial loads of the Ridings are now dealt with n-s main roads, because of the large general trallie, other than local traffic, using them. A word of praise is given in the statement for the sen ices of the motor lorry. Undoubtedly this has been useful m overtaking inaintenanee nock. When the lorry was prmii red at the end of 1921, the mails were drifting hack, and horse and dray work was inadequate to restore the roads to a satisfactory erudition. There is the suggestion new to procure a stone crusher, and with the extra mileage of main roads to care for, this should le an economical adjunct to the maintenance plant,. The- Council needs to go a. step further and secure a road roller to complete the iudispensiblc plant required for tlu; bes| results in aiming at good roads. The road traflie will he an increasing veliiine in the County, and it is to Ire regretted that when tlie ratepayers had the opportunity a couple of years ago or so, they talined down the machinery loan proposals. The experience with the lorry has demonstrated what practical work can lie done. Hut that was not a new discovery, for wherever road machinery is in regular use. the results are quickly seen on the roads.

UN the whole the County ratepayers have no occasion to complain specially against the local body in charge ot district affairs. The members take a very intelligent interest in local affairs ami district requirements receive all possible attention. In view oi the fact that Government- grants for district works have fa lon off in order to permit large bridges and railways to progress within the electorate, the ConnciJ has done very well with its end of tlie burden of local government. Now, with an increasing mileage of main roads passing to the cate of the Council, a reduction is being made in the rate levy. This is to lie commended, and allows the desire liv economies in other directions to give relief to the ratepayers at the earliest possible moment. According to the estimates given, the County Treasurer anticipates general revenue will not drop seriously. That is probably correct, i.s the County district in common with the town, should feel the benefit of the railway connection shortly to tie afforded with Canterbury markets. Indeed, tlie settlors of tlio country districts should derive direct frenefit from tlie very outset by the facilities afforded for the trails port of stock and produce to a stable niaikct. That being so, the country ratepayers can afford to regard the future with a good deal of equanimity.

Thehk is one thing that the new Council should take up with determination and that is the oxpenditute of Government grants in the southern part <>i the County. Tho pressing need for the south is improved means of acic-s. Year by year money is voted by l’arliamcnt r.t tlie request of the Council, but tlie expenditure dues not proceed as quickly. Money has to be revoted from time to time. New that tlie chief bridges on the* main south read to Wniho Gorge are completed, it is hut fair that there should he some concentration on works further south. It is of moment that the Wniho river should lie bridged without delay, and the road through to Bruce Bay perfected as scon as possible, including the bridging of Waikukupa river for which the money lias been voted. There are other parliamentary votes also in abeyance notably the Bruce Bay I-anding expenditure. All are matters of great importance to the respective localities, and the holding up of these works is a drawback to tho district. Looking to the latent possibilities of the south district, there is an obligation on the County Council to urge the opening up and development of the district to tho fullest ex,oQt and the ultimate results will well

justify the attention devoted to the task.