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Hokitika Guardian, 18 May 1923, Page 2

The announcement that Parliament is to meet a fortnight earlier than usual, brings the session very close no"' —only a month away. Interest in the assembly of Parliament will be quickened by the fact that the I’iimo Minister will require to appoint at least one Cabinet Minister. Mr Lee's portfolios are still vacant, while the place of Sir 'William Herries on the Executive has not been filled. The choice for Mr Massey of a South Island representative in the place of Mr Lee, is rather limited, but there is a wider choice in respect to the North Island, and tho name ot Mr Nash, member for Palmerston North, as the Minister-elect is being freely mentioned. In any ease the appointments should be made quickly, as with Mr Guthrie ill, Cabinet is very short handed, and the willing members of the Ministry have their hands full, following the hold up in public business while Mr Massey was electioneering. It is anticipated the coming session will la? of necessity a brief one, which fact will be rather helpful to the Government in the present stale of the parties, and the difficulty there would he in securing a comfortable passage for policy measures. Mr Massey will be very circumspect no doubt and avoid any chances of a snap division which might savour of defeat.

The annual meeting of the Westland Branch of the Canterbury Progress League served to call to mind the useful services that body is performing for the district. The Secretary’s report covered tho year’s work, and the variety of matters which had received attention showed the general usefulness of the branch in its operations. Its work in regard to a Winter School for farmers is of .outstanding importance, as the spread of knowledge is of the greatest value to the community. Also in regard to the visits bv other lecturers the Branch is doing excellent work of great educational value. Very properly the annual meeting appreciated tlie help for the district derived from the parent body. It hits been well said that the. Canterbury Progress League is the most important body in the South Island. It is certainly an influential organisation for it has behind it the support of all Canterbury. The League tackles its problems earnestly, and does not move till it is sure of its facts. Its work in regard to the telephone charges was oi national value, and is licing so appreciated by the Government. The local branch is fortunate ill being affiliated to so important a. body, and the alliance is proving of the greatest value to Westland.

It is to hoped that the Borough Council will take up without delay, seriously and earnestly, the matter of securing a more secure water supply service. The question cropped up at tho annual meeting of the Hokitika Fire Brigade, and the remarks indicated how serious the question is to the public at largo. The frequent interruptions in the supply show that the security of the supply cannot-be relied upon, and the Brigade- has to be alert and prepared to fight an outbreak of fire at any time with its rather obsolete pumping plant. The Council as the responsible party in the matter, might well call a conference of the Fire Board, Fire Brigade, and tlie Council members to jointly consider the matter. Remedial measures should he taken at. once, for it is asserted that in any case the present water service will not be adequate for the town during tbo period of the Exhibition, at tbo end oi the year. Any failure of the service at such a time would l>o catastrophic, and the authorities must look ahead to prepare for possible contingencies. Tlie town is fortunate in having an enthusiastic and well-equipped Brigade, but without the chief means to fight a fire it is impotent- at tbo moment of action, should the water supply fail. The matter should certainly bo placed beyond all doubt.