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Hokitika Guardian, 28 May 1923, Page 2

The correspondent who wrote on Friday last in respect to road-making machinery dealt with a subject very much in the public mind just now—the improvement of the roads ho carry the increasing volume K'f speedy traffic. The examplo referred to in the neighbouring County where a road roller i 3 being used to special advantage, brings the matter very near home, and it

should, be worth while for,the Borough and County authorities ■to interest themselves in the work done so close at hand and. if tho results are economical and efficient, to consider ways and means of procuring similar machinery for this neighlwurhood. Last- week both local bodies had tho matter under dis-

and though nothing positive .•.«■> done in regard to tho machinery, it « evident the subject is very much in the minds of the members. Such being tho case it would bo both opportune and appropriate to investigate the matter as closely as possible, and tho fact that a plant of the nature suggested is in operation just across the northern County boundary, should induce the members of the local bodies to pay a personal visit, and r.ee the class of work done, and the cost involved. There can l.c no doubt about its permanent value, and if finance can bo arranged the purchase of a suitable plant on joint lines might possibly lie arranged to tho advantage of both local -bodies.

Trrrni: is -omc public interest, not to say concern in regard to local accommodation for maternity cases. The subject is one that should not he ignored, being as it is of such vital importance to the future of tho race. The matter is one controlled by the Health authorities, but it is one in which local advice might he tendered by tho Hospital Board authorities. If tho Board were to confer with the Medical Superintendent no doubt n course cf action could be taken which would tend to meet the local situaiton. The matter is ono in which there is necessity to have the fullest confidence and satisfaction as to both accommodation and treatment, and looking to all the circumstances which surround the question, action appears to bo necessary to meet the general public requirements. At all events the local position is l>cing freely discussed in various quarters, which indicates the need for some consideration, if not attention on the part of those best qualified to act in the matter. It is purely in the public interests that reference is made here, and in the hope that it will be taken up and considered by a body or authority which should have semo direct voice in the matter.

The late Borough election caused a mass of legal machinery to be put into motion to supply a nil result. Those responsible for the attempt to unseat a councillor were evidently very poorly advised, as when on Friday on the assembly of no less than four learned counsel and a Magistrate from Greymouth, it was discovered by the petitioners that there was no case to proceed with. There was an igiioininous withdrawal in consequence. Just why those responsible moved in the matter is not clear. The gentleman attacked stood well up on the poll, and naturally he would have to accept the responsibility of his actions il he overstepped the law. The motive for the lodgment of the petition is not clear, unless it be that tho gentleman concerned is not in favor with the civic powers that bo. In ally case the Municipal Act provides for fully safeguarding the position of tie Council, so that there was no call at all for the action taken. The matter was pressed unduly by the promoters, it would appear, as two of those who signed the petition acted under some form of pressure, and were glad to disassociate themselves with the matter in the end. All’s well that ends well and there will now be a- more serene feeling among the malcontents who at some legal cost, have made themselves appear rather l idiculoiis.