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Hokitika Guardian, 11 June 1923, Page 2

The fact that it is necessary now to enlarge tho local railway station and vards, suggests a more extensive improvement later. No doubt ways and means will be found for that course

without removing the railway terminus out of town. It would be a serious inconvenience ami tax on the public, if the railway station were outside tlio limits of the Borough, and Messenger and goods traffic had to be transported an extra mile or so by vehicle to reach their destination. Doubtless this position faced tlio Borough Council when it consented to the closing of portion of Stafford Street to fit in with the Departmental scheme to meet local requirements. It will be inconvenient in a measure to have the street closed to vehicle traffic, but the Department proposes to minimise tlio situation by providing an overhead bridge for pedestrian traffic, and an improved roadway for diverted vehicle. traffic bv another route. This arrangement will moot tho posntion for some, time to conic much hotter tliaji would tho removal of the station itself to the outskirts of the town. The Council proposes to talk over the details with the Railway Department’s engineer, and no doubt the best solution possible will lie made to meet public requirements in the matter.

The question of moving the Clock Tower is quite another matter, and is hardly a fair claim on the Railways Department. The closing of Stafford Street will, of course, divert more traffic via Wold Street and perhaps in equity there would he some justification in asking the Government Department to contribute towards the cost, but tho whole liability should not bo a charge against the Railways. The fear in our mind is that the matter of moving the Clock Tower means rather its destruction. It is •• solid, massed structure, cemented together to stand for ages, and to attempt to pull the stonework apart will lie difficult indeed, short of actual destruction. It would appear that the danger that is looming up now arises from the speed of tho motor traffic within the Borough. The speed will require to be strictly regulated in the neighbourhood of the Clock Tower as a preventative for accident. Another step would he the removal cf the temporary wooden portions in the arch ways, so as to afford a clear view through the monument. The wooden obstructions were never intended to he there by the designer, and the removal would he an advantage. The question of removal is a difficult one. however necessary it might he growing, but in the meantime preventative measures to avoid possible accidents should be adopted, and remove- immediate cause tor anxiety on the matter.

The remedial measures to improve the Borough water supply nave given seme hope for the maintenance of a more regular supply iu the future. The experience last week, when the water was cut off suddenly, however, suggests that a., closer watch should be kept in regard to t.ho water works. The Council has some proposal of detailing the care of the line of the race to a special water works man, and this should lie put into practice. The cause of last week’s trouble was the blocking of the intake of the race in the lake, and this is to he met by a. simple arrangement with a resident in the vicinity to watch the position. The restoration ot the filter at. the head works should, however, be resorted to. as the most, satisfactory way of maintaining a good flow of water without fear of blockage by Hunting debris iu the lake. The filter was an important detail of the original proposal and should bo reinstated at once. Generally, there are indications that effectively maintained under a proper system of inspection, the Borough water supply will be as satisfactory as it was at the outset. Tlio present Public Works Committee of the Council is adopting a line of action which should result in the improvement so very desirable, and it is to he hoped the proposals will he put into effect, as early as possible.