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Hokitika Guardian, 17 July 1923, Page 2

The opening of the Soldiers’ Social Hall this evening marks an important stage in tlie effort to continue to do justice to fhe returned soldier, whose worth, but a short time ago, when he rushed into the breach, could not be too highly estimated. The occasion is something of a ‘‘lest we forgot” effort, ns Kipling might describe it. The commodious hall to he opened to-night is lint half of tlie huildiftg to be finally erected. It is an important half, as it will la' revenue earning in the direction of ensuring good Upkeep. The second half a ill contain the rooms for the club side of the proposal, hut the funds for this work are not in sight yet. The hall itself will supply a long felt need for the town, the provision -of a roomy hall where socials may bo held with comfort and convenience. The building lias been designed for that purpose, and it promises to meet immediate re(|tiirements. Hokitika is sure to grow from now on. It has moved considerably already and from tlie reputation it has outside, evidently stands in general favour. The town will require the hall for its social use, nnd the K.S.A. organisation is to be congratulated on its enterprise in sotting about the provision of such useful quarters.

The hull itself being of such useful proportions, it is to bo hoped the p.u!>lit* will Ue encouraged now to assist with the building of the club-room section. Tlero, again, a very useful adjunctive aid can he supplied to the town. With so many strangers coming into the place, a well regulated rendezvous for the evenings is most desirable, and the quartets proposed will serve that purpose admirably. The soldiers, of course, have their claim on the citizens. It, was intended all along to provide the quarters, and the delay there has Ix'on was caused by the time taken to rear the war memorial. That debt discharged, tlie present obligation should he fulfilled. Tlie moms and the quarters "ill bo of good service to the men. They need, if their association is to stand, facilities for a common meeting ground As ail organised body they do good service for their comrades, many of whom still need a Helping hand. It should not lie said that this community neglected its duty to the men who served in the war. and for that reason ready iinaneial help should he forthcoming to assist in providing first-class eluli-rooms for the men to foregather lcgularly.

Speakino to a deputation in Wellington last week, which addressed tlie .Minister of Rublie Works regarding the Main Highways Board, and the claim lor two Island hoards instead of one national hoard, Mr Holland said that the counties on the West Coast were all in favour of two Boards. He did not agree that the South had not problems as great as the North. On the West Coast and throughout the Ninth Island there were loading proidem- more serious than in other parts of New Zealand. Two Hoards with three members each could deal more readily with the work that had to bo done, and, if necessary, there could be joint action agreed to on anything special at- a meeting of the two Boards in Wellington, under the presidency of Mr Furkert or Mr Coates. Mr Holland was misinformed evidently as to the attitude of the West Con-t Counties. Both the AYestlalud mid mrev Counties at the recent conference in Christchurch, on the subject at issue, supported tlie one Board principle. There is no reason to believe that attitude Ims changed. On the contrary the Westland County for the forthcoming Outlines Conference at Wellington, has given notice to move a motion approving tlio one Board. As the National Board has been set up it is not likely there will be any change in the Government policy. Indeed, the Ministers have spoken plainly to that effect already.