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Hokitika Guardian, 20 July 1923, Page 2

Tuk AYestland Branch of the Canterbury Progress League took a very proper step the oilier evening in deciding to associate itself with the Greymouth celebrations to mark tho opening of the Midland railway for passenger traffic. It is unfortunate that not only is the season of the year very unfavorable, but on top of that there is the mild epidemic of inllueuza prevailing, while Parliament being in session also mars the universal observance of the occasion. It. is very fitting, however that there should be some Coastal gathering and the northern centre supplies a very useful locale. It is to he hoped some of the invited guests will lie able to attend and so add lustre to the event. The presence of Sir Joseph AVnrd would be e.xtremiely welcome seeing that, his Government was responsible for the original contract. A member of the Ministry might lie spared also for such an occasion, and with the M’s. P. of Westland and Huir.uimi present the political diameter of the gathering would be complete, and he in keeping with the occasion. It remains now for the people from this end to join heartily in the celebrations proposed for August -Ith. when it is hoped bright, genial weather will prevail.

As Hokitika, and district has for so long been so directly associated with the agitation for the completion of tho railway, it is hut right that tie people here should have a. celebration also. Tlie League proposes it should !k> deferred till Parliament rises about three weeks from the ‘lth. August, when a large parliamentary' paity could bo brought into tho district. At that time too, our Canterbury friends who have been so useful in co-operating and influencing in reference to the demands for completion, could attend also. Their presence would he specially welcome. Civic gatherings of various kinds could he organised. A massed meeting on Cass Square has lieen suggested, followed by a banquet and ball, with provision for the children, and the pioneer settlers. The details for the celebration will no doubt be arranged later, but it is well that the proposal has been outlined. A happy idea has Iteen promulgated also to give the children of the s-hools ail excursion to Arthur’s Pass. This it is suggested, should ho in late October, when the days are longer, and there would be n more genial atmosphere in the higher altitudes. Tho whole proposal scorns to commend itself very much, and the townspeople are sure to do themselves every credit in organising the. various t unctions.

Speaking at the opening of die Soldiers’ Hall on Tuesday night, the President referred to the Empire League, then sitting at- London, and a text was drawn from General Haig’s remarks that it was necessary for the returned men to retain their unity and comradeship in their own interests. Mr Evans pointed out there wius a tendency now for the men to draw closer together. In the first flush of war’s uftpiniath. the soldier was very much in the public mind, but now folk were forgetting their pledged obligations, and for common interests and self-help it would ho in the interests of the men to associate closely. The mission of General Russell here a year ago was with that object in mind, of arousing tile men to a sense of their responsibilities. Mr Evans went on to explain that the movement for the local soldiers duo was to make the wishes of General Russell possible. Public men hero. Had stood on the local platform and applauded the idea, and tho soldiers would now expect those pledges to he redeemed by their sponsors. The building scheme of the local KIR.A. has been well launched. There is a very creditable beginning, and with a continuance of the financial support t.ho completed club rooms will come to pass, and the returned men will have a worthy meeting place and resort for reasonable recreation.