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Hokitika Guardian, 23 August 1923, Page 2

Tin-: volume of business done by tee British and Inter-Colonial Exhibition Council indicates that the project G now well launched, and that matter* are going full steam ahead to make 11io event one of the most important in ihe history of the Coast. There Is a very friendly feeling displayed from Canterbury. During the last few days it litis taken quite a practical turn, for applications for space from Dial qnai* ter promise to he exceedingly good, from present indications the first estimate given by the gentlemen from Christchurch who encouraged so much the Exhibition project, is likely to lie fulfilled, namely that the space provided would not he equal to ihe do-

mauds of intending exhibitors. The number of applications now being -c----ccived indicate that there will be heavy demands on the spate from now on. flic estimated value of the space was over three thousand pounds so ilmt there is the promise of .substantial revenue soon being in sight. Intending Coast exhibitors would do well to make

early :i[ plication for space, or they may liml the field fully occupied by visiI is. An Auckland representative of a large firm who was hero this week regarded the prospects of the Exhibition jn a very favorable light, and it i.s understood will recommend his firm to set-lire spate, ail indication of the tooling likely to developo among Xortli Island tirms.

j Tire Westland Progress League having i made such progress with its activities, is looking for fresh fields to conquer. Its list of activities is to bo revised and enlarged, for the reason that many of the dozen or more objects which it has in mind when first launched, are now accomplished, or on the eve of accomplishment. The principal objective of course was the- completion of the East ami West Coast railway Tlteie was much concentration upon that, and tile local Branch of the Canterbury League certainly did very useful service leading up to the final consummation of tile hopes and desires ol the people of Westland. Unfortunately virtue has not had its complete reward vet, for Hokitika—in fact the district south of Teremakau—is still out of the I lct-ure in the full lieiiefit-s to lie deriver from an express passenger service East and West. The League may !h> relied u] on to do its share in the agitation considered necessary to havo the rights of the district- recognised and the- convenience of the travelling public, fully served by the Railway Department. A good beginning has been made by enlisting the valued support of the parent League in Christchurch in the co-operative effort to have fair consideration for the dlstriit in which the prospering filtuio of Elio Coast i- so much centied.

Tiik bridging of the south rivers was another branch of activity for the local league, and good results have been achioved in that, respect also. It 1s understood that there' is every prospect of the erection of the Waiho bridge being put in hand this year, and the Waikukupn bridge will be -built also. That will open np the Wchekn district for regular motor traffic all the year year round. Oilier activities of die League have rniet with considerable advancement-, -and in consequence the League desires to centre on a new or revised progrettime. This should include the development of Westland's scenic resources so that- the district will lie brought definitely into the holiday tours of the Dominion. Railway communication readers this easily possible and properly advertised, there must set in a great pilgrimage from tne various Dominion centres of folk seeking to satisfy their curiosity as to what lies oil this side of the Southern Alps. Mow that the journey can be performed in comparative comfort (assuming that through carriages to Hokitika will spoil lie runningl thousands of folk will make their way westward to spy oiffu the land and enjoy the wonderful features for which this

western seaboard is so remarkable. The League with very great advantage to the future prosperity of tourist traffic can certainly concentrate in regard to greater publicity affecting tlio scenic resources of Westland.

It appears that the incident of Mr Leans' election as a Borough Councillor lias taken a fresh turn. Elected well up on the poll some four months ago, and having successfully overcome two petitions to oust him from hi.s seat, the Councillor now feels compelled to resign to settle what are alleged to be a set of techmcail difficulties which

more or less have a 'tearing on Mr Evans’ election. The difficulties raised are entirely technical without any ersonn! reflection on the conduct of Mr Evans. There have been other cases of a similar nature. That of the .Mayor of Te Kuiti lias been quoted. Last week publicity was given to a case at Timarti, which though not on all fours, was hearing on the same interpretation of the law, but it Is rather costly to have opinions vnrifted by the Courts, and Mr Evans lias elected to take the .shortest cut and resign. He "ill be free for renuminntion, the same suggested difficulty not now standing in the way. Whether nc will again enter the lists is for supporters to indicate, but if approached is prepared to again place hi.s services at the disposal of the electors.