The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West t oast Times.) TUESDAY, SEPT. 11th, 1923.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 September 1923, Page 2

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West t oast Times.) TUESDAY, SEPT. 11th, 1923.

THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT. The report of the lat© visit of tbo County Chairman, to South Westland published to-day, as read before the meeting of the County Council this afternoon, while it deals largely with

roads and bridges, evidences a degree of general progress in the southern district which wo will all be glad to appreciate. Westland is a district which is only now being given an opportunity to come into its own. The isolation of the past which ihloeked the means for immediate nml intimate trading, has been removed, and we can no longer nurse the belief that Westladd is tile Cinderella piovincc of the Dominion. With railway conimtinicatio linked up with the South Island system, there is thrown on the people themselves the obligation to help themselves—to make the most of their opportunities in furthering public and private interests. So far an South Westland is concerned, the pioneeiing settlers have done a noble work in blazing a trail, and leading the way into a district rich in possibilities. Air Duff’s report very properly refers to what the settlers have done, and how well they deserve the natural reward for their labors. The district, it would appear, is in for a good season, botli in regard to stock raising, and dairying. 1 ’rices arc up, and it will do the community great good if they keep up over the season. Much additional wealth will flow into the distinct, and that will ensure greater development in the days to come. There is, of course, evidence of general prosperity disclosed all along the route. Most visitors return with a very satisfied opinion as to the assured future for the south, and that being so, there will he general approval in all means taken to advance district interests. While a good deal has been done in the way of bridging—there yet remains much to be done. The numerous river crossings are the great bug-hoar to traffic, and now that motor traction is so much in evidence, and is so necessary, really, to cover toe long distances involved in transport, bridges, more bridges, and still iiioiv bridges, become more and more a necessity governing the rate of progress in the south and far south. If will lie a tine thing when conditions for motor tiaffic on the West Coast are akin to those of the East Const. We understand that the main thoroughfare on the East Coast is dotted with bridges at every crossing, big or little, and what a line thing it would he if similar consideration were given te Vest Coast needs. All the main rivers to Wailm Gorge are bridged, but there are many small streams in between, which require bridging. Over the Waiho river a suspension traffic bridge is to ho erected, and this will bo a great boon. Beyond, the Wailutkupn is to be bridged, the timber being cut and available. There are few bridges beyond that point, though many are tequired. The requirements, however, will need a goodly period to satisfy, hut the local bodies and public men should never lose sight of the requirements, and always concentrate on the effort to get all possible done for tile bridging of Ronth Westland crossings. One yqieeial claim for attention is the fact, that there is no railway communication being ) roviued. The main highway is thus the arterial feeder, and as long routes have to be traversed, motor ti action alone can do the work adequately and at all economically. The agitation f«r O’e bridges should go on. and there should lio the appeal to mete out justice to the district by a larger bridge vote year by year till urgent and pressing needs affecting the future of the southern district are in a fair way of being met.