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Hokitika Guardian, 12 October 1923, Page 2

To-mcht another link is to be iurged in the binding chain ol connection holding Canterbuiy guid Westland toKcllier. Their nonitcetivui in to be made more intimate by means of the direct telephone service between Christchurch and Hokitika. Hitherto it was possible to speak by a round about route, hui:- there will now be. direct connection, and there will be the further benefit of the shortening of the route owing to tiie line passing through Arthur's Pass tunnel, where ii will he freer from interruption by adverse weather conditions such as high winds, snow etc. Tin* district should find the telephone service of great value commercially. Now that railway facilities ale "rowing so useful for quick transit, increased business will he done over the telephone, thus saving still more time. Decisions in regard to stock marketing in particular will be helped greatly bv the ready convenience oi the telephone. 4 lie line and the lneililics it will afford for direct conversation will save many a trip either way. The telephone, is the, busy titan's servant, ami all improvements in the service adds to its utility, the new opportunity for use' opening out suggests tlio greater need for a continuous telej hone service, so that the convenience will lie ready to hand always, every dav, and all day nnd night.

Sions of the improving condition oi affairs for the district as a result of the better facilities for travelling, are becoming apparent day by day. More people are about, and many fresh faces. Trade is more buoyant. Labour is well employed, and good money must be earning. Dairying has opened well, and the farmers are in good heart. After a remarkable winter, the district is enjoying a very salubrious spring. The weather 'is genial. It is excellent growing weather. Those are factors which put heart into the people, and a contented community must be a progressive people. Local folk have nor or been backward in regard to enterprises to advance local conditions. They have helped materially, and are still helping freely to push dairying ahead. The Exhibition movement lias been liberally supported by a large financial guarantee, and the community will not lose on that account. The project is causing a considerable expenditure of money ir. the town already, and the business people generally will reap their sliaio. It bus been estimated that over £S.CO. will be required to finance the Exhibition over the term it will run, and the town as a. whole will derive the principal benefit of that expenditure. But that only lays the foundation, for it will be from the future trade and development that the district will derive the material benefit over many vears to come.

Mention of the Exhibition recalls the enthusiasm with which the organisation is being run. Mr WoodrofTe this week referred to those responsible as l, a little band of heroes.” They are all that because they are giving their time and talents not- for any personal profit, but for the advantage- of the whole community. This week, the President (Mr Butler) has returned from Wellington where he went, practically entirely on Exhibition business—and judging bv his report, which has been published, covered important ground and did it well. The manner in which the building arrangements are progressing shows, also, that there is much method in the organisation. It is impossible to read the long reports of the Exhibition Council meetings without realising the amount of "detail work which has to Ik* done. Leading citizens hold responsible positions as chairmen of subcommiteees and they are not spuing themselves in the least. They ar e attending to their duties honestly and thoroughly. In fairness it must be mentioned, too, that great- assistance is being rendered by Christchurch friends. Altogether the community D extremely

fortunate to Imre this fine organisation doing such splendid work for so important an event in the history of Westland generally.