The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11th, 1923. A LOCAL BODY COMPLAINT.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 December 1923, Page 2

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11th, 1923. A LOCAL BODY COMPLAINT.

At tlu* recent, meetine of the Highways Council at Gieymouth, the local body repiesentatives complained of the <J iI - , He till financial position facing the Couni lies through the loss of timber royalties i revenue being appropriated to a Govorii--1 incut Dejniitment. Glider the lligh--1 ways Act considerable liability is being thrown on local bodies in increasing costs for road maintenance. In regard to roads which arc declined main highways—and tho declaration of such roads rests with the Highways Hoard centred at Wellington- the local bodies have to provide £2 out of eveiy ill required for upkeep, and it is the intention of tho Board to improve tho standard of the roads. Not only that, the Board is well supplied with wading funds, and iit ilia volume of expenditure which will ho required to absorb the hundreds of thousands of pounds available to the Highways Board, the funds of the local bodies will bo, in many cases, seriously crippled.. Til's will be the result in more cases than the Coast ; hut on the Coast v.hole, also, the Government at tho .same time as loading up the local bodies with this increased expenditure, has gone a step further, and taken from the local bodies the sources of income hitherto derivable Irom royalties on timber cutting rights. This is a serious position, as the timber traffic is heavy necessarily, and imposes a considerable burden on tile local bodies. Hie local bodies are going to be squeezed very seriously, and it is quite inequitable, also, that- tile bodies should be expected to keep the roads for heavy timber traffic, when the revenue from that traffic gees directly to the- Government. One local body in the North Island hns been fortunate enough to secure special legislation to recoup itself, but this class of legislation should be general and not local ; nor should the relief under this head lie niggardly. Be appropriating the former income of the local bodies, the Government has taken money which originally was earmarked for local bodies specially to assist them in meeting their obligations in reference to road maintenance. There has been no attempt to replace that curtailment, so that there remains the obligation on the Government to do what is right. Where roads have to be maintained through long tracts of forestry reservations which yield no local revenue, a svstc m of rating on the lines of Crown Lands rating should be in force. The timber lands are being so reserved and preserved, not for the local inhabitants, but for the Dominion as a whole, and not necessarily even for the present generation. O.i that account there is a national liability to contribute for such an endowment for the benefit of posterity, so that the people of to-day who have to bom the burden ol loading costs may have seme relief. It is a matter in which the ratepayers as a whole art' concerned, because the general charge for the upkeep of the roads spreads over the whole County, and this will be particularly so under the administration of the Highways Act. The question of relief in regard to the royalties question was the subject of a special com mission, but the finding has not been disclosed. When it is, if the relief is inadequate an effort must he made to

Bei.atkd appreciation of Sir Joseph Ward's foresight in donating ‘H.M.S. Xew Zealand” to the British Empiio appeared in the cables this week. .Mr Massey lias come to recognise tlit* merits of Sir Joseph’s action, though in the election preceding the Great War, Sir Joseph’s political opponents ridii ided the gift and I reversed the act, inflaming the public mind against the action. But the Great War justified I lie far-seeing step which ox-Pl'emier Ward took, rial the “.Yew Zealand" played a great part in the 1 titanic war. Belated though the apprt'elation is, it is at least etediialde to Mr Massey that lie now does lionoi to the action id a t nlle.-igue statesman on whom anything hut- praise was showered at tin* time of the gift. It remained for the gift ship to justify itself and that it did handsomely every time there was a tall for naval service. The Dominion’s gift ship was in every fight, woithwhile in the North Sea. and on every occasion upheld the name she bore most worthily. That was Sir Joseph's vindication if such were needed. History embalms the story of the loresight ol the ex-l.iheral leader.

To-iiouhow will witness the o|etiing «t the much anticipated Exhibition. It should bo a red letter day lor Hokitika. The arrivals already, and the number still oil route suggest that the town is going to he honored very greatly |,\ the presence of many distinguished visitors. The presence of three .Ministers of the Crown alone suggests that special lienor is being done. We are sure the ( Unnuinity will rise to the occasion and show our guests every attention. The district lias a reputation tor hospitality, and there is an opportunity to live up to it. So lar as the display itself is conceined. it remains only to wish the Exhibition every success. The oVent marks a great period m local history, and circumstances seem to point to a success of high degree. Ti'c time and work put into the underlulling deserve to lie rewarded well. It K not possible always to command success. but the local promoters by their eutlmsia »m and evorgv in bringing <diont the Exhibition seem to deserve il greatly, and we hope that success ..vi!l he their well deserved reward.

Inn Grcyinoutii ruing paper so deeply immersed m politics in season and o'.it, can see a political nigger in the fence even in relation to the big Exhibition opening to-morrow. It is regrettable that in relation to such a matter a discordant, note should he struck, for we were under ihe impression that evert thing was going with a. swing all co-operating to make the greatest event in the Coast history a pronounced sucres-. The Exhibition of course has not any political tiigtii-

tieaiire. Never at. any stage has the ouestioii ol polities been raised, nor is it intended locally to bring the matter up. The local Executive cannot all he classed as “Reformer*..’’ nor labelled as ••.liiU-l.a! oil!'." -hut ilial is not tin, point tor politics are finite outside Hie ijuestiou. I lie Government has 1 helped the Exhibition movement very greatly and the town, and the event is honored no less greatly by the presence of three Ministers ol the Crown. The public as a whole will be pleased to welcome our distinguished visitors and to show them every courtesy. This is the time to extend the right hand of fellowship to our special visitors. The local politicians we have with us always and at some other time, and in another place, we hope they will Is* seen and heard. It might he said, and we say it in sorrow rather than otherwise, the district has seen and heard far too little ot the Member for West laud, who not to put. too tine a point to it is rather a stranger io Hokitika—but that is another storv, to ho more fully recounted oil some other occasion.

Messrs M. Houston and Co. will sell in the mart to-morrow at 1-1 a.m., onions, green pens and cherries.

Ladies will find the Art Linen Stall in Nelson Avenue at the Exhibition an attractive one, well worth their inspec-

Tho Mayor has proclaimed a holiday for to-morrow from 11.30 a.m. till G p.ni.. on the occasion of the opening of the Exhibition.

A long night dance will be licit 1 by the Kanieri Cricket Club on Friday, Dec. 14th in the Public Hall, Kanieri. Good music and M.C. Admission, gentlemen 2s, ladies Is.—Advt.

Tie wise ones will buy their Xmas gifts from the firm of repute and standing where solid finality, value and satisfaction is assured. Buy your Xmis jewellery, gifts etc., from Tennent'i and you will have no regrets'.

Our hoys' Suits wear well and look well. Prices 2Gs (id, 27s Gd, 30s, 35s to (ids, at Hallensteiirs, Bevel! .'street. —Ad vt.

The West Coast liau millers Association have donated to the Westland A. and P. Association a £l2 12s Cup for the most points in the dairy division at the Show, to ho won two years i i succession or three times at intervals.

To-morrow Night! Soldiers’ Hall! Tin Kiwi Football Club’s usual Saturdav night dance. The music is being supplied by Bmietti's full .Jazz Band, wit! the very late.st hits from Allan’s distributing library, Alberts and Williams. Dancing folk can have the same music a- the cities. Dancing at 8.30 o'clock sharp.- Admission Is.-Advt.

W'e want you to buy now instead of vailing till .in.st a. lev. days before Xmas. It pays to shop early and .secure the pick of the bargains. We open a spicmlid range of goods suitable as gilts for the limne in stainles- cutlery, bun-

nnlow rugs. By rex glass cooking utensils. teasels, hall runners and vugs, e-irpets. palm stands and howls, cooper kcibs etc., at, pi ices which will save you money. Place your order now to obtain the be-t of the bargains. Harley and Co., Ltd., Complete House burnishers, Gr ymoutli.

Forty entries have been lfceived lor the turnip-growing competition promoted by the Most Coast A. and P. Association. Children from the following school- have entered : Xgaluue, Nelson Creek. Blue Spur, Mikomii. lti Wood-dock, Waitaha. and Cammens. Mr W. 11. Johnston, Agricultural Instructor, has received from Mr Allred K. Stephen, delegate in Australia for the Chilean Nitrate Committee, an oiler of a prize for the best crop grown with nitrate of soda. ■ r lor the best results of a manure trial in which nitrate of soda is used ill top-dressing i or)inn ol the crops. Mr Stephen inti ml- la vi-.it New Zealand about Feb niary next and will probably visit the Coast.

Men and Hoys’ Clothing.—See our lino of specially low-priced hoys’ suits, sizes 7 to 12, 32s (id ; Boslvn tweed suits (dark and light grey), 7 to 12, 3ii s fid. Men’s sac suits (all sizes), G7s Gil, TPs Cut to 1255; navy sac suits itailor-eui) 97 10s. Fur-felt hats (all sizes), 17s (id. 21s, 2(>s (id, velours in biscuit and black, 355, the Bullions 5 intor Jay velours, biscuit, black and pearl grey, G7s Gd. Addison >. Advt.

The news will he received wiDi regret in athletic circles throughout Australia and New Zealand ol the death at Invercargill on Wednesday, of Mr Gerald P. Keddell, one of the finest athletes that over wore the silver fern, at the comparative early age cl 33 venrs. Since returning from the war the late Mr Keddell has not kept the best of health. The after effects of his war service were such that lie became seriously ill some linn* ago and hi, mnl was not altogether unexpected. Mi Keddell was a son < f the late Major Keddell. Registrar of Pensions at jor Keddell. and a brother of Mr P. A. KetMell. Bcgistrar of l’< nsimis at Christchurch.

ji is estimated tls.iv the average consumption of wooden matches in New Zealand i- :i |>|>i-oxim:itt-lv 1.33.00 11 i.'i-ii-s boxes. Willi tlio idea *>f testing lhr suitability •>1 Xcu Zealand tiinbcws to- match-making purposes, the "stain I- ovest Sen ire. in conjunction will) Messrs Brvanl anil .May. Ill'll and I'm, l.td., ral lied out experimcNts with white line, kamalii, red lieerli and silver beech. Kauri laid previously i ceil tested suiee-.sfully. .Mr A. K. Kmrieian, Engineer in Forest I ’rod nets id the .Forest Service, in a circular ler online the results ol' the latest exI'crimciits. states that had they hem i a tried out hi'lore the war, it is not i:ii|iroh:thle that an indu.stry would have lieen saved to Now Zealand, and it. splint equipment. brought to Wellington in place of sending a mnlcbicaking ntiichine io Melhotnne. ,iv v. hile ]:ine, kuntiihi, red heecli ai'd silver tu'ech were obtained I nun the Vestiiaud C-i-nservat inn Region, and (In result of the test. was favourable to white pine and rod heecli, to the former cs]iei(ia.lly. A\ liite pine v.i“ ictntd to he generally satisfartory lor the manufacture ol matches and match hoses. Ked heecli was also reported to make I'airlv good ln.'ttch splints, although the wood was poor in colour and fairly brittle when dry. Its shrinkage v,excessive. J lie tests were carrie 1 out in Melhonrne.

Select Christmas gifts now. Avoid the rush later on and secure presents worth giving. Oury assortment is larger, our prices lower. Novelties in headed and leather hags, needle and manicure eases, fancy boxed handkerchiefs. fancy collars, dainty silk underwear ami hosiery, toy and picture hooks, dolls and novelty toys for the kiddies. Pay a visit early. AfcGruer’s. Hokitika and Greymouth.— Advt. Our read-to-wear Sue Suits are great for lit, finish and style, G2s (id, ms, pits (id, Dos to 117 s Cd. at Hallonstein’s, llevell Street.—Advt. To secure a made to order costume, it will he well to place your order at once w ith Schroder and ( 0., before it gets too late.—Advt. Summer is here and it is naturally the best time of the year to he out in the open. Yon need plenty of light, c 00l easy-lit ling clothes for these days. We have largje stocks of everything suitable for summer wear. Call and see our large range of fancy cheeked zephyr frocks at 10s (id and 12s Gil each. McGruer’s, Spot Cash Department. Stores, Greymouth and Hokitika. —Advt. Happy children keep free from worms with WADE’S WORM FIGS. Wonderful worm worriers. A line assortment of ladies' new frocks, millinery, jumpers and underclothing just received. Also a fine lot of men’s really good raincoats at very reasonable prices. Call and see them. W. McKay and Son. Hokitika.—Advt.