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Hokitika Guardian, 22 January 1924, Page 2

A Mcans of hotter communication with the Ear South is of the highest importance if there is to be any real progress south. Mr Collins stresses ihii point with emphasis. Better sea transport is a first necessity, for it will be a long time before the railway will forge its way south. Indeed since the railway has been stopped by political influence to the detriment of the district, we have been urging constantly better road connection for the immediate South. This has come slowly, but the improvement in the last half decade has been substantial. M bile tile roads help, and are in any case essential for the internal economy of the settlements, and will ultimately serve sea truflie as well, hotter facilities for sen. carriage should be provided in any case. The development of throe points for the maritime trade are required, namely, Okarito, Bruce Bay, and Jackson Bay. The two places lastnamed are most essential to the Far South, the territory chiefly covered by Mr Collins’ references to the effort needed to advance the South.

•' If Hokitika citizens are mindful of their true interests they should lepard the development of the South as a sacred duty,” remarks Mr Collins in proceeding to sum up his conclusions as to what might he done for the Ear Southern district. How then is the duly to bo discharged? It is a common task for all, for t lk* prosperity of the district as a whole is covered bv the ultimate result. In the firstplace it seems to us there should bo a get-together conference of the people generally. A public meeting might be convened whereat a scheme could he formulated and some legitimate effort made along well considered fines. The Exhibition has heed a draw for I’arliamentarians to the town and distinct. There should, as a result, be many recruits to the army of those willing to help not- only in iho agitation for advancement, but- in the development itself. What seems to he needed is a series of Siih-< ommittoos acting along different lines, yet all leading to one objective. A parliamentary sub-coin-niittcc would be very helpful, and would ho of the greatest assistance to the Member for the District in putting forward tin' wants of the Far South, to hasten the degree of development Mr Collins points to.

Tukn there is reason to believe help of an influential character might he derived from the commercial delegations which have passed this way ol late. The assistance of our Canterbury friends, we arc sure, may be relied upon, The Wellington commercial men arc in paiticular interested in a shipping development to the Coast, and regular visits by such a boat .could ensure a general expansion of the trade connection between the Coast and Wellington. The local community would need to organise also for the betterment of the South, and should assist through ihe local bodies in urging the construction of more roads and bridges. It is -a- fact that- large sums of money remain on the appropriations for works io the Far South unspent'. This should not bo. Jt: is a reflection on the Government Department controlling tbj expenditure in that quarter, and it will he choir duty at this end to stii up those who are remiss. Then, hotter postal and telephonic communication should be sought. There should be a much improved service for both mails and telegrams so as to secure a- close touch with the outside world. There is work for all in aiding the development of the Far South.