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Hokitika Guardian, 24 January 1924, Page 2

Tm; present should be a busy year for Hie Hokitika Bmougli Council if it is to carry out all the works for which the necessary money has been earmarked. There is first of all the loan money available lor street improvements which quite recently were considered an urgent matter, and should ho .still in the category of works lor immediate attention. Then in regard to the works created by the railway alterations and. for which the funds have been piovidod already by the Railway Department, considerable expenditure is involved. In addition there are tin works requiring attention in the ordinary way, for which provision was made in the annual estimates when the general rate was struck. The Council will have its hands very full lor the next few months ii it is to devote proper attention to the expedition of tlie works foreshadowed by tfie expenditure indicated in the foregoing. One effect of the diversion of traffic resultant from the railway changes, is the increase of vehicular traffic by way ,[ the north boundary road to Uppei sjcwcil .St'rcet. This increased t’riitfic calls for attention to meet requirements, and along with other pressing works should have the earliest attention.

Jt will be necessary tor the Borough Council to fix a new’' location tor visifing circus companies if Cass Square is to be kept in seemly order for public recreation purposes. The last circus to visit the grounds did extensive disfigurement to the grounds and if the possibility of this damage recurring is not stopped, the Council will find that b} it; thoughtlessness it lias dried up the generous action of the people who have been contributing so liberally for some time past to the marked improvement of tho grounds. No doubt the visit - I the circus coinciding with such unfavorable weather had something to do with the extensive damage done, hut u will not he any hardship to move tlu location for such entertainments to other grounds within the borough. The Borough is the fortunate possessor of many reserves, and it will be something of a blessing in disguise to turn some of the present waste places into use. The clearing etc which would require to he done could he covered by the charge made for the use ot the grounds, and judging by the ordinary revenue of circus entertainments, the Council need not ho too modest- in its rental charges.

Someone wrote once that "‘flowers weie the beautiful hieroglyphics of Nature i,v which she indicated liow much she loves us.” But Nature has to be assisted to reveal her admiration. It if those with the hobhfy 'of flower crowing who may enjoy Nature at her f.est. for truly does she respond to the band of fostering care where horticulturaHsts expend their powers. But while the grower enjoys special pleasure as his reward for the pursuit of his hohhv, he may share his delight with others. Every garden plot of flowers is a delight to all who may see it. And with a flower snow in particular there is special pleasure and delight for the exhibits are the select of the best. The flower show now in progress at the Soldiers’ Hall is a case in point, It- is a particular delight to all who have visited it. The promoters of the show are to be congratulated on their success. It is an admirable re-beginning after the blank or-

casioned by the- war period. The district is capable of rejuvenating itself ill the matter of annual flower, fruit and vegetable shows, and wo hope the present will be the forerunner of other shows of a similar nature in the succeeding seasons. In times past the district showed enterprise and spirit enough to make the annual displays, o; outstanding interest, and past triumphs might well he repeated. Meantime the public patronage at this juncture would bo an encouragement in those promoting the show to continue their good work. The display is worthy of every patronage. In his opening address yesterday, Mr Butler stressed wliat had been done about the town by citizens in assisting to beautify waste places. It would be well to see the citizens, as part of a general scheme of beautification, eo-operato and make their own gardens interesting objects of attraction, so that in due course, Hokitika might come to he known as the garden town of the Coast.