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Hokitika Guardian, 12 February 1924, Page 2

AVnn regard to the railway rates, Cantcibury is specially interested in the matter, for that district under a reasoiiahle competitive freight with sea traffic, can supply a great quantity of trade for the railway. It appears to u.s that in the end so far as the present Parliament is concerned, ( anrerhury if not Christchurch—holds the whip Hand. The city and .suburbs have two members whose votes keep the present Government in power. Jt is for the community affected by Die railway freights to impress upon the members in question - Messrs .Isitt and W itty the true import of the ease, and il they are true representatives of the peoples’ requirements they are in the position to approach the Government in regard to facilities which are so essential to the progress, not only of the Canterbury province, but also of the South Island ns a whole. The Mayor of Christchurch should appreciate that point, for given the facilities of reasonable railway transport, the Coast must provide a growing market for South Island trade, much of which hitherto has been going to the North Island. The real community of interest for the AVost Coast is with its South Island neighbors now brought into touch with ok another by the railway, and il the line is used for the growth and expansion of trade between the two Coasts, there will he many advantages to the South Island accruing in due course. At the moment ii seems impoitant to gain the intimate support of Messrs Isitt and AYitty in the reasonable demands being made from Canterbury for improved railway facilittor traffic ami transport.

Till holiday resort, at. Lake Kanieri has Keen well patronised over the holidays. I he lake is an ideal resort, for holidaymakers. and a demand is being made for building sites adjacent to the lakeside where campers can enjoy a pleasant nick-end. Visitors from as lar away as Christchurch, have expressed a dosin' to acquire camping sites, ii such arc available, where small rcsidomox may ho built and an extended holiday cu.ioyed. The lake is a centre whence many different exclusions may be made, ami much interesting exploration work even done. In respect to the inquest for sections, it is undeistood that a portion of the scenic reserve at the north end of the lake, adjacent to tbe tourist cottage, is likely to he withdrawn from the reservation, and eat up into small residential sections for building purposes. No doubt there will lie a demand for such holdings as the difficulty hitheilb of acquiring sst«,s has been a serious draw issgir to td.e more sustained popularity of the lafe. The road to the lake is iii failorder, though narrow. Some minor repairs are necessary, but with the fast, heavy, motor traffic using the highway, i* is not possible to maintain a lirsti.lass road all tile time. The road, however, is not unequal to the traffic, and ordinary maintenance will ipcet the |o Mtion. Ultimately, of course, the road must be widened, but this is rather a large undertaking for which considerable expenditure will have to he faced. Further tracks should be made about the lake, and it would not he amiss to invite the Minister in {.'barge of Tourist Resorts to the district and see the attractions of Lake Kanieri for himself.

Thkhk was a very jolly throng at the swimming baths last evening to enjoy the night carnival. The enthusiasm of those present was not damped by the drizzle which sot in early in tho evening, though when finally turning to wet rain, many made a discreet retreat. The sport was good and well conducted. The races were all well contested, and the swimmers appeared to he deriving their share of pleasure from the sport also. The juvenile element was strong, and in both sexes all disported themselves creditably. It is evident, tho baths have served a very useful purpose in providing a sill table training ground for a useful and healthful recreation. The thought occurred last night with so many present and enjoying the pleasures of the evening, whether as participants or as onlookers, that tho baths might with the idea of turning them to fuller advantage he further improved. 'The roping in of the baths would be an advantage certainly, and now that fo much comparatively cheap material is on the market arising from the demolition of the Exhibition buildings, this proposal might well he taken up seriously by those interested. There is the question, also, of converting lhe baths into a tepid condition, so that they could he used over a Huger period each season —enabling swimming to start earlier in the year and finisn later. Both these matters if given effect to, would add greatly to the utility of tho baths, rendering them a greater asset than ever to the community at large. The popular patronage last evening, combined with the excellent value the baths are proving in assisting the young folk in the art of swimming, should encourage those interested to further enhance the local value of the baths.