Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 10 April 1924, Page 2

Or course, Bavaria is now tbe most monarchist of the German States, probably owing to the fact that Prince Ruppreclit has been allowed to be at large there since the war Even Prussia has not seemed so strongly monarchist as Bavaria for a long time past ; l>Ut the return of the ex-Crown Prince ninv have changed this somewhat. It is clear that tho monarchists will put into the campaign every ounce <>l power at their command; and the result of the elections will in consequence he awaited with the greatest interest, not altogether unmixed with anxiety. Apparently, however, the Republican Government is in no groat doubt as to tie issue. Otherwise, surely, it would not have allowed the ex-C-rown Prince hack in Germany, and especially hack to Berlin. at such a. time. It- can hardly be that the Government is secretly in league with the monarchists; though, in view of what the world knows of the psychology of the German people, such a possibility cannot he entirely ruled out. One can, in the circumstances, only hope for the best; and trust that the Hohenzollern faction—for that is what tlio monarchists really are—will he signally defeated, and the GermnnRepublie established on the firm foundation of the decisively-expressed will of the German nation.

The Westland County Council, now that the main road between Kuinara and Ross lias become a main highway, seems determined to substantially improve the road. At the Council meeting on Tuesday, the Chairman put forward and the Council adopted a suggestion to approach the Highways Board as to the measure of assistance which would be forthcoming from that authority to taiseal the Aralnira-Hokitika, and the Ho-kitika-Kanieri sections of the main road as an experiment in the matter of road maintenance. The distance proposed is roughly about eight miles of practically level roadway, which is well formed already. It would he a matter really entreating the surface by regrading and crowning, and after well shaping the road, to have the surface tarred. To other districts tar-scaling has come greatly into vogue and is meeting the demands of motor traffic. The surface is so conditioned that the traffic is coped- with to hotter advantage. There is a good surface for tyre traffic, and one which stands up exceedingly well under heavy traffic. The Highways Board should he in the position to advise as to the light procedure in regard to both plant- and material, and have available a suitable stand r-1 specification to moot requirements. > n important matter is tlie plant to be used for the work. A tar-sealing plant for the Coast could be provided bv the Highways Board and hired or loaned out. This would he more economical than the four Councils each purchasing an expensive range of plant which could not he used all the time. Mr Duff. County Chairman, has therefore moved betimes in a matter which should ho of ultimate good to all traffic passing up and down the Coast.