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Hokitika Guardian, 19 April 1924, Page 2

The decision to associate the Progress l.cague and Chamber of Commerce in joint management was reached at a meeting this week. There were several reasons advanced for the step, including . eremony in time, and more influential direction. Both Irodies are unofficial hut have continued to discharge a useful purpose. The personnel of each however is very similar, and the objective in both cases is very much akin. The Chamber work naturally has a wider aspect, hut it will not he limited in any way by the association with the I-eaguo which is more domestic in its operations. Tlu' combined body should he tt stronger organisation. Its scope for work will be as open as ever, and the need for developmental work is as urgent, so that the good work of the past may be continued as untiringly as before. Bodies of this nature servo a very useful purpose. Local bodies aro hemmed in by acts of Parliament and have specific duties to perform -which over-shadows the “extras” in town and country life which mnke a call for such unofficial bodies as leagues or chambers. .Capably organised these bodies assist in directing very useful work. It has heeii stated by Miinsters of the Crown that the Canterbury Progress League is the most influential body in the Dominion. Yet its status is but akin to the unofficial bodies referred to here, who through the medium of enthusiastic workers have not ceased in the endeavour t-o lift the district ahead by constant- attention and agitation affecting local requirements. Such bodies also offer a wider scope for citizenship, and afford an avenue for useful work on the part of those who for various reasons have not entered directly into the life of local bodies. The town and the district are, we are sure, deriving an a< vantage from the activities of the organisations referred to, and it is hoped they will continue to flourish jointly for the further advancement of the place.

The volume of traffic continues to he very satisfactory, indicating that- South ■Westland is coming into its o'vyn a+

last. There is no reason why the glacier district should not be as popular a

holiday resort in. the winter as in the summer. The climatic conditions offer no harrier. On the contrary, the conditions as regards climate are extremely equable in the winter, and it will not lie surprising to find the Waiho Glacier the central point of attraction for those having holiday times during the winter months. The number of people visiting the region at present is a record for this season of the year, and the advertisement the locality is receiving thereby must lie very great. The bush scenery is not any less charming in the winter than the summer. The mountain scenery is more beautiful because of the added snow. The rivers are more tractable in the winter, and not subject to such high floods. Altogether the winter season has its special attractions, and it is a period of the year which will grow in favor with visitors. Now that the volume of traffic south is so substantial, the bridging of the, smaller streams which hamper traffic at times should have attention. Dry Creek crossing appears to have been very troublesome of late, and it would add to the peace of mind of motorists to see that troublesome crossing bridged conveniently. There are not any engineering difficulties about the problem, while the approaches which would require to lie put in very permanently, would serve the double purpose of being also a protection of both hanks to further undue erosion, by confining the main body of the stream to the centre, and so shaping a safer course for the devastating waters flowing where they will as at present. The south journey always delights travellers and with the removal of the bad crossings by necessary bridges, the trip will he made more enjoyable than ever, and assist further to popularise excursions into South Westland.

According to a Christchurch paper, the local opinion in the City in regard tn the railway crisis was that a strike was inevitable. The special ground for this belief was owing to the refusal of Cabinet to review the question of wages to the railwayman, indenciidenly of general conditions of service. If this he true, the reasons for a strike on such a ground seem more unjustifiable than ever. Tlio strike is predicted as likely to come to pass oil Tuesday, and trade union circles are said to believe it will be a bigger industrial upheaval than the 1913 transport strike. This suggests of course, that shipping, etc., will ho held u]>, so that if the railway men take the decisive stop they seem to eonteinplate. their action will carry a great disaster to the country in its train. It is as well to hear this in mind before it is too late, because if the die is to be cast, the public will he the sufferers who will have to pay. and it is a question for them to decide in the mass how long they are going to put up with such a state of affairs where democratic government is supposed to guide our destinies. The basic conditions for the strike is said to he the question of eonudering wages before all other points. If this was .so. then the railwayman are throwing financial prudence to the wind, and holding a pistol to the head of the public with the demand ot a highwayman. The country cannot stand for this and maintain its reputation for democratic freedom. The Government appears to he presenting a definite front, and the Prime Minister's reply to the Labour Members of Parliament seems reasonable and conij lete. I o carry on the affairs of the country, the Government must be prudent in its administration. It is in that direction it has been moving, and the pub’ic who believe in a system of sound filin’ <• will he disposed to give whole hearted support to the Cabinet. The interior, cmc of the Labour Members at this juncture can b? well unde-stood, and oil that account it has to he seriously discounted. The object is ) lain—to hamper tin* Government and cncoui u 1 " the railwaymen to bring about a state of misrule. That seems to he the genera! objective of the political labour clement- in this eountiy. However, Mr Massey has spoken plainly, and if his firm attitude is. reflected in (. abiuct, the Government will receive support in its determination to prevent misrule, and maintain its authority constitutionally.