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Hokitika Guardian, 1 September 1924, Page 2

Tiikkk was much truth in the statement of Mr David I.loyd George some time ago, that the Prime of Wales was the Empire's greatest Ambassador. This has been exemplified over and over again, hut no where more than fit the present time when the democratic United States file going wild over the re 1 rosentative of British royalty. The account of the Prince’s arrival find reception, together with the absorbing interest in the visit, shows that lie is no ordinary plenipotentiary, and if unofficial, will nevertheless lie a power for great good. A mutual understanding and a feeling of conlidcnce. and reliance between the English-speaking peoples will bo a great result, find it is manifest the Prince is going to contribute very greatly to such a desirable result. The Prince has the knack of carrying tho interest and affection of the people he meets, by storm. He has a charming way find an easy manner. which seem to render him a lit,si lavorite always. The visit to the I’ttited States suggests again that the Prince is of m roving disposition. He is now a world travelled find has a very intimate knowledge of the Empire at large. Millions of his subjects who are to be, would gladly see hint settled down in life, hut for the ] resent that is not to lie. hut the happy event may not he a great deal longer deferred.

Thk Railway Department- has made an amendment to the Midland service today. by running a mixed train on Mondays between Christchurch and Greymouth. The service is of little or : no value to this end of the Westland ■ section, unless passengers .go to the expense of making 11 motor connection. The service is no three months’ trial which is a goodly concession. seeing that at the end of that period the summer time-talde will come into operation. and wo may then expect an express service on Mondays. While milking the present experimental extra connection for Greymouth traffic, it is noticeable that the Department has not shown any disposition of giving Tlo- | kitikii the ltcnefit of an experiment with the suggested express through trains on .Saturday. The disposition to ignore reasonable requests from this end has been very noticeable, and on that account it is not surprising to find that Hokitika again lias to play thc part of Cinderella. Such concessions as are received have to he agitated for time and again, and evidently it- will he necessary for the people to continue their requests till in the end the wisdom of the suggestion for the lienefit and encouragement of through traffic will he realised, and the railway will lie able to make some advance against competing motor traffic.

The Tourist Department, is making a practical move to help at least a portion of South Westland. As a result of the late visit of the Tourist Minister to Waiho Gorge. Hon. W. Xoswnrthv has sanctioned the expenditure of £I.OOO for improved tracks and facilities in the glacier region. Tito works have been designed by the Public TVorks Bopiirtmont, ftnd Authority

for the expenditure is now issued, Iu addition to improved and extended tracks, other huts are to ho erected about the glacier for the benefit of climbers. One of the most important works to be attended to. however, is the erection of a bath house at the hot springs, a new feature which will be appreciated greatly by all visitors to the locality. When erected Messrs Graham Bros, of the Wailio Hotel, are to have a lease of the building, which will be under their care and control. The expenditure should be hastened that the facilities to be provided should be available for travellers in the comill.' season non rap.idlv approaching. The attention to the district has been long delayed, but it i.-. satisfactory to find the natural claims of the locality are being recognised.