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Hokitika Guardian, 18 March 1925, Page 2

Force of circumstances appeal s to l»c making out a strong case for the bridging of Dry Creek-—so tailed—on the main South Hoad. This crossing has come into notoriety since the Little Wanganui river was bridged. Prior to that, the river was the determining factor in letting traffic through, ami if the Little Wanganui was up, nothing could proceed, and so Dry Creek beyond did not come into serious consideration. Xow that a fine bridge spans the Little Wanganui river. Dry Creek is the next! stream unbridged to cross, and it has become a formidable factor at times ol late. The creek in its succession of floods has been building itself up with a quantity of light broken moraine, and this scours deep in flood time. Ihe consei|ucnce is the'rushing waters in Hood hide many deep gaps, and the unwary motorist is liable to plunge into one of these traps and so he held up till relief can he secured. As this is rather a regular occurrence of late the case for the bridge being erected is rather complete. and the authorities should unite and move to that end. When Dry Creek is disposed 01. no doubt othei of the minor streams will come into consideration, and so the work ol bridging must go on. doing the nunc urgent'first, till all the streams south artT bridged, and lose their terror to travellers.

Tub demand for more bridges South inot an empty one. seeing that motor traffic is growing so rapidly, and the district has been cut out il'om the railway extension vote. The traffic is now so considerable that all transport, even of stock, promises to find its wax bj mot or vehicle. It. is certain almost that next season will see the lambs lor export carried in their thousands b> fleets of motor vehicles. Many v.eie so transported this year, and next year (he practice will be more genera . Owin.r to the number ot cars on the nairow road, it is difficult and dangerous to move large mobs along the u ou< loss and great delay, and that is coiim to he a factor coining more and more into account as the southern motraffic increases. To ensure such traffic to be kept, running, ami connecting regularly with time-tab < trains, thee must be a p-asonable c_e.tni 11 tv of the motor vehicles gettti. through. So bridges and more hrnlg . become a necessity, for they alone ml the assurame for certain thiougl traffic. For this reason a continued effort should he made to urge the Public Works Department to P us '' "" with the bridges. We heheve <!.e A D.iistcr in Charge is favorable to sue!' a policy, and that being the ease. Dm'l >Hcst advantage should be taken ol he opportunity and the demand for Du bridges pressed to the fullest extent.