Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 9 October 1925, Page 2

Tiiiuti: is one aspect afiVeting the moans of communication into South Westland which in point of immediate utility is more important than either tbe railway south or the harbor at Oknritn. That is the provision of n first-class road, and tbe bridging of the rivers. It must be admitted of course that a good deal has been done in re- £ I ice t to road improvement already. Several o! the larger rivers are now bridged and are no longer a terror to travellers. Tbe bridging of the major rivers has permitted motor traffic, lint there remain- many smaller streams or creeks which are somethin” of a barrier to traffic in rainy weather. This i.» tbe case in connection wit 1 1 motor traffic to Waiho Gorge. There still remain such difficult and treacherous crossings as Dry Creek. .McCullough ('reel; and Mclloiiald s Creek, which in flood time bold tip traffic. There are other minor streams still which play their part at times in interrupting traffic, but- they fall as quickly as they rise, and are not the greater danger the three crossings are now specially referred to. In the ab-

sence <d' railway nr water carriage, the road transport facilities require to he first class. Alt extensive district such as Smith Westland lias great possibilities uiili regard to produce for export. The better the means of eomnmnieatinu the quicker will be the development. Improved access t.v lirtdgtug the tiicts and reducing wear and tear in crossing rough boulder crossings, w ill make a difference at once in lower lived' and transport charges. An immediate benefit in that n-spe t would accrue to ill,' people were the rough and dangermi- crossings olditcratcd fiv bridges. Tbe mad. too. should I'" equal to the average loading requirements of the district. A restriction of weight of loading is no doubt necessary, but it should fie a reasonable maximum. The South road should be maintained in a condition to carry traffic equal to the lust roads in other part- of Westland. At present we arc informed the road surface is in excellent condition, rolled ing every credit on those concerned in iis maintenance. TIL- at t'>end of a vein wet period is most iTcdilabit' and tbe state of the road Miggesis that there should be some elasticity in ill- limit of loading. Po-.~i1.1y it were wise ever the winter months, when wet

or frosts prevail, to restrict the loading as also the speed ei the heavilyladen vehicles lull we arc now entering upon a period ut Ibe year when the load limit could be inctvns-d. and tbe result would be. no doubt, cheaper freights for the settlers. Motor traction is I'l'inging the more settled parts of South Westland closer and closer to ill- rail head, and it i- but fair that the settlers should have unnroved roads so that they will not be handicapped with high freights. The bridging of the Waiho river will stretch tbe main road another score of miles south fieI'ore serious river obstruction is felt, and it is important that those settlers in tbe Lack and remote places should also have cheaper freights. Improved roads to carry the traffic will supply what is hinted at. and the people of the present generation will derive an immediate cash benefit. Wo look to better roads with more bridges as an important factor governing the immediate future of the smith, and with the provision referred too. the district ■will enjoy more and more prosperity.