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Hokitika Guardian, 10 May 1926, Page 2

The particulars supplied in Saturday’s issue regarding tbe meeting of tbe Highways Council indicates that the district requirements are not being overlooked by the authorities. The Board has now become well established. and is functioning very well. Some remark as made in a contemporary last week, with the idea of making political capital, that now that the present Alemlier for AVestland was in office, the AVestland County Council would go very short of grants. Immediate contradiction to that statement was forthcoming by tbe proceedings of the Highways Council, wherein it was made clear that the wants of the district were not being at all overlooked. So much for Buckingham ! Regarding works on the main highway in AVestland, very good progress is being made, and liberal provision is being made for tlie future. A very substantial sum—nearly £lO,000, is being provided for road maintenance from the Teremakau to AYaiho. In addition numerous special grants are ear-marked. The proposals for bridges ’are most satisfactory, indicating that following tlie representations made very liberal provision is provided for tlie structures urgently required in the south in particular. Tlie pressing need for the bridges on ■the main south road is at last recognised, and ad the principal works are listed. This means that with labour and material available, the construction of the bridges will go ahead uninterruptedly, and within a reasonable period we can hope to see the bridges erected. It is certain that four if not five or six important bridges on the south run will be completed within the year. That will he remarkably good work, and does not indicate any neglect of the interests of the district. In, addition it is extremely satisfactory- that the. author!*.

ties arc calling for plans for the Dry Creek bridge. The stream and crossing is a great menace to south traffic, and it is quite on tlie cards that this work will be commenced within tlie year. All the otlier bridges urgently required on the south road are listed for attention, so that it seems safe to say the requirements of the traffic will have all tlie consideration that could be desired or expected. The highways., expenditure alone in AA reslland will he very substantial this year, and in addition there are still the ordinary public works estimates to come. These there is not any reason to expect will l>e below the average, unless as a result of the Home strike, Government finance is unduly restricted. The new loan cannot he placed on the market till matters are normal in London, and it is a fact that the major part of the loan monev will he for public works. However, tlie highway funds are assured—the money being in hand—so it may be expected that steady road improvement will be continued throughout the year. The highways administration should therefore result in marked improvement to the arterial roads of AA'estland.