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Hokitika Guardian, 15 July 1926, Page 2

Thu County Council on Tuesday had the final round in the battle of the road routes for the line of the further extension of Petersen load in South Westland. This much vexed question has been before the Council on different occasions, and there liavo been visits of inspection by both councillors and officials. The pros and eons have been gone into very thoroughly, yet in the end it was only by a. hare majority that tho Council reached a conclusive decision. That fact indicates how the opinion of the councillors was divided and suggests that there was much to he said for both sides. It docs not appear that the most expedient course has been adopted, nor one. which will give the best results; but the course to be followed seems to have the support of tlm most of the ratepayers concerned, and whatever follows or lias to be experienced. will he at the door of the majority. Bonding in the district of Westland is very convenient, and settlers in the various districts are well served by roads opening up the country and giving access to back sections. In the present instance there is a large area to serve, hut at present few settlors involved. The councillors were looking forward to future prospects and the promise of more settlers to serve. The optimism is creditable to those with faith in the district, but from the point of expediency for present use, the abandonment of the cheaper work is to he regretted in the interests of those most concerned in the actual use of the road. We believe from what could be gleaned at the several public discussions on the matter, that those, having most occasion to use the read will realise the inconenience of it for some time to come, seeing that tho money now available, or likely to he available for some time to come, will not he adequate to supply the standard of access to serve vehicle traffic. At the former meeting of the Council it would have boon wise to adopt both motions, for tho short route to the river frontage would give immediate access, and supply the material readily for the making of the alternative route later as. the circumstances warranted. Presumably that possibility is lost now, and a. certain amount of inconvenience will result in consequence. The decision has not been reached hurriedly. It has lieen well discussed from all points of view, and the conclusion has to he accepted and made the best of. We hope the final regrets in the matter will not be ser-