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Hokitika Guardian, 30 September 1926, Page 2

The settlers’ lot in the back blocks is surrounded by many difficulties. These have been more accentuated of late years when facilities for transport in and about the centres have progressed so markedly. The world moves much faster than it did even three decades ago, and there Ms not the inclination there once was to play the part of'the pioneer. Twenty or thirty years ago there was a demand for land in what were regarded, as out of the wayplaces. The pioneer spirit was very much in evidence and remoteness or discomforts in travel were not a drawhack. They are to-day, though. If the more distant places are to he settled with a pastoral population, access is a matter of prime importance, and to induce settlement the opening up of the country with roads must continue to ho an essential part of the country’s policy. There is only one other way by which out of the wayplaces can he made alluring. That is bv a gold rush discovery. But prospectors arc as scarce as now settlers for the hack block', and the consequence is the great mineral treasures of the country is neglected. The policy of the Dominion nowadays in the matter of public development movement, is concentrated largely in hydroelectric works and railways. Westland is not participating under either heading, nor of the roading schemes in hand, are there any distinctive works proceeding in this district. It will he realised therefore that there is room for some attention to special roading proposals in Westland. Wo have the Ministerial dictum that the railway is not to ho proceeded with south of Boss, hut that is not a reason also to exclude the* district from the benefits of the public works policy- of the country. In the matter of general taxation this portion of New Zealand has to contribute its share no less than the more fortunate parts being benefited by costly hydro works and railway extensions. Here, where there are great stretches of Crown lands waiting settlement, and it is not unreasonable to ask for public expenditure to open up the territory, and give Westland equal facilities with other parts of the Dominion in the matter of progressive settlement. On this score the roading of South Westland becomes a matter for legitmato demand and the public here will be justified in pushing their claims to the fullest extent.