The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY. JANUARY 7. 1927. COAST CONNECTTONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 January 1927, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY. JANUARY 7. 1927. COAST CONNECTTONS.

Tin-: moans of communication on the Coast have improved considerably of late, thanks to the advent of motor traction, lint the improvement is still very leisure so far as the railway connection is concerned. If using the ordinary means of transit, the journey between Hokitika, and Westport is still one of considerable duration, and as a consequence there is very little community of interest between the two points. Yet the two districts have much in common. and should he drawn closer together. One aid to the desirable consummation would he the completion of what is known ns the Coast road. This is a new highway practically following the sen coast l>etween the Buller and Grey rivers, and greatly reducing the distance to he travelled in a vehicle journey between the two points. The ooustmction of the road as a matter of fact is now very far advanced, so much so indeed that it would take very little to complete it. Such being the case, and looking to the fact of the convenience in traffic which the road would serve to the main centres of the Const, it is a reflection on the interest and energy of the people that matters should remain so. There has heen some demand for the speedy completion of the work, and the TH. Hon Mr Coates has made promises in the matter. With the record and name Mri Coates enjoys, something more than promises should he looked for. and the earliest representations should he made to the Prime Minister on his return to the Dominion to set about getting things done in regard to the important road referred to. Tile road in question will link up the boroughs of Westport, Ruiianga and Groymouth in very direct connection besides traversing long stretches of country in the Counties of Buller and Grey. By shortening the route so materially between Westport and Creymoutli, there will ho an immediate gain to Westport, which will he brought into such direct connection I’with the more populous parts of the Coast. The road will prove a great feeder to the Buller district, and at the same time the new route will move a Into to traffic from all parts of the Dominion, because of the novelty and lieauty of the long stretch of sea coast road in sight of the ocean in its varying moods. The road should prove a most attractive one for holiday makers. There are many spots along the sea coast for holiday making and camping out. At this time of the year the hays and inlets afford very pleasant spots for camping out. and as there is room for thousands of people without any suggestion of crowding, the route would have a vogue with motor parties hailing from all parts of New Zealand. The road would prove an asset to the tourist attractions of the Coast, and that fact would warrant general support from all parts in the effort to secure the speedy completion of the highway. A few thousand pounds would suffice, it is said, to let wheeled traffic trough, and that being the ease the work should he regarded as of the first importance by the Public Works Department, in the effort to make the country better known, and

open it up for freer means of communication. Westland can afford to join in tlio effort to forge this new link in the line of communication up and down the Coast, and it is to he hoped the agitation will he taken up actively and maintained vigorously till crowned with success.