The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 1927. SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 2 June 1927, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 1927. SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT

The official opening of the M ailio liver traffic bridge fixed for to-morrow afternoon, is an occasion which serves to draw attention to the steady development going on in South Westland as the means of communication are improved. The bridge in question spans a river crossing which has been a barrier to general vehicle traffic penetrating further south. The river takes its rise from the Franz Josef Glacier, and it is an icy, cold stream, making its way swiftly to the ocean. It is susceptible to rainfall and melting ice. and on that account was quick to rise. It was at all times a menace to traffic, there being an element, of danger to those attempting to cross the swift waters with a rough stoney bottom. The agitation for the bridge was maintained for some time till the present Prime Minister, Mr Coates (when Minister of Public Works) appreciated the necessity for the bridge and sanctioned its erection. Even then matters moved slowly for a time, till finally the Department was induced to make a spurt and the bridge materialised much quicker than at one time seemed possible. The thanks of the countryside are due to the Government for ereeting the bridge. There are few bridges erected in the Dominion which are such a pronounced boon

to tradie as the Wailm bridge. Tts erection opens the way to another twenty-mile road section penetrating further south till the next formidable river crossing is encountered at Cook's river. The length ot r aid so opened up is one of the iioest .scenic routes in ‘ the Dominion. It has Icon (ieseriPeil by some world travellers as the finest scenic route iu the world. On that account alone the opening ol an assured roadway was justified. But the* claims of South Westland in regard to development also justify the prosecution of the work, as also the extension of road traffic facilities further south. The general progress and prosperity in the southern district is a material factor in the trading of the whole community. The quantity and value of stock and produce brought out of the south is an increasing volume year In year. That fact further justifies improved means of access. The Wailm bridge must be a great boon to the more southern settlers. The fine pastoral lands of Cooks Valley are capable of greater production when there are facilities for marketing the produce readily. The same applies to Bruce Bay and other settlements. Even with the drawbacks in the moans ol communication. and the deterioration of stock in reaching markets after long drives, it is an apparent fact that the settlors have done well relatively. Many of the pioneer settlers have been able to retire, and their sons and families have carried on the enterprises in remote places successfully. All this is a warrnntrv for helping, the development of the southern territory, and the Wailio Bridge is a special factor towards that end. We are sure the settlers south of the river are grateful for what has been done. The direct help to them is material, for the bridge removes a serious hug bear to vehicle traffic, and in addition to adding to the amenities of life, will afford cheaper and assured transport. The bridge is said ti he a very fine structure ami a credit to the Public Works Department. It is a new design and the work has been well and faithfully carried out. Tts stability had to he a prime condition, and from all accounts that has been kept well in mind. The people will thus have double satisfaction in appreciating the accomplishment of so satisfactory a work, and the only regret will he that the long promised visit of the Minister of Public Works is deferred once again, and that the people will not have the opportunity of thanking the representative of the Government personally for the special indebtedness in this instance.