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Hokitika Guardian, 17 October 1927, Page 2

Hr would appear that the County authorities are again perturbed about the excessive damage done to the roads by heavy traffic, and propose to enforce some restrictions in the interests of the general finance. The swiftly moving heavy motor traffic is no doubt responsible for considerable damage, and this is being tolerated to a certain degree liecause of the fact that it is a class of traffic which represents industrial development. At the same time, there must be, necessarily, a limit to which it can be allowed to go. Tlie local body is governed after all by its income, and that of course has its limitations, Tiie rates may be more or less elastic by increasing the levy, but it is not popular to increase rates, nor would it lie fair to add to the burden of the general ratepayer merely to help the business of another section of the community. The timber traffic in particular is the principal cause of extra . expense thrown on the local body, and as that is a commodity going to a market, it should bear its proportion of the cost of transport. Many millers recognising the impossibility of carrying on their business economically over road transport, have built their own tramways, and so relieve the roads altogether. Others are still relying on the public roads, but it is not fair that these should be maintained by the' community as a whole for the material benefit of the miller and the carrier. This aspect is now being taken up by the local body, and the heavy trafficregulations are about to lie enforced more strictly by the County Council. The carriers will be required to pay their license fees in advance, and their loads must bo limited strictly to the weight for which they pay. In addii tion their speed over the roads must be restricted to that laid down bv the regulations. The regulations were framed originally by the Government to meet cases of abuse, and to avoid any undue abuse of the roads the carriers will he required to observe the requirements of the law. There are also roads over which the limit of loading is fixed and the local body has decided unless the.millers meet the Council’s requirements in this matter, excess loading may not be carried without offending. The Council has, very good naturedly given due notice of its intentions in the matter, so that with the freedom already given, there can he no complaint of any injustice by an unexpected enforcement of the regulations. The Council appears to have acted very fairly in this matter, and in return should expect fair compliance with the heavy traffic regulations by those using the roads for their business or livelihood. With the fair warning which lias been given there will be no excuse for offenders if they are caught later on ignoring what is required of them in regard to heavy traffic on the roads.

v ? There Willbe' no practice of the Municipal Band this evening.

A meeting of the Hokitika Poultry Society takes .place to-night at 7.30 o’clock at the Public Library.

In reply to a telegram sent to Pic-ton, the following message was received from there to-day: “Elsie sheltered in Ship's Cove until Friday morning.” In spite of the rain in the early part of the day the local Bowling Club were able to have a pleasant roll up on Saturday afternoon, some sixteen players taking part. Afternoon tea was kindly arranged for by Mesdames Coles and Howard.

Word was received in Kumara on Friday of the death in South Africa of a former well-known Kumara resident in the person of Mr Henry Foreman. Deceased who was a compositor by trade, was for some time on the staff of the Kumara Times, and afterwards the West Coast Times, Hokitika. His sister Mrs Arthur is at present residing in Melbourne. Over 100,000 brown trout fry hatched at Lake Kanieri hatchery, were brought in this morning and dispatched by train to Greymouth for liberation in the streams of the Grey Valley. The fry was in excellent order. During the week-end a quantity of fry was liberated also in the Aralnira River and Lake Kanieri. The balance of the brown trout fry will be liberated this week.

All roads will lead to the Soldiers’ Hall on Wednesday next where the Excelsior Football Club’s Annual Ball takes place. Everything is complete to ensure an enjoyable time being spent by all. The Sub-Union have been invited to present the trophies won this season on Wednesday night. Firstclass music and efficient M.C. Admission will be: Double ticket ss, single 3s, extra lady 2s Cd.—Advt.

The programme of the Westland Pacing Club for its Midsummer Meeting to be held on Monday and Tuesday, December 2Gth. and 27th. is now in circulation. As Christmas Day falls on a Sunday this year, both days will be close public holidays, covering the statutory observance of Christmas Day and Boxing Day in conformity with the Labor laws. The programme has a value of £ISOO and a silver cup. This year the Club will present seven events each day. an arrangement which should assure good fields throughout the meeting. There is the promise of many visiting owners for the Coast racing circuit.

In the House of Representatives on Friday Mr V. H. Potter (Roskill) raised a question in regard to Boss Sea whaling. He urged the Government to request the Imperial Government to declare a close season for whales in the Dependency. The "Hon Mr Anderson replied that Mr Potter had raised a very big question, but he thought he need not worry about a close season at. present. The question of whaling in the South Seas was now being considered by the nations interested, and something might eventuate from the consultations now taking place. Liquid “ Tan-01 ” produces the highest gloss on floors and furniture, and the longest ■ brilliant shine. Isn’t 1 sticky. Also in paste form. Grocers everywhere.—Ad v t. Whitebait netting made to sample of .netting supplied by professional Hokitika whitebaiter is now on sale at McKay’s at 3s 3d a yard. The netting is extra strong and the mesh is considered just the right size.—Advt.

Cable advice from London states that after 20th. September, 1927 (in London) prices of sheetings and calicoes will have to be advanced. We advise people to buy sheetings now and recommend McKay’s, Hokitika, for best values. —Advt.

We offer exceptional value in “Fuji Silks” 30in. wide in all the wanted colours, tho shades are saxe, lemon, powder blue, pink, sky and lavender at 2s fid; extra heavy weight natural at 2s fid, 40in. crepe-de-chene in white lavender, blue, grey and shrimp, special price 4s lid. Schroder and Co.— Advt.