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Hokitika Guardian, 7 May 1928, Page 2

It was pleasing to note, from a recent Christchurch news, that some of our uvwil Canterbury visitors were interested in the bridging of the South Westland rivers. The matter appears to have become prominent in their mind because of a few hours hold-up. That delay was to he regretted, but is inevitable where nature takes a hand contrary to the con veil ience cf poor weak man. However, even should a few folk he thus inconvenienced it was no reason wljv those who acted as

their mouthpiece should rail against the bridging of the Waiho river. There is more to la* considered in the settlement of a country than the convenience of the jnv-riders. The first essential is the well-being of the settlers, and it was lor the settlers primarily that the bridging of the Waiho river was urged so insistently, and happily with success. There is no occasion to revile the- Government for what was done in that respect. Bather do they deserve all praise and thanks for what was done and not done a moment t"n soon as a real help to the material development of the far south. Harking hack to the smaller bridges still to he done north of the Waiho. the cost of these is not going to he great, and are scheduled for completion practically as Mian as tlu* work can he carried out. This should he good news to our touring friends from the other side of the ranges who have resided in a more favoured quarter, and for a long time past have had all necessary conveniences in the matter of bridges on the East Coast road. It is unfortunate that just at this juncture a large extent of flood damage has been done to the main south road at different points. To restore vehicle traffic is going to lie costly, and this work may delay the prosecution of the bridges, hilt those who are reasonable in the matter will realise that tbo responsible Department is doing all it can with its resources to meet the situation. No doubt ore another tourist season recurs, more bridges will be at the service of visitors, but the real boom will lie to the settlers who have for so long pioneered the district and made the progress assured so as to warrant the improvement in the means of communication.