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Hokitika Guardian, 2 November 1928, Page 4

In his address last night Mr Seddon made reference to two national works of the highest importance to Westland, with which lie had been concerned during his tenure of office. The first was the outstanding work, the completion of the East and West Coast railway by the piercing of the Arthur’s Pass funnel. With the entry of Mr Seddon into polities, the completion ol the work was a burning question. It was a hard task to get the Government up to striking point, because there was so much outside opposition to the undertaking. Hut persistency won the day, and it is pleasing to recall to-day that s;jr Joseph Ward’s Government had Idle courage finally to sanction the work' and Sir Joseph Ward fired the first shot in the tunnelling operations. Mr Seddon all along was a. most persistent advocate for the completion of the line, and its ultimate earning power has instilled his advocacy and confirmed the wisdom of Sir Joseph and his colleagues in prosecuting the work. The other national work referred to was that of the Great South Road about, to be started to link the roads of Westland and Otago. A letter published the other dav from Mr Jas Horn M.P., confirmed the fact that Mr Seddon had worked most actively for tills important undertaking, and it must be a great ‘•onroe of satisfaction to find that thanks to the approval of the Prime Minister (Mr Coates) the work is about to he commenced. This particular nndertaking, a work which will cost in the region of half a million, shows that if (here are matters of favours to he distributes! by the Gvernnicnt, Mr Seddon lias certainly scored heavily. But it is known of course that not only bus Mr Seddon worked actively for the sanctioning of the highway, hut M v Coates having passed over the route bimself has been converted to the undertaking as essential for the wellbeing of the country as a whole. Tt is a fact also that so far as the “loaves and fishes” for public work's are tlis’;ensed. Westland has not had cause for "omplaint as regards neglect or unfair dealing. The condition of the main highways and the district roads, with l lie many important bridges Icing constructed or provided for. indicates Ilia* 'he Government is meeting its obligations very liberally, and the nrnmptings of the Member for Westland as regards general requirements may be paid to be mot very -satisfactorily indeed. Looking back to wteit !••• been done in regard to public works in the district since* Mr Seddon took office, and not overlooking the Govern ment Buildings in Sewell Street, which lias secured to Hokitika the centralisation of the Government offices indefinitely, and it may be said the Member has never been unmindful of bis trust, and that no charge of neglect can he levelled successfully against him. Mr Seddon has done wonderfully well for Westland, and rich has been the reward of Westland for its close association with Mr Seddon