Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 27 February 1930, Page 4

Aimoros the foregoing consideration of transport problems, in noting Mr Jones’ views on the rival effect of motor traffic where light goods are concerned, it will be realised that the reservation does not apply to two points in connection with the railways with regard to which this district is concerned specially. In the demand for the extension of the railway south, the special point is to secure in the first place, the economic use of the vast stores of timber in that quarter. This commodity cannot be moved to advantage by motor traffic, and unless the railway line forges its 'way south, a very large area of timber will be lost commercially. As the country is spending a huge sum annually in seeking to grow timber for the future, it would be far cheaper to place a policy for a South Westland railway to tap what nature has provided free of cost. On that account alone, the railway is justified from a national point of view. The railway is the only means of transport capable of moving economically much of the forest wealth still remaining in New Zealand, and there will be this satisfaction, also, that in tapping the timber lands of the south, the line will be opening up the country for more settlement. The second point in connection with the railway, referred to above, is the trade factor which arises in the desire to use empty returning trucks to the Coast for hackloading with fodder to support increased herds on the Coast. There is not any other means by which the commodities suitable for the purpose can bo transported, and as the railway passes the points of supply with empty trucks daily, it is in the interests of the earning power of the line, and the future development of the country. lo see winter food supplies for stock brought over at a rate which will ensure a demand for commodities now being lost and wasted. These two

essential points occur as presenting transport problems for Westland, but they arc not so difficult that they cannot be overcome. A study of the position justifies tho demands whi.li are being made in. both cases, and suggests every reason why the matters should be pressed prominently upon the attention of the Government and the Railway Department. The opening up of the Crown estate in Westland to the fullest extent is going to well repay the country in the future, and that fact should not lie lost sight of.