The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 1933. A FLEETING VISIT.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 June 1933, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 1933. A FLEETING VISIT.

The visit of the newly appointed Minister of Public Works to-day is a fleeting one. Very little time is given to Westland, and the most important part where' public works are necessary to aid the development of the Crown Hands, is excluded from the tour, The visiting minister occupies an important post for districts where country has still to be brought into profit. In some parts, his department is engaged mainly in the expenditure of loan moneys for, electric works, but at the moment very little is being done to assist in opening up the country and giving proper access to the more remote parts, Now that railways expenditure is at a standstill, it would be expected more 4 money would be available for roading. Westland in the southern parts, stands greatly in need of attention in regard to roading. It would have been useful for the Minister to include South Westland in his tour, so that he could see for himself what is required and shape his policy accordingly. Where the southern district has been roaded to any advantage, the localities have prospered. What were once cattle runs have been converted into settlements, and an increasing population has resulted. That is the kind of practical development which would go forward if the main south road were pushed ahead, and good access ■assured. Now that motor traffic hats brought distant parts so close to the rail-head and the markets, southern settlement is Becoming well established. But the road now stops short at a point where difficult river crossings present themselves, and for lack of bridges the settlers below Weheka are at a great disadvantage. Some thing has been done in recognition of what is required. With unemployed labour sections of new roads to bridge sites have been made. Plans have been prepared for the bridges and estimates compiled, but there the matter rests. The policy of extending the road was in the official mind at one stage, but there fame a check and a most desirable undertaking of great utility was stopped. There are still scores of men looking for employment, and there could be well fitted into the southern roading scheme, if tiie authorities grasped the position. It is to be regretted greatly that Mr Bitchener cannot spare another two days to go over the southern route at least as far as Maintain and see what is required between Weheka and the terminus indicated for the present. Apart from the major streams to be bridged—Fox, Cook, and Karangarua—there are small streams to be bridged 1 which could ba constructed cheaply with local timber and serve traffic over a stage liable to inter- | ruption with 11 nod at present. But if the Minister does not see the local conditions he cannot realise the dangers and difficulties the settlers have with their stock." The department muft have heaps of reports oil the

works involved, but till some one in real authority recognises the plight of the far south iu regard to adequate road communication, apparent* ly the promising country will continue io be neglected.