HOKITIKA V. GREYMOUTH

Grey River Argus, 1 July 1922, Page 6

HOKITIKA V. GREYMOUTH

AN INJUSTICE TO GREYMOUTH. IS MEMBER FOR DISTRICT AT FA I' LT ? “There seems to be an undercurrent working against oxu’ town,” was the subject of some remarks made by members of the Greymouth Chamber of Commerce at its meeting yesterday, when referring to the advantages gained by Hokitika, in the matter of handling departmental affairs. The object of the discussion was to make Greymouth the headquarters of the Coast. A deputation was appointed to make representation to the Government in this respect. Referring to the general welfare of the town tin- chairman of the Chamber of Commerce (Mr W. R. Kettle) expressed pleasure at the editorial in the “Star” of Thursday in which reference was m:de to the desirability of making Greymouth the headquarters ot the Coast. Greymouth, he said, was the most important town on the Coast and had a population of twice that of any other town on the Coast. In view of this fact, he did not think it right that: they should be compelled to send to Hokitika : bout any matters in connection with licensing or other govern meat departments. In the interests ot the town In 1 thought representation should be made to the Government to have Greymouth made the headquarters in these matters. Mr IL W. Kitchingham expressed himself in accord with the expressed view of the chairman. It would, he pointed out, be bettor to have the Licensing Committee sit here, as this town was of much greater importance "han Hokitika. A scheme had been suggested making this hospital the < hief one on the Coast, but instead of this lhe poli<y of the Government had lieen altered and Hokitika was given the iiriirlit of tl-e tirst-class hospital. Thev also had the mental hospital there. 1 here seemed to be an undercurrent at work in this district to send anything of import; lice down to Hokitika. Many years ago a promise had been made for a new railway station at (i r» ymonth, but in spite of the urgency of this matter, nothing had been done, whereas Hokitika was to have a new station. He did not know who w: s lesponsible, but there certainly seem el to be an undercurrent working against G reymout h. .He suggested that the matter be brought before the Gu\eminent by the chairman ami Mr T. H. Coates who were going to Wellington next month in connection with other matters. “They will have to show the Government that we have the facilities here,” said Mr Kitchingham, “an.l if the member of the district is not going to give us justice, then we will have Io put another member in! Even when the Prince of W: les came to the Coast, they had to send him down to llokitiku—that fifth rate town —a mere village!” Mr McDonnell said in addition to other matters the Registrar of Stamp Duties should le established in Grey mouth —or at least ho should visit here once or I w ice a week. Mr .1. Ring said there "was no doubt Hokitika was receiving “HI th-' plums.’' In conversation with someone recently about this matter he had been told that there was someone in Wellington who was favourab! f to every scheme for Hokitika, but Greymouth was always passed bv. 'J’iie remarks of the previous speaker also seemed to indie: te this. Hokitika seemed to be getting everything they required. He Loped that tin' deputation to Wellington would do their best to rectify this. Mr Kitchingham moved that the chairman and Mr Coates be a deputation from the Chamber to wait upon the Gu\ eminent, making representation in the direction indicated by the discussion. Seconded by Mr Ring and carried.