The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 1934 A HEALTHY SIGN.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 June 1934, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 1934 A HEALTHY SIGN.

Fnoji the reports before the County Council this week, it would appear the local body has some concern regarding the heavy traffic in the district from the point of view of the damage to the roads and the consequent cost of repairs. Actually, of course, it is a. very healthy sign of advancement to find road traffic on the increase, and to learn it is heavy traffic means increased industrial activity. Arising out of both sawmilhng .and mining there is now a growing traffic with heavy vehicles. In the case of the former. the demand for white pine timber is causing general activity. The country is being scoured for serviceable logs, and stands of suitable timber on settlers’ land is in demand aikl are being secured.. This is an extra for the settler which is appreciated at a time when the price of staple produce is at a reduced rate with resultant stringency in ordinary farm operations. This class of log traffic is now very prominent and will continue for some time —in fact is likely to bo an increasing quantity in the southern district where there, is so much maiden bush, and the lack of a railway for transport. It can be understood very well that the effect of such traffic is going to cause tile controlling authorities concern,. At this week’s meeting of the Council, a case in point arose where a firm came forward with ' an offer of a royalty to assist the local hedy in meeting the cost it lias to face.' This action is* meritorious, and will form no doubt, a basis for treaty with others who are transporting excessive loads. The local body for its part, met the firm requiring to develope an -important industry very fairly, showing a desire to help, industry which of course is a. sound stand to take. Similarly, with mining developments, there is the transport of heavy material for works, ‘and there was evidence before the meeting of some damage caused already. The local body is within its rights in protecting its funds where extraordinary damage occurs. The rate levy is a modest one in this district intended to cover only fair wear and teai. Where enterprises designed for profit are undertaken and the public roads are required for use with excessive loading above ordinary requirements, there is the authority at law to levy a special charge, and in all the circumstances that is a. just arrangement. The facilities usually granted in this district to encourage the industrial development arc cn a liberal scale, and any fair co-operative offer is not equitably always. That is but right, and indicates the fairness of the administration. The regulations to cope with heavy traffic are fairly wide, and all case, are capable of being met on fair alike to the industrial undertaking involved and the ratepayers whom the local body represents. That attitude is adopted with the idea of affording practical assistance, and the past record shows the arrangement has worked ihtisfactorily. (Reference is made above to the increasing road traffic in the south, So far as the highway is la.ffectcd there has been the promise of a first das read being provided in lieu of a railway, 'and tile Government should be hold to that promise by a special provision for standard improvements along the route involved, This is fl necessity which should not b® lost sight of.