The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 1935. SOUTHERN PROGRESS.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 January 1935, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 1935. SOUTHERN PROGRESS.

From the statements made in the reply of the County Council last week to the Minister of Public Works on the subject of the necessity for the south bridges, is apparent definite progress is being made in' the area which would be served immediately by the Fox and Cook riwr bridges. A large industrial enterprise is infusing life into the locality, and the population is being increased materially. The earning power will be of moment, and the fact that several thousand pounds are to be distributed in timber royalties to the natives shows how widespread the local benefits will be from the new industry. An important factor for the immediate future, also, is the establishment of a shipping service for the export trade. That accomplished will be a lead for an extension of industrial enterprise, and the hall once set rolling will move rapidly for each venture will mean fresh advancement. All this is surely the soundest of argument for the construe, tion of the bridges to supply a safe and. regular means of access. That provided, some measure of justice will be done to the settlers who went into a roadless region to develope hack-block country. Tt is settlement of that character which it should he the policy of a voting country like New Zealand to foster. The provision of tile bridges would give the settlers wider use of their land. Instead of stock raising otrlv, production could he gone into. The settlors further north by the provision of bridges and facilities for sound transport, were able to in for dairying, and great strides have resulted therefrom. Between "Welieka and Maintain there is much pastoral land which could be used more extensively than heroto fr 'vp. A dairv factory' is

situated at Wutarnn. and with modern transport that is not too remote front Bruce Bar district to eater for cream supplies for butter making. If fuoiliios were nroubWl for the district in the wav of dairying by direct touch with the established markets, what fresh vigor would be infused into the life .of the •settlements. Tland in hand with the ohm ring of the timber country, the grass lands could he extended and the growth of production ste°d'ly increased. This is not a fanciful picture. Tt is the experience of the southern district. as access improved. "Wajaba, TTarihari and Wntaron. settlements lmve all expanded in production and settlement. as permanent reading v-ns established. In the same way .the AVaiho and Welieka have sprung into prrmmen'ee. the result of access provided. The Bruce Bay can repeat that pleasing national result if favourably considered. We suggest to the Minister of Bid'ho Works there is no more promising district for the expenditure of public funds to give an immediate, return — and at the same time open up the Crown estate. Localities could be mentioned where public works monev is being snout which will add hut little to public benefit. Bonds to difficult and distant places are in hand and the ultimate return to the country will be negligible. In' the past then' wore complaints about the cost of the local railway, the Otira tunnel ,nnd ether works, hot time has justified their construction, for tliev are fed by tlm steady progress of Westland, and that is warrantry that the district is not going hack, but is advancing. Surely it is the duty of the Government fo

find monev for essential works which will be a benefit to the country. In that category the south bridges rank high, for the claim they have for consideration is beyond depute hv those who will realise the fine facts of the position.