The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 1936. A WORTHY PURPOSE

Hokitika Guardian, 17 June 1936, Page 4

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 1936. A WORTHY PURPOSE

A useful purpose lias been served by the second stage to which the request for consideration of the construction of the Great South Road as a national highway to mark the centenary of 1940, has reached. The'request the Rt. Hon. the Prime Minister and his colleagues for serious attention to the matter is presented in a rather convincing statement, particulars of which appear on anpther page of this issue. The historical side of the subject is interesting as revealing the interest in the far south over sixty years ago, when men faced great dangers in crossing to remote pal fcs to spy out the land. Even in those days, the outstanding beauty stored away in the mountain fastnesses and along the Coast line*, was a delightto the struggling explorers seeking out the secrets of nature. And there was one tragic mistake recorded when the endeavour was made to establish n settlement at Jackson Bay, in that the insistent request for a. jetty' for shipping was not supplied. Had that modest work been undertaken at the time, sustained industry would have been launched in sawmilling, and from that beginning a livelihood would have have been possible for an increasing population. The lever to open the way to success has not been supplied, and

it is at this present still an urgent need and a sure" means to promote success. But all was not a failure in

the past. The sons' and daughters and tlieir families of many of the pioneers, still reside in the far south, an example of sturdy settlement in the face of gr'eat ‘drawbacks. And the district has managed to hold its own through all the years despite its roadless isolation. A fresh phase has presented itself now. With modern motor transport, and the vogue of tourist traffic, Now Zealand blessed by nature with such natural features of interest, is attracting a continuous stream of tourist traffic. It is being realised by girdling the Island with a highway, the world’s wonder dnvp would be created, and tSio Dominion would possess the means to bring other natural features of its wonderland mor e to the fore. Milford Sound and the Sutherland waterfall which are among the natural wonders of the earth, would be on the route of the road. So, too, would be the most approachable glaciers in the.world, together with the highest peaks of New Zealand. A wealth of mountain scenery would, skirt the road, and the forest wealth towering up to the snowline would be a back ground to the scenes to be viewed at any section or this remarkable West Coast highway. Also, the treasures of nature in valuable timber belts and mineral deposits would claim , attention and ensure, great development, opening the way for increased settlement and proauction from the land, in a district holding a reputation for prime stock and dairy products. The construction or the road would add a new tract of country to New Zealand, a territory richly endowed with natural wealth, which requires only access to yield its values. The roading proposition has very convincing features. There may be' differences about the route, but always as the road, penetrates south, it will open up fresh land for development and new openings for industry. Westland has an asset) of great value t-o the south. The present is an important opportunity to press for attention'. There .should be a united effort on tjie part of the community to that endj and achieved, there will be a. great flow of prosperity to the country.