The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) MONDAY, JULY 20, 1936. A KEEN ADMINISTRATOR.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 July 1936, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) MONDAY, JULY 20, 1936. A KEEN ADMINISTRATOR.

There is no. doubt about the keenness of the Hon. R Semple in the administration of his important department and its allied branches. His trip to the Coast last week end was one which might, have been shirked, for his health, resultant from the strenuous tour of the North Island, was not of the best. However, having set his hand to the plough, he is one determined to carry on and so desires to give the closest attention to personal matters relating to public works. Labour has set its mind on creating work as the surest means to remove the banc of unemployment which best New Zealand for so long. Mr Semple is a vigourous subscriber to that plank, and so we see the enthusiasm with which he is starting abandoned railwas, and seeing that the work is per-

formed under improved conditions, both with regard to the use of machinery and the living conditions of the workmen. Much money was involved in the railway jobs on which work had been suspended, and there will be always a division of opinion as to whether it were wiser to accept the first loss or endeavour to recover it, by re-starting the work. In the light of the possible future of the Dominion, Mr Semple soon made up his mind, and so then considerable railway undertakings are being put in hand again. Generally with regard to public works, Mr Semple favours employment where there is reasonable hope of development resulting. In regard to Westland, the Minister has taken an optimistic outlook, and appeals in regard to road matters are meeting with his support. In cases where settlers or the local body shows a disposition to assist financially, he Is impressed favourably generally. The Westland (1 unity deputation which waited on him last week had a cordial reception, for the Minister proved in agreement with the requests put before him, the only adverse feature being the limitations of money. But Mr Semple indicated he did not take “no” for a final answer from the Minister of Finance, if he personally had his belief in the project. So it was that he promised to place before-the Treasury again, important roading works about the district which would tend to open up the County more. In particular Mr Semple pronounced his support of the extension of the Great South Road. He had flown over the territory and was impressed with the possibilities. It seems evident that with public backing and general support the road to open up South Westland will come to pass in due course. It was appropriate the' deputation should mention also the Ross railway extension, and it was pleasing to learn the Minister had just received his officers’ report. Th e contents of the document are not yet - revealed, nut fibre' is a subject on which Ross Borough and southern organisations should be united in urging favourable attention. At the recent County meeting, Mr N. 11. Brown had some vision of the early prosecution of the work, judging by his remarks in reference to Bold Head road, and that opmiistic spirit should .become prevalent in the southern area, There are great possibilities, from fthe timber traffic apd the settlement to result. The provision of the railway is the most expeditious way of recovering full value from the standing timber and aiding quicker occupation of the land. There are big things in the air just now and one of the most important for this district is to see the railway forging its way further into the Southern district.