The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the, West Coast Times.) TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1936. THE MEMBER FOR WESTLAND

Hokitika Guardian, 10 November 1936, Page 4

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the, West Coast Times.) TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1936. THE MEMBER FOR WESTLAND

The local Labour party has taken the initiative in organising a -tribute to the Member for Westland. Such a movement to be fully complimentary and appreciative, should be representative of the whole community, and it will not be surprising, if the occasion becomes such a united tribute. Mr O’Brien has proved a very active and industrious representative of the district. He has been called upon to deal with many matters large and si A all affecting lh ; s constituents, and current opinion % one of marked appreciation for his unfailing courtesy and attention to the varied demands made on him. The appreciation therefore will be very general. The suggestion to. hold a public gathering in connection with the prospective visit of the Prime Minister, is an excellent one, and quite fitting in view of the special attention the district lias received at the hands of the Government. The chief local body of the district has before it to-day motions expressive of appreciation of the attention extended to Westland County, and in that action there is an appropriate lead. The attention to the needs of Westland after years of agitation to secure the opening up of the country, must be a source of general gratification. Naturally those who have resided in the back-blocks lor many years hoping for improved access to come, will he pleased indeed to see the long-deferred expectations realised. The local body and settlers’ organisations have agitated for years, and had the assistance of the. former Member of W.estland, as a strong advocate to road the far south. Mr O’Brien took' up the task where it was left, and by persistence induced the late Government to make a forward move. But it remained for the present Government to adopt a bold policy, and set about doing the big job in “one hit,” {is it were. Money sufficient for the wholp roading scheme including th© linking with both the

Otago and Southland provinces appears to be earmarked, and the road connection at- the three, essential points is under way actually. In another direction, the Government on a study of the position, resolved to bring electric power into the district, and this important adjunct to more rapid internal development is under way and the benefits will be realised in the coming year. The State highway system' will benefit Westland greatly, as also will the expenditure in connection with aerodromes over the length of the district. The important help for sectiona] roading as in the case of access to Gillespies, La Fontaine, Happy Valley, Toaroha, and other points are all works of great value to future development. The important bridge works in hand, including th e Flowery Creek deviation are also part of the development policy being worked out for the benefit of Westland. Mr O’Brien has worked untiringly to secure attention, and he, too, must be gratified Avith the results crowning his efforts. Tt will be appropriate therefore for the public to be afforded an opportunity to show its appreciation, and if at the same time some honour can be done, the head of the Government the pleasure will be enhanced the greater.