The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1937. A USEFUL SUGGESTION.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 September 1937, Page 4

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1937. A USEFUL SUGGESTION.

Quite a useful suggestion was made by the County Chairman on Tuesday afternoon to the cflect that the residents of South A\ estland should consider organising a deputation to "Wellington on the subject ol the southern railway extension, if approved by the Member of Westland, as a practical means of lending material help to Mr O’B’nen on the subject. It is known Mr O’Brien is supporting the demand whole-heartedly, but if the people themselves demonstrated a practical interest, the representations would carry special weight. It is true visiting Ministers have been interviewed on this important district subject, and much information lias been affords as io the details of the undertaking from a community point of view, if all the points were demonstrated and placed before Parliament- in a concrete iorm. the general impression created could hardly lie otherwise than favourable. In respect to the suggestion, it is interesting to note the Buller Progress League in supporting the railway extension south, offered to cooperate in any effort to impress the Government. This expression of unity from the northern part ot the Coast is most welcome, and support trom so far aiield would carry much weight. The project is now at a stage when it is necessary apparently to contest the official view. No one can condemn

the need for better means of transport to obtain the best out of our forests. for which the whole country is hungering. The official report appears to realise the need, but the proposal is to continue road transport on a more costly basis. That is, at huge cost it is proposed to undertake the widening of the south road to a width of 25 leet, and what are termed road trains fas utilised in parts of America) are suggested to meet the requirements of transport. It is not too much to say that such a proposal appears altogether fantastic, and it is surprising to find if put forward. The country traversed by the road is inland and hilly, and does not give direct access to the best of the forest. Where the forest is in profusion is on the level country readily adaptable as a suitable railway route. The line would be more direct and more capable of handling the whole products of the forest than a glorified road service. The

economic issue arises at every turn i>* comparing a road service with a rail connection, and practical men will realise tile advantage at once. The asset value of the forest is very great. First, the Government- would retrieve many hundreds of thousands of pounds in royalties, industry on a large scale would develop, and the railway would have assured earning power. The line would serve the better settlement of the district, and the quicker establishment of increased population. The more rapid development of the industrial side is a factor at a time when the authorities .ire seeking for more avenues for useful work in production. There are other aspects of the matter which could he ventilated to the advantage of the railway over a costly-to-maintain road service conducted by imported vehicles ‘and run by imported fuel. These and other points could be brought to the notice of the Government by the deputation suggested.