The Guardian (And Evening Star, witch is incorporated the West Coast Times.) FRIDAY JUNE 3, 1938. FRIENDLY HELP.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 June 1938, Page 4

The Guardian ( And Evening Star, witch is incorporated the West Coast Times.) FRIDAY JUNE 3, 1938. FRIENDLY HELP.

It is not without interest to note that the Greymouth Chamier ot Lommcice is paying some attention to the prosecution ot the South Westland railway. This outside attention is commendable, and can be very helpful. The Chamber is disposed to see an investigation made. Unfortunately there has been

an official, inspection, but it was rather one-sided, in that only one aspect of the probable railway business was •studied. It took place at a time when a Government Department acquired a road service, and it appeared that there was more consideration given to the study of road transport than rail, in respect to the vast store of timber to come out of the district. If the pushing Chairman of the Chamber would organise a delegation from ilis members and make a tour of the district to be served by a rail way. and look also into settlement prospects, by meeting and discussing with the residents their views on the railway versus the road prospect, they would serve the best purpose. An inspection tour would reveal the great assets of the locality for which a railway is most essential. In respect to the timber, if a study of the Crown lands and privately-held lands are examined some impression could be obtained. A tour of the InterWanganui district, bordered by the Big Wanganui on one hand, and the Little Wanganui on the other. would reveal vast stands of timber. If the party had a practical sawmiller with them most valuable information could be gained. Again, over Mt. Hercules and through to the Wataroa watershed, the inspection would disclose a further great expanse of timber. Beyond Wataroa, for a radius as far as Wailio, there continues .enormous stands of timber, much of it the best in the district. This would he within easy reach of the rail-head, which, so far, has boon (suggested at Wataroa. So much for the timber, in respect to which millers could explain how much more the log could be used by rail transport than road transport. Then as to settlement, it. can he shown how

population is increasing, settlement expanding, and produce and stock

enhancing year by year. The quality of stock competes with prime Canterbury in the open market, and it has beaten it, despite the disadvantage of road tiaffic affecting the quality of the driven stock. 'J lie assistance the railway could be to the settlers in the .supply of lime and fertilisers should noc be overlooked. Growth would be stimulated, and the quality of dairy produce, good as it has proved, would be bettered. These are all factors tending to help internal development, and much of them can come only from a rail service. Other parts of the Island have or are receiving the benefit of. rail carriage, and the visitors could make a contrast in their minds, as to the staple and stable assets of the south in contract 'with’ the position served by railways elsewhere. The prospects of the ’ district all point- to steady progress, aided as it will be from now on, with the growing tourist traffic. Quicker transport is needed for that service also, and the railway south, would be a scenic ride of remarkable attraction. The project justifies the fullest investigation, and it would be helpful at this juncture if our Greymouth friends would take up the matter in the manner suggested, and investigate the position for their own and public information.