CASUAL COMMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 18 June 1938, Page 6

CASUAL COMMENT

AND SOME OBSERVATIONS,

(By Observer). This year the four centenary celebration of the open English Jbible is being celebrated. The Bible was nrst permitted in 1538, and in all blmstuui nations within the Empire the cnurcuts are making special reicrence to turn event. While it is notable, in itself, the commemoration at this stage of world thisory is not r/'.thout significance. llie Bible is described as still “the best seller,” and of recent times enterprising printers are bringing out an edition or literature; Tile various chapters are compiled not in verses, but in appropriate paragraphs, and is being welcomed in many quarters Units value as the best literature. The Bible as a guide to life is prized in ail quarters. Where its precepts are accepted in the spirit intended, and its universal appeal to many nations, and the part it has played, it is still playing in religions makes it a very precious possession.

The slip between the cup and the lip was well exampliiied in the test crioxei match. A week ago English writers and their public believed tne victory was within their grasp. Bradman and McCabe supplied the negative answer, and won enduring fame for their play which will go down in cricket history as one of the most notable clashes in test competitions. The Australians, after letting England establish such a record load, had their hacks to the wall to asve the occasion with a draw. The strike by England was acclaimed with all the adjectives in the language, and the critics began to count on changing weather or a wearing wicket to help the verdict desired. However,, the fates decided otherwise, the batsmen’s patience and brilliance altered the whole complexion of the outlook. Such is the way with sport. In tho same unexpected way, the South Island team accounted for the North in Rugby football. The Coast representatives did well, and though Roberts is not yet among the elect, his turn will come before long.

The Prime Minister is enjoying something of a triumphant tour through populous parts of the North Island. Although Mr Savage has been in office for upwards of two years and a half, he has travelled very little. He has devoted his time to his deck, and left touring to his Ministers. The present tour and its mission recalls that 01 Premier Seddon in 1905, when he made his lighning trip from the far north of Auckland to the Bluff. His mission on the eve of a general elction was to tell the people ot his policy for the coming years, which was Humanity in capital letters. It was before the days of broadcasting and when the Conservative press liked not Mr Seddon, so he was his own • publicity agent. Mr M. J. Savage To-day is preaching an advanced humanist policy, and it is largely on that issue the coming election is to .be fought. It is early to start. a,n intensive campaign, but the ramificaions of the proposed measure need the fullest exposition, and it is well to acquaint the public with all information.

We are favoured with a visit of tile Postmaster-General to-day, and no doubt he will give us hope and expeer tations in regard to a new Post Office to replace the many shortcomings of the present, and other postal information of value. But it is rather as the Minister of Defence that he should be welcomed—for it is in that quarter where his most important duties are to-day. Very properly Mr Jones does not proclaim what he is doing in important details regarding defence, but a little bird has twittered that New Zealand is being better fortified than most folk

even dream of. Also mechanical appliances for defence are coming forward all the time. In fact, excepting the war period, the Dominion outlay on defence is far more than it has been annually for nearly a decade. Mr Jones has important responsibilities in that regard. Incidentally the hon. gentleman is also Minister of War Pensions, and the applicants, it is gleaned, have very sVmpatheic treatment under the Ministerial control of that department also. Altogether, welcome Hon. F. Jones.

The interest displayed in South Westland, and the facilities of air travel to more distant parts shows the growing attention given tTie hitherto neglected outpost. The aerial link with the southern - district has helped to keep the locality more before the public. Formerly rarely mentioned, it was out of mind. Now with the important loading works in hand, the importation of labour, and the need for more frequent steamer service with supplies, all point to the general progress doing. However, while all that new territory is being galvanised into activity, and becoming an important part ot Westland folk hardly realise yet the changes being brought about. Yet the work is going ahead with many scores of workmen, and new country is being brought into greater usefulness. A settler of the south was lately moved to write enthusiastically about tb(> linking of Okuru and Jackson Bnv by a orad. This is a most notable event, for it means the rebirth of the stretch of country, which in the seventies constituted the settlement area which the Government of the day tried to establish, hut mismanaged the project.

Thou glils might be turned to tbc different Westland it would be to-dav, bad that experiment of sixty years ago been brought to fruition. The opportunity t.o create the greater Westland of tp-day is with the present genera-

tion. Those resident in the district are greatly buoyed up now after their long 1 waiting, with expectations of hopes so much deferred. It is interesting to remember too, that the reading of the district is in hand at three chief points. First, there is the new road to go south by a fresh route from Mahitahi onward to the Haast. Second, there is the road coming over the Haast Pass from Otago, which is to junction with the first at the mouth of the Haast river. Third, there is the road from Jackson Bay making, north to Okuru, and ultimately to link up with the two roads meeting at the Haast mouth. The consummation of this major scheme is the assurance of a groat national work to give Westland to the south, its opportunity for development to the full, and its chance to reaj> the advantage of trade and intercourse with Otago, and so link up with a great round trip possible, covering the whole South Island.

• But there is yet another string to the bow. Tile road terminus at Jackson Bay will he but temporary, for there is a road to come from Eglinton Valley, whic-h will serve Milford Sound, bv way of the Homer Saddle. This deviation will commence at the Hollvford juncI tion, and passing by beautiful lake ! country will make for Martin’s Bay on I the sea coast. From there, tho road is j to come north, and by way of the Jack- ! son River Valley, will join up with 1 tho coastal road at Jackson Bay. Many of the men on the Homer Saddle work, i will be detailed to the Hollyford road to the coast, when wintry conditions drive‘the workers from the Saddle. 'l’liis detour road is described as a wonderful read from n scenic point of view, and it will also open up some good land for settlement, in a very isolated part of New Zealand, now known as Wallace. So the good and great work will go on. It is a credit to the Government, and a tribute to their endeavour to make the Dominion generally more accessible, and bring dormant assets into present day usefulness. When the lull reading scheme is accomplished it will be a great achievement, and a credit to the ellter- | iirise shown,