The Guardian (And Evening, Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1938. PUBLIC WORKS.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 September 1938, Page 4

The Guardian (And Evening, Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1938. PUBLIC WORKS.

Westland will recall the time when the invariable reply received to requests lor Public Works from the responsible Minister in charge, was “the matter will be kept steadily in view.” It was said so often about the Grey-mouth-Hokitika railway, and other long deferred works, that the Ministerial remark became a by-word. That experience is brought to mind by the experience nowadays under the present Minister of Public Works. The manner and methods of the Hon. Oliver and Hon. Semple are as poles apart, and Westland has every reason to be grateful to the present occupant of the position for his attention to the many important matters in his department ’'pertaining to’ this district. But Westland is not singular in that respect. What Mr Semple is doing in New Zealand in his high office is a revelation in more ways than the one quoted above. The Public Works Statement this year is a bulky volume and the supplementary matter attached thereto, supplies the fullest evidence of the valuable activities of the directing Minister. It Was something of a compliment to Mr Semple when the Statement was under discussion in the House lately that the members of the Opposition paid the Minister compliments for work going on in their elec, torates. Mr Semple explained that lie was building as much for the future as the present/He instanced the rapid growth of road traffic, and the essential need to consider further development in laying down roads. So for roads and bridges on main highways, the construction was wide, straight,' and as safe as possible. In that regard Mr Semple has made fine structures to his credit. The new bridge at Kanieri is but typical of many, and that was a very valuable gift to the community. So with the south bridges and road works, the Minister has authorised the highest standard, and it is being provided. It is interesting to turn to the illustration in the Public Works Statement to Roe generally the manner of work being carried out. In all instances'shown from roads and bridges, to buildings, irrigation, electrical works, etc., very finished work ;is displayed, depicting a standard of efficiency which should mean long life and good service to all users of the conveniences. Referring to Westland again, the type of bridge on the south road, ns at Cook river and elsewhere, or on the Haast Pass road as at Cameron creek,- on tile link with Otago, there is a standard provided which is both ornamental and useful, and indicating strength and permanency to a special degree. With these illustrations of uniform good work, Hon. R. Semple* may well be tributed ns the most thorough-going Minister of Public Works, New Zealand has had. Perhaps other men, as for instance,, Sir Julius Vogel, Mr Maeandrew . and others, had the vision, but lacked the driving force to push on their proposals. Mr Semple has the knowledge and energy combined, and is doing , work which will be of lasting good and benefit to the country. Admittedly the expenditure is big, but much surplus labour being used, and assets of outstanding value are being created.