THE PROGRESS LEAGUE.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16426, 21 January 1919, Page 8

THE PROGRESS LEAGUE.

CHRISTCHURCH BRANCH

\ meeting of the committeo of the Christchurch branch of the Canterbury Progress League was held yesterday. t> Afeesrs C. Morton Ollivier Present: juessrs v*. T_r,.:,> (chairman), C. T. Ashman E C Huie, a F. Drayton. H. F. Herbert. M. T\. Stevenson, C. Renn, G. Hutchison, and \ G. Henderson. * The chairman reports'! upon steps which had been taken to secure the affiliation and membership of trade unions and replies to hand to date -were dealt with. It was decided to approve the proposed circular appeal to business firms and to issue the same, embodying a f copy of the League's aims and objects. ,As a number of subscriptions were now coming in at a date just prior to the commencement of the branch s financial year it' was decided to accept samo as for the year ending March 30th, 1920. . A communication was received from the Town Planning Association stating that a meeting of that body hpld shortly to discuss activities ana asking the Leagues co-operation. It was decided to recommend the general executive committee of the League to mclude the Town Planning Association amon- its sectional committees provided" for in tho constitution and to. give tho Association direct representation on the council. The chairman in a statement to the committee concerning activities which he considered the branch should em-bark-upon said: — "If this movement is to be of any value, the foundation must be built on solid ground, 'fho mistake must not be made of attempting too much and expending all our efforts at the commencement. In opening up new country roads, bridges, and means of com-, munication should first be undertaken; settlement and development will. then, follow. As regards devolopment of industry, it is therefore useless to .invite people to establish industries if _ the Government is unsympathetic, or if the Government have hot the machinery for dealing with them. At tho present time, there is a Department for industries and commerce, but'it is. a department in name only. Moreover, it is in, charge of the Prime Minister. I am not aware that the Prime Minister has had any commercial experience, but it seems to me that even if he had, it is impossible for one man to do justice to what should be one of the most important departments, -if he controlsother Departments as well as carrying out the duties of Prime Minister. The Prime Minister also holds the position of Minister of Labour —a Department that must necessarily work .in harmony with industry. I am mentioning these points as I am of the opinion, that if this country is to be prosperous and progressive, more Ministers should bo appointed, and men who have some aptitude for the work required should be appointed to the positions. I see no reason why aid outside the political arena should not be called in, at least during the period of reconstruction, a period, to my mind, which will be fraught with much greater problems than in war time. I therefore consider it is absolutely essential for the welfare of. Canterbury, and the Dominion as a whole, that special Ministers should be appointed for Industries and , Commerce and Labour. Having created a Government atmosphere sympathetic with industry, the next; thing to do is - -.to prepare the province for industry. The progress of industry both primary .and secondary must necessarily be regulated by our railage and port facilities. In this connexion, the two proposals before us are the extension and remodelling of Lyttelton harbour and the duplication ,of ■ the railway, together with' a possible vehicular subway and.; - the much-talked-about canal. I think it is about time that the people of Canterbury mi de their choice and concentrated their efforts upon carrying through whichever proposal is decided upon.

"The West Coast railway is a proposition that concerns us very deeply. Now that we have got so far, it must be pushed through at all costs. We must see that when the Otira tunnel is completed, the running of the trains can be commenced immediately. I am informed that every week's delay is costing this country £1000 a week in interest alone. I very much doubt if the people of Canterbury or the Dominion realise to the full what electric -power will mean to the country. The loss of Mr Tarry is a national loss. Mr Parry, besides being an expert, is a business man with great organising ability. _ Moreover, he is a strong*man. , It is' to be noted that the Minister of Public Works regrets his loss, and Tnakes the_ statement that he was unable to retain Mr Parry's services' even at an offer of nearly double his former salary. ' I consider that the Government showed an utter want of foresight, and lack of appreciation of Mr Parry's worthy In business circles, it is sound policy to pay men their worth and hold out encouragement for the. future. However, it is useless to cry over spilt milk; the policy'of the League as far as the Lake Coleridge scheme is concerned is Mr Parry's platform, and it behoves us to see that the Government carries it out. I' am afraid that if

it' relapses into an ordinary Government department, progress will be delayed and red tape v will rule supreme. I am credibly informed that the expenditure of every, pound in certain directions will return an annual income of 5s in the £. In, the interests of Canterbury and the Dominion, it is absolutely necessary that this expenditure should be undertaken without delay. "Canterbury - is extremely well situated for estal lishing industries. As regards Christcliurch itself, there is plenty of room for expansion, so the housing problem preseuts no difficulties. I would like to make it clear that, although every effort should be made to establish industries, a wise selection should be made. It is not sound ■ business to encourage people to start industries that require spoonfeeding. Under capable direction, there is no reason why New Zealanders and the people of Canterbury m particular, should not be able to compete in the manufacture of many articles now imported. It jpay be necessary to revise the Customs tarin, not with a view of enabling the manufacturer to make extra profits, but to force our people to be patriotic ana support our own people. satisfied that if the people of Canterbury and New Zealand work loyally together and show a little appreciation for one another and, if necessary, forbearance, the immense war debt win. fall lightly on our shoulders, the cost of living will be reduced, and the standard of living improved. Uur slogan must Ijb progress and efficiency "—'New Zealand for New Zealanders. Following general discussion upon the chairman's ftatement, it was resolved to recommend th§ genera executive:— (1) To take imrce-.list'.* to come to a decision concei niug methods of ensuring improved ionmunication Between Cnristchuich. the seaboard. , i (2) To convefte a coi.-ferenco I bcweui the Industrial Association, Jlie Cban^ ■ber of Commerce, a«d tl>« which Canterbury members o ' j ment should be tfae vilal (-3) lo represent to Lapi: n f importance of creating Industries and Commerce and appoint v ing a Minister in charge of eame.