EAST COAST INTERESTS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 284, 27 August 1919, Page 6

EAST COAST INTERESTS

DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE INSTI- ; TUTBD.- .... By TeloErani.— Press Association. Napier, August 26. Tho conference called for to-day by the East Coast Railway League for the pniliose of forming an Bust Coast Development League, and discussing the best i methods of advancing the interests of tho I East Const was presided over by Mr. C. I Ellison. In welcoming the delegates, of whom •11 wero present, representing local j bodies,, Labour, and returned soldiers, j Mr. Ellison said t'hat the object was to : I push ahead the advancement, of the whole district.; He expressed pleasure at tho attendance of representatives of the Returned Soldiers' Association and Labour unions. Unity of purpose was essential now That tho world was in ruins. Very few people really knew what they did want. He wns glad to have the assist- ; anco of Labour in this matter. Mr. Ellison stated that the time had come for : file old league to •extend its powers. Thero were several important matters < before the public, especially that of elec- ' trie power. Of course, railway exten- ] sion was the primary object and they : should use all their efforts in that direc- ' tion. It was no good going over past ' mistakes. All Governments were to ' blame and the people themselves. They ! had only six or seven members of Par- : liament, and they unfortunately had not always pulled together. In the future men must bo got who would pull to- ' gother. There were 6ome useless mem- " hers in tho Houso who lived on their reputations, and they should bo promoted —got rid of somehow or anyhow. Mr. Ellison said he had not been one to press for big public works during the war period, but he was not satisfied with tho 3 stoppage of public works in this district whilst similar undertakings in tho South Island wore pushed on. Tho speaker then referred to the extensive lands still unopened on- the East Coast, which was. , richly provided by nature. It was hilly country, but the soil was good. There j were no harbours, but a railway would be of great service, yet practically liothini; had boon done to open up land. j Much of the discussion centred round the neglect of the Waikaremoana hydro- ; electric scheme, and tho utmost unity prevailed. The league was formally instituted and officers elected. e