ONWARD!

Evening Post, Volume XCVIII, Issue 38, 14 August 1919, Page 7

ONWARD!

TO PROSPER WELLINGTON

PROVINCE

PROPOSED EXPANSION LEAGUE,

The forming of a Wellington District Expansion League, which was the subject of a resolution at the last meeting of the Wellington Central Chamber of Commerce, is being discussed by business and public men in Wellington. It appears to be the general opinion that such a league is urgently required, in order to deal with many matters which cannot' be satisfactorily settled in the existing scheme of things.

"I take it," one public man said, '.'that the Expansion League will not override any local authority, but will be a widespread, active body which will link up the efforts of local authorities. The Paekakariki Hill road is an instance in which the league could do good work. The Public Works Department has undertaken to pay. half the cost of the improving of the road. But it is not fair to expect the Hutt county, in whose territory the road lies, to find the whole of the balance. It is a cumbersome business to deal with a number of councils and the Automobile Association or any other body who agree to pay part of the cost. The league, working always' in close touch with all bodies, and having delegates from them all on its committee of control, could handle the matter much better. Even an important body like the City Council would find a league of| -tho kind very helpful in many matters." The scope and, organisation of the proposed league are matters which are engaging the attention of both Chambers of Commerce. Naturally the questions of roads, railways, water, drainage, and electric power, light, and traction are regarded as of great importance. The linking of suburbs by trams as well as trains, housing, and recreation are other ! points that are mentioned. But of all i these the roads and railways are looked upon at -present as of paramount importance. The improvement and deviation of both road and rail access on both routes leading out of Wellington ; over the mountains will be essential planks in the league's constitution. But there will, be many other utility and I beautifying schemes. Electric power is another matter which the present coal shortage has brought into prominence. The Lake Coleridge hydro-electric undertaking has proved so successful that a further £150,000 has been voted to be spent on the scheme, while the Otago and Southland Expansion Leagues have each raised £150,000 in England to finance works which will place that provinces in the forefront of industrial progress. Leagues for expansion and development having proved so potent, why should Wellington remain out of step? The tourist attractions and commercial, industrial, and farming possibilities of the Province of Wellington are also matters which will engage the attention of the league. To represent the matters on the central committee, it is suggested that the Tourist Department and the various Farmers' Unions should be included, as their organisations will naturally simplify the collection and dissemination of data, in attractive form, relating! to the province. " If Wellington does not take this matter up whole-heartedly and sensibly, she will be the backward province for all tune," one Wellington business man said. The Chairman of the Central Chamber of Commerce is arranging for a meeting to be held within the next fortnight to further the scheme of forming the Wellington District Expansion League.