BOOSTING OTAGO

Evening Star, Issue 19661, 14 September 1927, Page 11

BOOSTING OTAGO

EFFORTS OF THE EXPANSION LEAGUE ADDRESS BY MR W. B. MACmmu Some idea of the commendable enterprise of the Otpgo Expansion League can bo gleaned from the information contained in Mr \V, B. Macdonald’s address at the annual meeting, held last evening, of the league’s members. In moving the'adoption Of the repov. and balance-sheet, Mr ' Macdon'a’* stated <diat the league’s activities were' in iio way diminished; rather were they increased. As the years went by the members’ assistance was more and more availed of by the various societies and local bodies throughout Otago. This was very gratifying, because it went to prove that the league had an influence which was recognised by all. _ “I believe it can bo said here,” continued Mr Macdonald, “that the cqnlidence placed in us by those with whom we come in contact in our many activities, is largely because of the fact that your executive does not inaugurate or support schemes or platforms which could he called ‘ wild cat schemes.’ Nothing is undertaken unless, and until tho_ executive is satisfied that the proposition is for the general progress of Otago in particular and,New Zealand in general.. DIRECT STEAMER SERVICE.

“We are glad to co-operate with and assist the other bodies on this matter, and wo trust that, although up to the present prospects arc not at all encouraging, the demand for fair treatment will bo insisted upon. Wo must not. take no for au answer, but work to convince the powers that bo that proper shipping facilities for Otago means further prosperity for Now Zealand. I am convinced that the time is not far away when Otago will not only reassert her undoubted supremacy, but also that the Government will be compelled, by public opinion, to alter the "laws of tbo dominion, giving protection to those who desire to sot up a new shipping interest, so that New Zealand may direct its own shipping requirements instead of being dominated by outside interests. “In connection with the direct steamer service with Australia since the report was prepared, a Parliamentary Committee has been sot up to go specially into the question. This committee is now sitting, and taking, evidence, and it is the sincere hope of the league that tbo representatives of the manufacturers and fruit merchants should appear before this committee and tender such evidence as' may emphasise the needs of the southern portion of the dominion. _ Wo confess that we are most disappointed over the attitude of the Government on the Island fruit shipping service. It appears to' us that our Cabinet Ministers can only see one city, Auckland, and if this is so then a rude awakening awaits them. Wc do not grudge our sister cities any service, but we do demand justice for Otago, and, what is more, wo intend to fight for it and get it. RAILWAYS. “Railway constructibn• in Otago is now confined to the completion of the Miller’s Flat-lloxburgh section of the Lawrence-Roxburgh line. I am glad to report that wo confidently expect this section to bo taken over by the Railway Department, and that trains will be running in time for the coming fruit season. We know that both the Public Works and tbo Railway Departments realise the importance of an early opening in relation to the future prosperity of this valley, as it is an extensive orchard. ■ As time goes on it will grow greater in extent, as there is yet a big field for' settlement in the TeviotFRUIT CANNING’ AND DRYING. “ In the past, fruit canning has been tried in Otago, but without success, mainly owing to tho cost of transport; but 1 believe that the time has now arrived when the question of the utilisation of what may be called our waste fruits, which, alter all, arc the,pick of tho orchards, should bo seriously considered by the scientific and industrial research department. I am convinced that fruit drying would he a profitable industry in Now Zealand, and would gradually grow to such dimensions that an export trade might profitably bo-, worked up. _ I trust that the Government will give this important question urgent consideration. * IRRIGATION. ; “ 1 am pleased to say that the various irrigation works in Otago are steadily being pushed forward to completion. Irrigation means everything to Central Otago, and when the whole available areas are irrigated the result should prove of such magnitude as to justify tho Prime Minister’s statement that Otago Central irrigated could pay off the National Debt. AFFORESTATION AND UNEMPLOYMENT “The planting of trees is carried out during the late winter and early spring mouths, and this is tho period when the finding of work for surplus labor is very difficult. It is quite unnecessary lor mo to point out that our forests arc rapidly disappearing, and it is assorted that our timber supplies arc now within measurable distance of extinction. Is it not, therefore. time that u deliaito afforestation programme should bo mapped out, and, what is more to tho point, carried into effect? Inactivity in planting now will bo serious for tho dominion in the. future, - We want a national programme of afforestation put into operation, .either by the Government or the local 'bodies assisted by the Government. “In Otago we have large areas suitable only for forests, and these at present aro growing scrub and noxious weeds, the homo of tho rabbit. Cannot something be done to utilise these lands which should be a national Int which are at present a distinct liability? If the Government cannot or will not do the work, why not ask private enterprise to take the matter up? If a progressive forward move could be made on afforestation as already said, the problem of periodical unemployment would bo largely solved by tho utilisation of tho surplus labor in tree planting. Ono cannot but be struck by tho great success of the City U-iocil’s efforts in creating what will -rftorwards be great municipal forests round Dunedin, and wo express the hope that tho work of creating valuable forests, upon what at present is largely waste land, will bo continued. A NOTE OF FRIENDLINESS. “Our pre-sessional which Ims now become an annual institution, was well attended by members, and our ambitions list of needs from a post office to a duplicated railway and a petrol rail waggon was laid before the assembled legislators. There is no doubt that these meetings help to strengthen the hands of our representatives in Wellington, focussing the attention of the Government on' southern needs. “ I am proud to report once more the spirit of amity and friendliness between the league and the various other public societies in Dunedin, lb speaks volumes for the singleness of purpose by which they are animated when each is not only able, but willing to come forward with eager co-opera-tion in everything that is proposed for the common, good. To the Chamber of Commerce, the Manufacturers’ Associajioa* &» 0&£« Moi-« Club, the Ship-

pors and Importers’ Association, and the Amenities Society, I desire to acknowledge our indebtedness in this direction. “ With regard to finance, the league is largely dependent upon the voluntary contributions of its members, although the leagues in other districts receive annual subscriptions from the local bodies. We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Dunedin City Council and the Otago Harbor Board, as well as that of several suburban boroughs. But our hands would be strengthened and our work more effective if the county councils and boroughs could be induced to help in the way our friends in Canterbury and Southland are supported by their local authorities.”