ADVANCING THE PROVINCE

Evening Star, Issue 23382, 27 September 1939, Page 3

ADVANCING THE PROVINCE

OTAGO EXPANSION LEAGUE WAR'S ACHIEVEMENTS REVIEWED STIMULATING PUBLIC INTEREST The achievements of the Otago Expansion League during the past year, and plans for others during the next one, including the acquisition of Larnacli’s Castle as a civic possession and tho straightening of the Dunedin-Part Chalmers highway, were reviewed at the twenty-seventh annual meeting of the Otago Expansion League last night. There was a fair attendance, including representatives of other public organisations. The president (Mr IT. M. Mackay) was tho chairman. Ho was reelected president for another year. ADVANCEMENT THE AIM. Moving tho adoption of the annual report (already published) and the balance sheet (which showed a loss for the year of £l7 3s 4d), the president thanked the executive for the support accorded him during tho past year, and particularly mentioned the valued and sterling services of the secretary (Mr W. B. Steel). Mr Mackay said, referring to the war, that the league was wholeheartedly behind tho Government in a desire to help in bringing the war to an early and successful conclusion. During the last‘ world war the secretary of the league acted as secretary to the Patriotic Committee, and the league might yet have similar or even more serious work ahead of it. Tho league was always living very “ closo to the bone,” and its work in regard to publicity wans often hampered as a result. The league’s publication, intended for use mainly at the exhibition, appeared to have reasonable prospects of being successfully financed, and from

tills source all_ tlie funds, apart from the low administration expenses, were expended. Mr Mackay thanked all who had contributed to the funds and assured them that it would be the league’s constant endeavour to maintain the high standard of publications it had produced in the past. The league’s appreciation was due to Mr G. J. Erriiigton, whose experience in this class of work had been responsible for a successful series of publications. To the City Council and to the Harbour Board the speaker expressed the league’s great sense of satisfaction for their renewed expressions in a tangible form of their faith in its work. “ Wo have at the moment room on our executive for citizens of -a high sense of public responsibility,” said Mr Mackay. “ The objects of the league are quite modest and simple in that it is an organisation having for its aim the advancement, prosperity, and intensive settlement of the province and of the Dominion generally. Kindred organisations may be found m other provinces with which w© work harmoniously and we provide reciprocal weight for many proposals within our respective territories.” The President concluded by congratulating Mr G. -T. Errington on his election to the life /membership of the league. This was a fitting tribute to his 20 years of service as an executive member, vice-pre-sident, and president. There were four life-members, the others being Messrs Ghas. Todd, J. Inglis Wright, and G. B. M'Donald. LARGER MEMBERSHIP NEEDED.

Mr G. Mirams, who seconded the adoption of the report and balance sheet, said the report showed that the league was not hiding its light behind a bushel. It was a pity, he said, that more persons did not interest themselves in the objects of the league. It had done steady work during the year, and he hoped that some major objects in view would soon be successful. Congratulations on the attainments of the league during the past year were extended by Mr G. J. Errington. He spoke about the civic square proposal, and'' said that he was pleased that a promise had been given that the acquisition by the Government of the old telegraph office, which would need to be demolished to fit in with the scheme, was only temporary and that the idea would not be shelved. Mr Errington commented on the finances of the league, and pointed out that while the balance sheet did not appear as a healthy document it must he considered that the league expended all 'its financial resources, and often members shouldered an extra responsibility themselves. If the public knew tho extent of the league’s activities, he was certain a bigger membership would be the result. As was the case during the last war, the league would participate to tho full in any patriotic work should there be any necessity. Others who spoke of the achievements of the league before the report and balance sheet were adopted were Messrs T. Scollay and A. Smith, Mayors of Port Chalmers and West Harbour respectively. OFFICE-BEARERS. Mr Mackay, who was re-elected president, has been a member for 20 years of the league, including 14 years on the executive. He has been a vicepresident for seven years. Mr Mackay was nominated for the presidency by Mr Errington. Other officers elected were:—Vicepresidents—Messrs W. B. Taverner, T. Scollay, and A. Smith; executive— Messrs J. Adam, W. G. Baird, G. T. Bayley, G. J. Errington, J. Y. Love, G. Newey, J. Jackson Ptirdie, H. Rowley, W. A. Scott, H. G. Sincock, R. T. Stewart, C. A. Wilson, W. J. Winefield, J. Inglis Wright; hon. auditors— Messrs Barr, Burgess, and Stewart. PUBLICITY FILMS SCREENED. A series of publicity films, which set out the alluring attractions of the Dominion as a playground for its people ■and for tourists, was shown after the meeting by Mr E. J. Sincock, the officer in charge of tho Tourist Department. Mr Sincock was accorded a vote fcfi ihanfafc