MEETING AT ONEWHERO.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 664, 2 September 1921, Page 5

MEETING AT ONEWHERO.

HYDRO-ELECTRIC SCHEIHE AND PROGRESSIVE LEAGUE.

A most important meeting- was held in- fehe Lower Hall, Onewhero? on Monday evening, convened by Cr Riley-Taylor, Messrs Cole-Baker, C. Walters and H. Dyer, to discuss the Government hydro-electric scheme, also the desirability of forming a Progressive League in Onewhero. Cr Riley-Taylor presided, and opened the meeting ’bv explaining that it was called’for the purpose of appointing four delegates to attend the meeting of the Tuakau Town Board on September 6, and. to endeavour to assist in obtaining a portion of the electricity, which will be passing l through to Auckland. The chairman pointed out that the development of the district would be immensely augmented and the comfort and convenience of all residents would be greatly increased should we be fortunate enough to connect up with the “stepping down” station at Bombay. cost of installation would not be excessive and there would be enough power available to serve the whole district. It would, be advisable to make an estimate of what would be required for Onewhero, both for light and motive power, in order that the delegates would be in a position to place concrete facts before the Tuakau lown Board. Mr Dyer»heartedly supported . the project, and pointed out .the urgent necessity to do all- that was possible to support the Tuakau Town Board in their efforts to obtain a sufficient supply of electricity for the needs of the district. Mr Cole-Baker stated that he had beeh in communication with the chairman of the Tuakau Town Board, and he was most hopeful as to the possibility of being- able to connect with the Government scheme,, and urged the appointment of four delegates to work with the Tuakau Town Board and do all possible .to secure such an immense benefit to the district, that, were we successful, it would make liie worth living, as electricity would not only milk the cows and light our houses, but couid rock the cradle, and even draw corks from bottles when required^ - Messrs Glasgow, Fellow, Keys, ana Kane also spoke in favour of the scheme. After some discussion it was decided .'to appoint four delegates to wait on the Tuakau Town Board on September 6, and Cr Riley-Taylor and Messrs Keals, Dyer and Walters were the ones selected. The chairman then spoke of the desirability of forming a Progressive League.' He said that personally he was never a member of one, but he - had seen the work they did, and he felt sure it would be* a good thing for the district if we had one. though doubtless, as a Councillor, he might find it a “thorn in the flesh,” as when anything was wanted the . Progressive League* would, without doubt, come to him about it. He then called on Mr Cornish, who had had considerable experience in these matters, to point out .‘the advantages which would acrue to the district if one was formed. Mr Cornish expressed the pleasure it gave Iffm to meet so lai’ge and representative a gathering of ratepavers, and pointed out that to make a Progressive League a success, it was essential chat every ratepayer should become a member of the League, and should accord it his hearty support, and, under these circumstances, if within two years, it had not greatly benefitted the district, 'it should be relegated to the scrap heap. The speaker then enlarged on the work a Progressive League could do. Amongst other things that the League was there to work for, any measure or improvement that would benefit the district as a whole. The League could interest itself in the local school, and if a cricket pitch or tennis lawn was wanted, it was up to the LeAgue to assist by every means in its power. The funds at \ts disposal would not .be large, still an enthusiastic membership meant a certain amount of voluntary labour would be available. These things were of great value, and anything which made for the health 2 ncl happiness of the children, tended to make them finer citizens, and more able to take the places of those present, when their turn came to “stand aside.” Mr Cornikh suggested in view of the financial stringency, that the members’ annual fee should be five shillings, and urged those present to’interest their friends in the movement, in order that if a Progressive League were formed the membership would be a full one. Several gentlemen present spoke in favour of the scheme, and on a show of hands it was unanimously decided that tiie matter should be gone on with, and that at a meeting- of the ratepayers, i which would be called to receive the | report of the delegates on the bydroi electric scheme, and other important i business, the Onewhero Progressive j League should be formed. | A vote of thanks to the chairman and Mr Cornish terminated the meeting.