CANTERBURY PROCRESS LEAGUE.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 April 1920, Page 1

CANTERBURY PROCRESS LEAGUE.

AN INTERVIEW

A “Guardian” representative had an interesting interview this morning with Mr P. R. Climie, the organiser of the League, who is visiting the Coast in connection with the organisation of similar movements in this district. Mr Climie states that the purpose of the League is to promote the development and advance the interests of the district. The functions of these organisations fall into three main sections or groups. The first . dealing with the movements and pro- ' posals for the material advancement of tlie district, such as the promotion of public works and the improvement of industrial and business facilities. The second with the advertisement of the province in New Zealand and abroad; setting forth the scenic and other attractions. The third dealing with the social life of the people, with movements making for their greater comfort and happiness. . In the third of these groups no subject is of greater moment than education, to which the League should devote its very earliest attention. No significance attaches to the order in which these groups are given as all are of equal importance. It must be expressly provided in the constitution that the Leagues shall have no political party color. Pride of place in the list of the formal aims should bo given to the improvement of the means of communication; the promotion of railways to bring the badeblocks into quicker communication with the principal centres, the betterment of existing roads and the ox>ening of new ones, and the utilisation and improvement of waterways, whomever possible. At the same time flic Leagues should interest themselves in every movement to promote the agricultural and pastoral interests of a province. It should assist to secure the establishment of experimental farms, wherever these are considered advisable. It should assist and support movements that may be initiated by such organisations as farmers and industrial associations, and to co-operate with Chambers of Commerce, its constitution giving it power to start new movements or to join-in old ones for the good of the whole province, or of particular portions thereof.' It needs therefore, the good will of all the people of the district, and its influence and power will Ire in direct proportion to the support that is given it. The League should concern itself in every movement to improve the conditions of life, especially in the country districts. In this respect an abundant supply of cheap hydro-electricity should bo an important factor, as the adoption of a scheme of this kind would tend to relieve the hardships of life and lessen the loneliness of isolated settlements by promoting closer settlement. There is no organisation in existence at pro sent that charges itself with this very desirable work. The question of establishing country libraries should he another matter flint should interest the Leagues. In almost every direction that one can think of there is work waiting to he done and left undone now because no organisation lias been created to deni with it. Whether schemes so large and far-reaching will he undertaken by these organisations will depend entirely upon the measure of support they receive from the people of the province. Canterbury and other districts have shown you the way and there is no reason why you should not follow their excellent lead. These Leagues are therefore in a sentence .organisations to secure, the cooperation of the people of each district, so that the whole weight of all the people may he employed, where necessary to promote the welfare to the people. Hitherto the people of this district have never spoken with a united voice arid never exerted ! heir united strength in promoting their interests. The Westland League purposes to apply the principle of co-operation and to use it to the full. It may take a few months to make a. start with many of the activities, or it may take ten or 20 years. It depends mainly on yourselves ho-w soon, or how late. I therefore appeal to the people of Westland to give the whole question their very earnest thought and consideration. The initial meeting to consider the whole I question will be held in. the Town Hall I to-morrow (Friday) night at 8.15 o’clock, I sincerely trust it will be exceedingly well attended. It will bo my earnest endeavour to explain more fully to the people matters concerning the functions of those organisations and ifclfeiir eomsjtitutions in the hope and belief that the people will realise the ’ importance of taking immediate steps - to bring Westland into line with the other leading provinces of the Dominion.