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Hokitika Guardian, 11 June 1920, Page 3

The second annual report of the Canterbury Progress League states tliat the Lengue cap now be- claimed to be aP organisation which is looked to, and can he relied upon to take up at short notice any urgent provincial matters, and while last year it was to a certain extent on its trial, it ,is now firmly established. Referring to the -Midland Railway, the report states that the early Completion of this long-delayed undertaking has been constantly borne in mind, and frequent reminders li.ive been sent to the Government. The result of the League’s agitation in the matter has beep most gratifying, virtually every authority in the South Island has undertaken to comply with the League’s wishes to urge upon the new Minister of Public Works the need for increased activity at the tunnel works. Much time and thought lias been given to the question of hydr'oelectricity, and practical service rendered t*> local bodies and others. Numerous deputations and appeals have served to remind the Government of the necessity for the, adoption of vigorous electrical extension throughout the country districts. The annual balance sheet shows the receipts to amount to £2381 0s sd, the expenditure £1323 16s lid, leaving £77 19s 3d for office furniture, and a balance of £709 0s sd. The revenue account shows a credit balance ol £794 15s 9d, and amounts to £2381 0s sd.

The drinking by women in ptiblic houses was the subject of some comment by Inspector W. 8., McllvenSy when lie was making his annual rcpoi t to the City Licensing Committee. There was, he said, need for more capful supervision in some of the hotels, principally, though pot exclusively, those sikiated in residential areas—to provide against the encouragement of drinking by females. As' was pointed nt in a previous report there bad been a mai<ked| increase in the Inuimber of women who were seen drinking in the hotels of the city, some of the women being accompanied by children of tender years. In the course of his recent inspection, he saw several instances where males and females were allowed to congregate and mix together in ride rooms much longer) than was, in his opinion, necessary for the purpose of obtaining reasonable refreshment. number of licensees had taken steps to deal with the matter, hut he would be glad to see others recognising the ndvlseablencss of following their 'example. The chairman of the committee agreed with the inspector that it was highly desirable that licensees should attempt to stop the practice. ,