DISPLEASED

Hokitika Guardian, 14 June 1920, Page 3

DISPLEASED

STRONG PROTEST BY MARLBOROUGH.

(Per Press Association.)

BLENHEIM, June 14

Strong words about the attitude taken ii]) by tlie Canterbury Progress League in the matter of Railway construction, were used at the annual meeting of the South Island Main Trunk League. Members remarked that Canterbury League was reducing Canterbury to tho level of,a dog in the manger, and the effect on public opinion through out the Dominion in relation to public works development Would hardly be advantageous to the southern province. On the motion of the newly elected President, (Mr E. H. Penny), they resolutioned for the circulation throughout N.Z. that this League is filled with as_ tonishment and indignation at tlie narrow mindedness and parochialism displayed by Canterbury Progress League, in refusing to co-operate with the people of Marlborough in urging tlie claims of the South Island Main Trunk in preference to Otira Tunnel and deliberate pervision of the supreme importance to the Dominion of linking up the main trunk line, and more unjustifiable because provision is already made and promised for Otira Tunnel and urges the completion of that work in the nea r future and that it is an undertaking that could not. have been prejudiced by the support to the larger project. Moreover, our League considers it ivas treat, od in cavalier fashion ' by Canterbuiy League, 'inasmuch as it was always able to count on the co-operation of Canterbury in the past years. This League trusts tbo selfishness of Canterbury League will be noted throughout New Zealand, and widely condemned as contrary to the best interests of the country in the matter of public works development.