PROGRESS LEAGUE

Hokitika Guardian, 18 August 1920, Page 2

PROGRESS LEAGUE

THE CANTERBURY VISITORS

Yesterday a number of visitors from Canterbury arrived for the purpose of spending a few days in Westland to see something of the surrounding districts. The party was organised by the Canterbury Progress League, the Westland district having recently joined that body as a district committee. The visitors were representatives of the Canterbury Progress League, the Canterbury Industrial Association, the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce and banking and newspaper interests and included the following gentlemen:— Canterbury Progress League: Mr W. K. McAlpine, vice president; Mr 11. Holland, J.P., ex-president ' (also exI -Mayor of the City of Christchurch), Mr I G. H. Judd M.C.C. (Malvern), and Mr P. 11, Climie, official organiser of the League. Canterbury Chamber of Commerce: Mr H. J, Marriner and Mr F. E. Jones. Canterbury Industrial Association: Mr G. White. Banking: Mr C. J, llpnaldson, Manager, National Bank, Christchurch. Pressmen representative of the “Yyttelton Times,” Christchurch “Press,” and.. Christchurch “Sun.” The three gentlemen by the way, are all Returned Soldiers, The party had n beautiful day for crossing the ranges into Westland. They left Christchurch by the usual overland service .yesterday morning, anti on reaching Arthur’s Pass, five of the party, headed by Mr McAlpine, came through the tunnel to Otira. The remainder came over the Otira Gorge by coach. The weather conditions were ideal, and the journey was most enjoyable, while those who passed under the mountains had a most interesting experience inspecting the tunnel works, of which, they saw everything under the ordinary working conditions. At Otira the party was met by Air D. J. Evans of the local committee, and the visitors came through to Hokitika by Mr S. Clement’s well conducted motor mail service, three cars running yesterday. Tho ride through was done in excellent time, and was much enjoyed by the party. Hokitika was reached just after 7 o’clock.

At 8 o’clock at Keller’s hotel, where the party stayed, the visitors were welcomed to the district by several representative gentlemen, including Mr R. Wild, President of the local Progress branch; Mr G. A. Perry, Mayor; Mr 11. M, Coulson, Deputy Mayor; Mr G. A. Wood, M.8.C.; Mr Galbraith, Commissioner of Crown Lands; Mr P. R. Stewart, Mr A. A. Andrewes and) others. Messrs Wild, Perry, Coulsoni and Stewart made short addresses of welcome, a very cordial spirit being expressed, and a good deal of information afforded the visitors in respect to the district. Messrs Holland, McAlpine and Marriner acknowledged the welcome, and showed bv their remarks how keeii

the delegation rvas to assist the district

ip every possible way. They were glad of the opportunity to see the country for themselves, and from what they could glean every support would he given to assist its development. These formalities disposed of, a general discussion took place in regard to to-day’s and future movements, the itinerary being generally approved by the visito-'-. cn-li of whom was presented with a copy of “Beautiful Westland” as outlining the scenery and points of interest of the district. To-day the party are motoring up the Arnhura Valley, across to Blue Spur nqd Ivanieri, and thence to Lake Kanieri, where luncheon has been arranged. In the afternoon the party will proceed to Koitcrangi and on returning to Kokatahi at 4 o’clock will meet the settlers at the Public Hall. To-night at 8 o'clock, there will ho a public meeting at the Town Hall, Hokitika, to discuss Westland wants. Thursday, Friday and Saturday will be devotee! to the South Westland tour.