THE WEST COAST

Hokitika Guardian, 17 September 1920, Page 4

THE WEST COAST

VISIT OF CANTERBURY DELEGATION. REPORT OF INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION. Lyttelton Times.) At tho meeting of the executive of tho Industrial Association lust night, Mr G. White, tlie Aso'ciition’s representative with the delegation from Canterbury 'which recently visited the West Coast, submitted his report. Mi- G. AVhite, with reference to tlie undeveloped coalfields, stated that it was a disgrace to the Government that these areas had been neglected when a few miles of railway would have brought them into use. To this neglect was dtlc in some measure the present coal'shortage. The absence of transport facilities was hindering the development of the'’timber industry. He expresed the opinion that a harbour should he constructed at Okafito. After dealing iii detail with the resources of the West Coast, Mr White recommended the Association to advovate the completion of the Arthur’s Pass tunnel; the construction of all bridges between Ross and Wailio be constructed; support the settlers in their request for a loan of £15,000 to open up the Okarito harbour; and urge tlie Government to complete tlie West-port-Inangahua railway. Mr P .It. Clmie thanked Mr White for liis complimentary references to himself, and said that Mr White’s report dealt with several matters that had escaped his notice. He was of opinion that an effort should be made to open up the Okarito harbour, as ft would, prove most useful. He thought they should also support the Grey Progress League- in its advocacy of a bridge over the Ten Mile Creek, which would reduce the distanco beta oen Westport and Greyraouth by 50 miles. The Chairman said that Mr White’s report dealt with matters in which the Association was deeply interested, and he considered that the report should he printed and widely distributed. Regarding transport between the Coast and Canterbury, lie urged that the Association, the Progress League, and the Chamber of Commerce should unite in a strong endeavour to get finality reach cd. He had heard of a Christchurch builder who had timber oil the Coast wafting for four months lor it to be shipped. Regarding the coal situation, he questioned the desirableness of importing coal from Australia, and said that tlie Dominion should endeavour to be self contained. He moved: “That a committee be set up from the Industrial Association, the Progress League, and the Chamber of Commerce to see if something cannot be done to further tlie interests of the people of South Island.”

Mr Frostick seconded, and emphasised the necessity for Canterbury and the West Coast to get a little more closely into “the Auckland stride” as far as their common needs were concerned. (Applause). The idea should bo fostered that Canterbury and the Coast wore one district and not two.

Mr Climie said that Canterbury must go into partnership with the West Coast. As a: result of the visit of the delegation, he had heard of several cases of trade having been diverted from Wellington to Christchurch. Mr A. F. Drayton congratulated Mr White upon his report, and combated the prevalent idea that the Coast, fi om a climatic point of view, is not a desirable place of residence. He referred at some length to the farming possibilities of the Coast. As to the business possibilities, lie remarked that one Canterbury firm which three years ago did no business with the Coast, did over £40,000 worth of business last year. _ Mr 11. E. Wyles said that tlie Association in asisting to develop tlie Coast would do more to aid the progress of Cantherbury than by any other means. The Chairman’s' motion was adopted, and it was decided to thank Mr AVhite for his report, and to have if printed.