PROGRESS LEAGUE

Hokitika Guardian, 20 October 1920, Page 1

PROGRESS LEAGUE

WESTLAND COMMITTEE. The monthly meeting of the above was held at the County Chambers at 7.30 o’clock last evening. Present:— Messrs Wild (chair), Butler, Logue, Carley, Ritchie, Evans, Jeffries, and Pilkington Secretary)., An apology was received for the absence of Mr Stewart. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed, arid the outward correspondence was read and approved. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE. From local banks, regretting contributions could not be made to the funds , —Received. From Telegraph Department, stating no reduction could be made at present in telegraphic or telephonic fees, -Received. From Hokitika Trades Association, asking support to the proposal to make Easter Saturday a statutory holiday, and requesting representations through , the Canterbury Progress League for parliamentary action.—Received and| approved. From Canterbury Progress League, suggesting a national conference of Leagues with regard to common action on various subjects such as construction of railways; immigration etc.—Received and suggestion approved. From Same, acknowledging copy of resolutions passed by public meetings during the South Westland tour, and stating Mr C. M. Malfroy, the district representative, had taken his seat on the Executive.—Received. From Ross Borough Council, forwarding a grant of £5 to the funds of the League.—Received with thanks. GENERAL. The Secretary reported on the finances and accounts to the amount of £3O were passed for payment. It was resolved to appeal for a wider membership, and to invite rill willing to join, to the next meeting of the League which would he the quarterly gathering open to the public.

Mr Ritchie moved that the Government be urged to call for tenders for the erection of the Little Wanganui and Waitangi river bridges.—Mr Jeffries seconded. —Carried. . Air Ritchie moved that the Alarine Department be.urged to proceed with the erection of Bruce Bay landing.—Air., Logue seconded.—Carried. The Chairman referred to the congested condition of the railway yards for loading timber, and it was resolved tc communicate with the Railway Department on the matter; also to ask the Board of Trade to urge the extension of the projected railway sidings at Hokitika to facilitate export. Air Ritchie moved that the Okarito Harbour Improvement Committee be invited to supply data regarding proposed harbor district with a: view to advancing matters affecting the improvement to the port of Okarjjto.—Air Logue seconded.—Carried. It was.resolved to ask D. Little of Blackball to deliver a public lecture at Hokitika under the auspices of the Lfeague at a convenient date. The Chairman reported the steps taken to invite Sir Keith Ross, aviator, to visit AVestland a,nd lecture on his flight from England to Australia. It was intimated that owing to Sir Keith’s itinerary being’booked ahead, and the early sailing of the Australian steamer, it would not be possible for the gentleman to visit the Coast, a fact which was very greatly regretted. The question of a universal halfholiday on Saturday was mentioned, but no action taken. It was stated that local bodies upon petition lmd the right to place the question of the day for the weekly half-holiday before the electors for decision locally. A universal halfholiday would be the subject for special legislation. The meeting rose at 9 p.m.