PROGRESS LEAGUE

Hokitika Guardian, 22 December 1920, Page 4

PROGRESS LEAGUE

WESTLAND BRANCH. A meeting of the above was held at the County Chambers last evening at 7.45 o’ehtck. Present. Meters Wijld (Chairman), Ritchie, Perham, Stevart, 1.-ogue, Carley, Evans, and Pilkington. The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed and the outward correspondence was approved. IN WAR D CO RR ESPONDKXCE. From Progress League, Christchurch, offering to co-operate regarding siding matter at Hokitika.—Received and accepted with thanks. From various Local Bodies regarding Oreymouth Harbor Amendment Act Received; and resolved the Chairman confer with the Mayor in reference to an executive meeting to prepare for the sitting of the Commission. From Hokitika Savings Bank forwarding a donation of two guineas.— Received with thanks.

From Marine Department replying that authority had been given the Resident Engineer at Greymouth to proceed with the Bruce Bay landing.—Recciv--ed; and resolved to communicate with Mr Gillies on the subject, urging speedy action.

From N.Z. Railways Department, recognising the importance of the transport of timber from Hokitika and stating plans were l>etng prepared for a siding scheme on the preparation of which Mr MeVilly (General Manager) would visit the district and confer with the riiillers.—Received ; and resolved to urge the General Manager to visit as soon as possible. From Dr. Little, Blackball, stating he would have plensujre in visiting Hokitika later and give a scientific lecture under the auspices of the League. —Received with thanks.

From Canterbury Progress League notifying action taken in regard to district matters, and suggesting line of procedure in respect to same.—Rcceivod with thanks. From Westland Chamber of Commerce regarding school matters at Matainui. Received; in respect to the newbuilding required it was resolved to wire the Minister of Education ttrging the vote promised be authorised; and in regard to dental treatment of children it was resolved to ask the Hospital Board to urge the question on the attention of Department of Health. MISCELLANEOUS. Mir Ritchie referred to the prospects of opening up tho Jackson Bay district through the timber trade which

was possible. Messrs Ritchie, Stewart and Loguo wore appointed a sub-eom-nittee ,to enquire into the matter and nakc representations accordingly with tlio idea of forging the project ahead. Mr Peril a m mentioned the action of the Mayor of Groymouth in bring forward the matter of transport through the Otira tunnel when the rails were laid, and suggested co-operation in that direction. It was stated there was great congestion and inconvenience in the present coach traffic, an inadequate number of vehicles being utilised, and much delay resulted. It was resolved to communicate with the Public t\orks Department on the matter, and ash the •assistance of the Canterbury I/cague in urging that when the rails are b id, the electric motors be used to draw lioht traffic, including passengers, lug- j gage and mails through the tunnel to as : to relievo the congestion. Mr Ritchie at the request of a southern settler brought up the question of freight charged by the subsidised boat to southern ports, and asked that the matter he investigated; also that the Government steamer should continue her regular trips to the principal bays The Chairman explained the position, and Messrs Verliam. Ritchie and Carley were appointed a sub-com-mittee to investigate further and reP o, 't- „ , - , The meeting concluded at 9 o clock.