Westland Progress League

Hokitika Guardian, 25 January 1922, Page 1

Westland Progress League

TUESDAY, Jan 24th. MONTHLY MEETING. The League met at, 7.40 p.m. Present: Messrs W. J. Jeffries (President), J Ritchie, .It. Wild, D. J. Evans, J. W. Morris and T. W. Bruce. Apology was made for the absence of Mr Pilkington. The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed and the outward correspondence approved. INWARD, CORRESPONDENCE. From Y.M.C.A. several letters in respect to the walking tour.—Received. From Westland Chamber of Commerce notifying local bodies’ conference at the Town Ha'll, and inviting attendance of League members.—Received and executive requested to attend

meeting. From Depatrmeni of Agriculture, stating Messrs Clayton and Cockayne would visit the district as near as possible about, June, and due notice would he sent in advance.--Received. From Minister of Mines respecting tariff rates affecting gold-mining machinery.—Received, From Prime Minister and Sir E. ,D 801 l on Customs tariff matters.—Re-

ceived. From Hon W. T>.. Stewart stating request in respect to timber duties was being looked into.—Received. From Acting Minister of Railways stating the matter of the Ross trainservice was under consideration. —Received. It was stated that at a recent conference with the Ross .Mayor and Councillors, the Traffic Manager had agreed to recommend afternoon trains to .Ross on Mondays, .Wednesdays and Fridays n,t about 2.1$ p.m. instead of the present hours. This arrangement was considered to be som ( . concession, and it was resolved to appreciate the action with a vote of thanks to the Traffic Manager. From Minister of Justice replying that the question of Okarito Court sittings was under consideration.—Received. j , , From P. R .Climie in reference to the visit of the Y.M.C.A walking partv. and stating a visit of Dr Cockayne for lecture nurnoscs under tli- auspices of the Philosonhie Institute would bo arranged as early as possible.--Received with thanks, and a vote of sympathy passed to Mr Climie in connection with his -ecent accident.

From same forwarding report in respect to progress made with Arthur’s Pass tunnel, —Received with thanks. Tt was resolved to ask the Canterbury Progress Longue to continue the agitation for the openin'* of the .Midland Railway for through traffic and the suggestion was made, to ask.,the Government to have the line available for passenger traffic not later than November Ist next. Tt was decided further to thank the Public Works Department, and its officers for arranging at. short notice on the occasion of the road 1 being blocked, for tin transit, of the passengers through the tunnel. GENERAL. Mr Ritchie mentioned a report current that the Government was abandoning the use of silver pine railway sleepers for hardwood. Tt was resolved to enquire into the position, and point out the special durability of silver pine. Tt was decided to refer the matter also to tin. Forestry Department and ask investigation as to the durability, and if necessary take stops to protect the New Zealand industry. The General Manager. N.Z. Tourist Resorts, wrote regretting the delay in replying regarding the opening of a Tourist Bureau at Hokitika and stating it was not possible at the present time, but the Department’s officers were doing their best to advertise the Westland district.

The Secretary reported liabilities at £4O. and assets .'£s. It was resolved to collect outstanding and also to appeal to Ihe Dairy Companies for promised financial assistance. The Chairman referred to the success attending Dr Teiohclmnnn’s lecture at Christchurch and suggested the lecture might} he given and the views shown at Nelson. Blenheim, Timnru Oanvaru and Dunedin. The suggestion was approved and it was resolved to confer with Dr Tciehelmann on the matter. The visit of the Assistant Secretary tq the General Post Offio<> was mentioned and Messrs Jeffries and Evans were appointed to, bring the following matters under Mr Markham’s attention: (1) AYoodstoek telephone office to he reopened ; (2) twice weeltlv mail to'Wniho during winter season; (3) ferry telephone at Waitangi to establish a horse service; (4) Hari Hari and Koitcrnngi party telephone lines to he opened as soon as. possible, (5) increased cost of phoning fireymouth and provision of desk telephones where required. A general discussion took- place in inspect to the order ffaper to bo placed befor<> the Local Bodies’ Conference, support being given to several questions as urgently desirable. The meeting concluded at 3.45 p.m