Westland Progress League

Hokitika Guardian, 21 June 1922, Page 1

Westland Progress League

TUESDAY, June 20tli

! The monthly meeting of the League was held nt the County Chambers at

7.40 o’clock. Present —Messrs D. J ■Evans (Chair), T. AV. Duff, AV. J. But ler, J. C. Macfarlano, A. G. Pilkington, T. AV. Bruce, \V. Jeffries, 'J. AV. Morris, and Dr Teichelmann. The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed and the outward correspondence read and approved. INAAAAKD CORRESPONDENCE. 1

From Agricultural Department notifying visit of Messrs Cockayne anil Clayton to Westland on lecturing tour, and subsequently approving itinerary outlined by the League.—Deceived; Ii was reported tlie tour bad opened the previous night successfully at. Tvokatnhi. From P. R. Climio, Christchurch, asking for particulars of the lecturers’ tour so as to endeavour to secure their services for Canterbury at the dose of the Westland trip.—Deceived, information supplied. From F. Board, Christchurch, representative on Canterbury Longue, notifying the probable retirement of Mr Henderson from the Presidency and suggesting he lie asked to stand for re-elec-tion.-Received; The Chairman stated steps had been taken to that end, hut without success, as Mr Henderson had declined nomination. It- was resolved on the motion of Mr Butler seconded by Dr TeiVhclmann to convey a letter ot thanks to Mr Henderson for his valuable services to Westland during his term of office a s president. REPORTS.

Mr Evans reported on the late deputation to Christchurch, and stated that the members of the Canterbury League and the Christchurch people generally had shown the visitors every courtesy. It was resolved that a letter ot thanks be written to the Canterbury League thanking the members for the courtesies extended. Mr Jeffries reported lie. had attended the annual luncheon and meeting of the League at Christchurch, when the liveliest, interest was taken in the welfare of Westland. It was proposed to hold a conference at Christchurch __ in August to make preliminary arrangements for a programme to mark the opening of the Otira tunnel at the end of the year, and it- was desired the Westland League be re]> resell ted at l In; Conference. At tile same time mutters for advertising Westland more fully would be gone into. It was proposed also to pay a visit to Hanmer and Lake Coleridge at that time and the Westland delegates attending the Conference would he invited to attend and make the two motor trips.

'The Chairman moved that the invitation be accepted, and (hat at the July meeting those who could make it convenient to attend the delegation might indicate what could he. done. It was desirable to take the fullest advantage of the cordiality extended by the Canterbury people to advance the interests of Westland. Mr .TcflVies stated that he learned on his late vist to Christchurch, during which be bad the opportunity of passing through the Otira tunnel. that there were great hopes that the line would lie operating for passenger and light traffic before the end of the year. The progress being made was quite satisfactory. Mr Evans reported in respect to a week-end visit to Inter-Wanganui district .that on Saturday last Mr J. D. (Sillies, Resident Engineer, motored south across the Tittle Waitaha bridge and On the day following Mr J. JMclntosh's private ear crossed. On Monday Mr Lillies’ ear returned, and on Tuesday Mr Mclntosh's car returned. both crossing the bridge. The approaches were being hastened with all despatch, and by tbe end of the present week the bridge and approaches would lie available l for general traffic. The improvement of the approaches would he carried on for some' time yed, but (lie crossing would be available, and thus afford uninterrupted traffic between Hokitika and llari llari. At the Little Wanganui, the piles for the completion of the new spans necessary to let. traffic across the bridge were- on the ground, and the bridge work would now lie expedited. The approach on the north side a very considerable work—was well advanced. Tt was calculated in twelve or fourteen weeks’ tinie< vehicle' traffic would he able 1 to use the new bridge and avoid the ford crossing. At Waitnngi, the river was at present practically elrv. The Dublie Works Department had not derided yi't as to the- method of proceeding wiitli the work, but there was every hope that a commencement would lie made shortly with the bridge. The position in regard to the principal bridges reejuired on the main south road was therefore very encouraging. Mr Bruce suggested something lie done to facilitate motor traffic across Waitnngi river during the summer. Mr Jeffries stated that during his late visiL to Wellington ,ho had enquired in regard to the Waitangi bridge, and also the Waiho Gorge bridge, and had Been promised a Ministerial statement on the matter. In regard to Waitnngi the matter was receiving full consideration, and personally he thought while the Bridge was being erected arnrneemeiils might he made with the Bridge contractor to provide a suitable horse and maintain a ford ferry till the bridge was available. The suggestion was epilerallv approved as a practicable solution ol the chief difficulty remaining on the main south road motor run, , LEXER A L.

The Chairman reported be bad been asked for lantern slides of Westland industries tu display in connect ion with a proposed lecture at Christchurch. It was resolved to endeavour to secure same as soon as possible. The proposal for a Dominion tour of an illustrated lecturing trip through the scenic resorts and industrial centres of Westland. Tt was decided to discuss the matter with the Canterbury League at the August Conference in Christchurch.

Air Pilkington reported in regard to a request to have the approach road leading to tlie Arnhura. railway loading hank improved. It was resolved to write the authorities on the matter. The Inter-Wanganui Dairy Factory Coy. forwarded'a donation of £5 5s Od to the League, and the amount was

received with thanks. It was resolved in view of the benefits being derived by the farming districts from the activities of the League to write the other dairy factory companies, asking their financial support. It was resolved to canvass for additional members, funds being required to meet accounts due. Air Jeflrios suggested an evening of community singing to help raise 1 mills, and Saturday, July 29th was fixed for tbe occasion. .Messrs Jeffries and Bruce were appointed to organise the benefit, the intention being to reintroduce the old sweet songs of a few years ago. It was resolved to notify tlie Tourist A coney at Christchurch ns to the regular 'motor services going south during the wint or months. Tt was reported tl l(‘ Agent bad informed intending visitors there was no regular service at present. A vote of thanks to the Chair coneluded Hie meeting.