Westland Progress League

Hokitika Guardian, 20 September 1922, Page 4

Westland Progress League

TUESDAY, SEIM'. 19

The monthly meeting of the local branch was held at the County Chambers at 7.30 o’clock. Present—Messrs D. J. Evans (Chairman), W. Jeffries, C. s. Dalgleish, T. W. Duff, J. C. Macfarlnne, T. W. Hruco, A. G. Pilkington, J. W. Morris (lion sec) and Dr Teichelmnnn. Apologies were made for the absence of Messrs Butler, Wild and Ritchie. The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed, and the outward correspond en ce a pprovod. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE. From N.Z. Railways Department, replying that Mr O’Malley’s lease of the hotel site at Otira ran from 1901 to 1922. On expiry lie was offered a renewal for one year at a greatly increased rental. A further extension of the lease could not lie approved as portion of the area was required for railway purposes. As during the currency of the long lease the rental had been low, the Department did not consider a hardship was imposed.—Received. Mr Jeffries said the Depart ment took up a very arbitary stand. Me detailed the circumstances under which the hotel was erected, and said a heavy loss would lie imposed on .Mr O'Malley, and a pjroat hardship on the public. I)r Tciclicltiiaun agreed it was liocessaiN for the public that the hotel should lie retained. The Chairman said the Department had made use of Mr O’Malley while it suited them. Other I arrangements for staff accommodation j were now being made, but it would not j bo ill the public, interests to close the , lintel. He moved that the matter be referred to the Canterbury Progress League for investigation with the suggestion to enlist the Canterbury members of Parliament in co-operation with the West Coast members to support equitable treatment for Mr O’Malley and to safeguard the interests of th« travelling public. Mr Jeffries seconded the motion, and suggested Mr Evans take up the matter with the League when in Christchurch this week. The motion was carried, and the suggestion agreed to* From Canterbury Progress League, forwarding correspondence in relation to late conference in Christchurch. — Received. The Chairman said that the Rrancli had taken up the matter of improved telephonic communication with Christchurch, and he understood the Department proposed to make satisfactory arrangements in the matter in the near future.

From Gibb Bros., Waibo, forwarding donation, and expressing appreciation of the work of the League.—Received with thanks. From Local Bodies’ Conference, notifying regular meeting on the 27th inst at the Town Hall.—Received and members to attend as invited. From Philosophical Institute, Christchurch, in reply to invitation, stating four lecturers were prepared to visit Hokitika and Grovmonth, and give two illustrated lectures on two successive nights in the respective towns. The travelling costs wore estimated at C2s.—Received with thanks. It was

resolved to guarantee one half of the cost, and to ask the W.E.A. at Greymouth to guarantee the other halt, and endeavour to amnnge the visit during the month of October. It i- in-

tended that tho lectures bo free to the public, and a collection be taken up to meet the guarantee. I'Ve in lion 11. L. Michel, M.L.C.. forwarding copy of the annual report of the Tourist Department.-—Received with thanks. Members were astounded to find there was no reference'in the report to the scenic attractions of the West Coast. GENERAL. The Hon Treasurer reported a credit balance of {.’7 10s. An account for to was passed for payment. If was decided to appeal to the dairy factory companies for overdue annual contributions.

The Chairman referred to the proposed Borough loan tor municipal works, and thought the progressive action of the Council should be approved and the League members co-opera(c in having the loan carried. Mr Jeffrius thought it was an omission on the part of the Council not to make some provision for the improvement of Revcll Street. That street gave the most local revenue of any in the town, and was ill need of attention. and to ensure tlie popularity of the proposals with the ratopapers some amount should be earmarked for the main street of the borough. Mr Pilkingtou pointed out that bv utilising the loan money for the permanent works proposed a large amount of general revenue would lie free for use in such places as Revoll Street, where it was recognised attention was necessary.

In the course of the discussion which followed, the revenue derived from i f lit of municipal reserves cropped up, and the opinion was expressed that if legislative power was sought a better tentin' could be given for the areas in question, which would result in.many of the reserves being utilised for building sites and bring in far more revenue for tlie local body.

Ultimately it was resolved on the motion of Mr Jeffries, seconded by Mr Duff, that a suggestion be made to the Borough Council to review the position in regard to the rental or disposal of the many reserves in the town in the light of any amending legislation which might be obtained as a result of an investigation of the position. A motion was carried also, moved by the Chairman and seconded by Dr Teiclielma nil, approving the Borough loan proposals with the suggested addition of a further amount being provided for the tar-sealing of Rovoll Street.

Mr Bruce brought forward the repented inconvenience caused to depositors in the Post Office savings bank when desiring to withdraw amounts from their accounts. He moved that a request lie made to the Postmaster General to have the local office reestablished as a Chief Post Office so that the former facilities might lie available again. Air Jeffries seconded the motion which was generally supported. and carried unanimously. The meeting rose at 8.10 p.m.