Local Bodies’ Conference

Hokitika Guardian, 28 September 1922, Page 4

Local Bodies’ Conference

MEETING AT TOWN HALL

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 27th, 1922.

The Conference ol' delegates ol Local Bodies and general public was held at the Town Hall at 7.45 p.in. I lie Mayor of Hokitika (Mr G. A. Perry) presided, and those present included: Messrs W. J&(frios, E. A. Wells, T. IV. Duff, J. Ritchie, H. A. Baueke, B. Wild, W. J.'Butler, H. M. Couisou, it . Hall, A. B. King, J. JBreeze, T. Brown. AleQuilkin, Irvine, Aitkcai, Bruce, S. G. Evans (Mayor ol Ross) H. Osmers and D. Roberts (Ross), MeQuilkin, Hon H. L. Michel and a good many others. Mr Perry opened the meeting and stated they would take the order paper as drawn up. Tho first business was consideration of a letter from the Mines Department offering a £ lor £ subsidy for a prospecting scheme estimated* to cost £1214, by' the employment of live men for eight months, with equipment for camp, gear, ete. A letter from Westland County Council suggesting tho Government subsidy he £3 for £l. and offering to contribute up to £2OO towards prospecting. the remaining £IOO to he subscribed locally. The Hokitika Borough Council wrote staling the, Mayor and Mr Coulson had been appointed delegates and that in reference to funds towards prospecting the Council regretted ithev could not legally vote money for the purpose. Air T. W. Duff then moved: “That tho proposal in regard to research prospecting put forward by the Minister of Mines he heartily approved as a step in the right direction, and that the Department he asked to vary the terms of the subsidy to a basis of £3 for £l, whereupon the Conference agrees to contribute upwards of £3OO at tho rate of £(>o per month for five months, and the Government he urged to inaugurate.' tho prospecting scheme as soon as possible. Mr Duff said, tho matter was brought up at the last conference of local bodies and the government had now come down with a definite proposal. The County Council at its last meeting had agreed to find tip to £2OO and lie hoped other local bodies would also assist. If the prospecting was a success all the district would benefit'by the result. They should make the very best possible effort to have tile proposed prospecting work carried out. He had pleasure in moving the. motion.

Mr E. A. Wells seconded the motion. The time was ripe, ml now the Government had made. a. move liny should make every possible effort m take advantage of the offer of the Government. There were several loeaiitiits that lie knew were well worth prospecting. Mr W. Jeff ries (County Chairiu.m > supported tho motion. For many years the Government had been urged to cany out prospecting operations. The County were making an effort to meet the request of the Gov-er uncut and if tin other local holes wn to assist they would probably be able to get something done. Ihe money to he spent, en ti if lit did not result in a valuable find would prove of advantage to tbe district, though he felt that much get;.! wuuhl result Irotn the prospecting. Mr 11. Baueke supported the motion. and he suggested south of llimu as a likely location for prospecting. They could not with advantage go into high country without heavy expenditure. He thought the general public would support the proposal. The motion was agreed to.

Air J. Ritchie moved: ~-“'I hat supplementary to any prospecting scheme which might he determined u[>(iii, the Government he asked in the interests of national development to have a geological survey of South Westland, covering the region below the Bruce Bay, taken in hand as soon as passible with a view to determining the economic value of the various finds of coal, copper, iron, stone, etc. made ill that locality and information as full as possible compiled and circulated with a view to attracting capital and enterprise to develop the resources.” In moving the motion. Air Ritchie said it was a high time that such action should he taken. It was some thirty years since a geological survey was made of the far south district. Air Bruce seconded the motion and referred to the geological bulletin for the Alikoimi area. These bulletins were of great good in focussing interest in the minimi wealth of the district.

.Mr .1. Bassett said that the Jackson liny district was well worthy of investigation. In the south district there was mica, and copper and he had hern 'told of an H-fnot seam of coal. He thought- there, were tremendous possibilities in the Paringa district and the tipper reaches of the Cttscade river. It wanted a proper biologist to carry out the investigation. Tito district was an extremely promising one. The motion was agreed to. Mr T. W. Jiruee moved:—‘''J'liat. the attention of the Tourist and Health Resorts Department lie drawn to the valuable hot springs adjacent to the main south road on the Big Wanganui river, and the Department he asked to have access tracks put in to enable the public to utilise the copious and valuable spring waters existing there.”

.Ur Bruce said they wanted some aetlion for the future. Hu would suggest that the springs lie called Peter’s springs. It was about I.', miles above Hende’s Firry, and he hoped that access would lie- given in the early future.

Seconded hy Mr Baiickc and curried MX 111IHTIOX REPORT.

On behalf of the Provisional Committee set up in May last, in regard ,lo the proposed Westland Jubilee Exhibition, it is reported mootings were held, in June and August. A subcommittee conferred with the Canterbury Progress l.ttigue in August, and Inst week the Hon Secretary and Mr Wild had an interview with the Progress League Executive.

As ;i result of these negotiations the following is put before the meeting:— I.—The proposed Exhibition will have tho full support of the Canterbury Progress Teaguo and tho Canterbury Industrial Association, which bodies will assist in every way pos siblo o

.—The question whether the organised support of tlie New Zealand Industrial Corporation (tile associated bodies of the four city centres) will he available remains in abeyance till November when an executive meeting will be held in Christchurch, and the matter comes up for full decision. If in the affirm a Live for local exhibition would then become of wide Dominion interest. 13. —The Canterbury Progress League will render all possible assistance and while, the services of the Organiser will not lie available as Director, as was first desired, Mr G'limio’s- assistance mav be relied upon in many ways on the. East Coast, and though the iniluence of the "League in Canterbury and elsewhere very useful assistance will bo forthcoming from that, quarter.

’ Mr Jenkin of the Canterbury Industrial Association and President of the Dominion Corporation of Associations, strongly recommands the engagement of Mr W. R. Hayward as organiser. The gentleman is at present engaged on the Exhibition to be held in Christ church in November and his work is very highly praised. Mr Hayward, it inis been ascertained, would entcrtalin proposals to organise the local Exhibiiton, and if the project is pursued as expected, terms could ho discussed with him .in November next when the results of his labors will he. manifested at the Exhibition opening in Christchurch.

Mr T. W. Wood ruffe, architect of Christchurch, was consulted in respect

to buildings ate. About 25,0(X) feet of exhibition space would yield £4,000 revenue. Mr Woodroffe, who i.s a very capable gentleman, would be prepared to come over and consult as to cost of buildings when the scope of

local Exhibition is determined upon. He considered it would he an advantage, and certainly a great saving to utilise existing buildings where possible.

From the foregoing therefore it willi lie seen that good support is promised and that capable, organisation is procurable. It is submitted accordingly that tlui following further steps might now he taken:— (1) That an Exhibition Committee be set up to proceed with the preliminary organisation, by determining the scope of the exhibition (a) in regard to industries (b) in regard to general exhibits (e) in regard to art displays and entertainments. (2) ’That the Committee should delegate say three members to attend the opening of the coming Exhibition at Christchurch and meet the Dominion Executive in regard to a complete New Zealand Exhibition at Hokitika, and also to discuss terms with Mr Ha.vward, and arrange for a personal visit of Mr Woodroffe to guide as to side and cost of buildings. (3) That the Committee should by delegation visit other centres on tho Coast and secure co-operation in regard to the Exhibition from tlie different towns and districts. (4) That the matter of financing the venture by way of guarantee, debentures, or other means should he gone into as soon as possible, and tho local bodies consulted as to their financial support .subject, to legislative authority being given to contribute to the Exhibition or in tho provision of district exhibits. As a special aid to advertising each district and its resources. separate courts or bays relating to each town or country district, might ho taken in hand by the representative local bodies. (5) The date or period of the Exhibition should be determined upon prior to the November conference in Christchurch so that if the Dominion Exhibition may not he held here, there would he no occasion to clash with nnv other display held at Auckland or Dunedin. As a basis for discussion it is suggested Wednesday. December 19th, 1923, should be tho opening date. the. Exhibition to continue into February, 1921. to ' such date as may be determined, say sixer seven weeks in all. The opening in December is mentioned to fit. in with a, wish expressed in Christchurch so as to take 'in the holiday season, when so many more people would lie able to get away with less dislocation of business. January, 1924 is the actual jubilee date, ami that period could he specially celebrated with a particular programme for the entertainment of the pioneers, after the holiday rush was over. ((>) The time is now opportune to approach the Government and to seek assistance from the scvcirn! Departments of Stale in respect to the dinin 11 ml jubilee of Westland. To this end it is suggested the West toast members of the Legislature, together wtli such members of Canterbury as could make it convenient to attend, he asked to organise a deputation to the Prime Minister and hi s colleagues and place the proposals before Ministers. Mr Jeffries said they were indebted to Messrs Evans and Wild for the very comprehensive report. The exhibition was for the people as a whole, ami to make it a success it needed the wholehearted support of the people of the district. They had the hearty support of the Canterbury Industrial Association and the Canterbury Progress League. The most important feature for that evening was one of finance, but ho did not think that that was one of any great difficulty, if they all helped by taking up debentures even if they only took up a £5 or CTO debenture. He urged their very best attention and support and then moved:—“That a permanent commit lee of twelve gentlemen he set up to arrange for the holding of the proposed Exhibition and he empowered j

to negotiate all preliminary arrangements relating thereto, including organisation of film nee, setting no ol

sub-committees in the different centres, consideration of building arrangements, together with a discussion in November with the* N.Z. Industrial Corporation as to holding the annual Dominion Exhibition of Industries in Westland in 102-1, and such other matters of arrangement ('including tlie appointment of n director'i as it may lie necessary to deal with.” Mon If. 1,. Michel seconded the motion. Tt was only the connecting o( the East and West Coasts that was making this big proposal possible. They were going to get a very large

measure of support from the Canterhur.v Industrial Association. Our Canterbury friends wore looking forward to improve tlicir business connections oil the Coast. The question of accommodation was certainly one ol decided interest and should receive their hearty consideration. They would have to make arrangements for the thousands of visitors that would come to the Coast if they could he

given accommodation. The principle hurdle was that of (Innnee, hut that could lie overcome. Ifc had pleasure in supporting the niotipn. M'tubers of Parliament had waited on the Cabinet and he had no donht that they would give very reasonable support to tin' proposal. Mr D. J. Evans emphasised the fact of the very cordial support of the movement that was being evinced in Canterbury. Tlie question whether they would have the wholehearted support of the New Zealand Industrial Association would not he decided until November, hut lie had been assured by Mr ,Tonkin, the Chairman of that body, that be would personally nrg' 1 the proposed exhibition be recognised as a Dominion one. Tlie qustion ol accommodation was a largo one but lie thought the district would rise to the occasion as they bad dome on former occasions. There was a cordial feeling and desire to help shown in Canterbury.

Mr TC. M. Coulsnn heartily support e<i the proposal. If the people of the district realise the value of the exhibition they would rise to the occasion. Tk»;v bad inn 11 v commodities Mini required advertising and the exhibition Would be a very valuable opportunity to do this. Mr Prime said consideration sl-ouli! Pe given to the name for the exhibition. They should nmlm it n West Con-t exhibition and include roovosontatives of all parts of the district- from Westport south-

The motion was agreed to. Following, the suggestion of Mr Bruce, a discussion took place during which Mr Wild pointed out that Greymouth and the other parts of the district would benefit to a very large extent from the proposed exhibition, and they .should include all parts of. the district in their executive. so that they could all help to take a share in the financial responsibility of tbe venture.

Hon H; L. Michel said "it would be unfair to ask any executive to take all the responsibility. They should, form a limited: liability company for the purpose of. carrying the proposal through. The Mayor said this course had already been suggested. i The following Committee were then appointed with power to add to their number to 20—Messrs Perry. Jeffries, Butler, Wild, Aitken, Davidson, Bruce, Coulson, Mclntosh, Duff, E. A. Wells and .Hon H. L. Mich-1. The Mayor moved that all Mayors, Chairmen of Local Bodies and Members of Parliament lie ex-officio inem.lvors of the Committee.—Seernded bv Mr Jeffries and carried. Mr D. J. Evans moved: "That with a view to giving the fullest publicity to the resources of Westland, tin' Commerce and Industries Department, ill conjunction with the Mines, Agricultural. Forestry, and Tourist Departments he asked to compile a precis of official reports relating to the resources of the district, for publication in connection with the forthcoming jubilee, of the Province.” Seconded bv Mr W ild and carried Mr S. P. Evans (Mayor of Boss) stated that lie had been deputed by. the Ross Borough Council to attend the meeting. His Council would he prepared to do their utmost to advance prospecting. I lifortd,’lately their ear had punctured on the waydown, and as a result they did not get to the meeting until the i>nis|«>cting matters had been dealt with. Mi- Jeffries moved a hearty vote of thanks to Messrs Evans and Wild for acting as delegates to Christchurch. —Seconded hv Hon JUid carried. . ... The meeting then terminated with a vote of thanks to the Chairman for . presiding.