Westland Progress League

Hokitika Guardian, 17 January 1923, Page 1

Westland Progress League

TUESDAY, JANUARY 16. The League met at 7.40 p.nt. Present—Mr i>. J. Evans (Chairman), Hon H. [,. Michel, M.L.C., Messrs AY, Jeffries, \V. J. Butler, T. AV. Duff, J. C. Macfarlane, J. J. Mclntosh, A. G. Pilkington, P. McGregor and J. .J om s. Rel'ore proceeding with the ordinary b'l'iia-ss the Chairman referred to the demise of Airs Ritchie, wife ot' their esteemed • member, and moved a vote of sympathy with Mr Ritchie and Inmily. The motion was seconded L\ Mi- Jeffries, and carried, those present, signifying their assent by rising. The minutes of the previous meeting were continued, and the outward correspondence was read and approved. I NAVA R D C< Hill KSPONDENCE. Prom Postal Department, asking expression of opinion regarding business linns advertising by date stamping machines on letters.—Received. The Chairman explained that the proposal had now been withdrawn. Prom Philosophical Distilute, Christchurch. expressing thanks for the courtesies extended during the visits of the lecturers in November and trusting that interest in scientific matters would he stimulated.—Received.

l-’roni Public Works Department, regretting the Flowery Crcek-Ku inara Junction road could not he proceeded with at present—Received. The Chairman stated it was a question of funds, and the matter might he held over for thi‘ present. From State Forest Service, thanking the League for the expression of opinion regarding reafforestation. and stating now that the political position was ervstalisiug a forward policy was likely to be made.—Received. It was 'luted the Department had a number oi men employed fencing the reserve abutting the Ross road.

From Organiser, Progress League, (‘)i rist el in roll. aekuowledg ing branch v. e of C 3 3s to the advertising si heme, and supply copy of latest report on completion of Ari bur’s Pass tunnel.--Received. Regret was expro-, .ed that the opening of i he through lie, Vas likely to b delayed beyond Easter time.

[•'rum Kailuays Dean i t men I. repTyiiH.; that the approach In 1 lie Arnlmra railway sidino; hail aim heon improved 1 i■ ■l l v iih thanks and copy sent to Mr .lellie. !•' nun ( ■ ivymnnl !, H n!;U ik i Va ». mill - ers ? Association, ninnis the : ’x i n c:; ot an oycaine time for tlirotieh railway

St (oast to assist in stabilising the timber trade. It v\ ;t----stated the reduced railway freight as against sea carriage would be about par 100 feel to Ciiristehnrch. and that in eouseouence orders from Canterbury for shipment by sea at

nrc-cei were rcsl rieled.- Received. Moii Michel mentioned a di-enssion with Mr Furkert « herein ike hit tm stale:! everything was being done to speed up the completion of the works. Mr Butler said it would be well if they knew the approximate opening dale three Month-- ahead for the regulation of trade. Mr Jeffries said it was not desired to embarrass the Government in suv va\. but as tile good- traffic would he so important it was neces-ary to give the fullest information as to a ,hoe f. r the opening as supplies of all clas-es of goods could ho regulated accordingly. It was decided to a-k t! " Departmeiii to make an early announcement as to flic probable opening

I' rom Tourist Department, statin.: that the cost of posters relating to Y\ estland scenic features would he gone into, and asking what would in contributed locally.—Deceived. The Chairman said the request from the Department was very unfair, as already through various channels local .advertising was being done. The work /of the Acclimatisation Society was mentioned which was keeping Lake Kauieri open as a public resort. Actually the Department was doing very little for the district in publicity or any other means. It was resolved to extend an invitation to the Minister in Charge of the Department to visit the district. From Organiser, Progress League, Christchurch, giving particulars of the v.ork of the railway committee, and desiring to be notified of any Westland requirement.-.—Received. it- was reR'dved to suggest that the Department should begin to prepare for the volume of through traffic by preparing atHokitika station the necessary accommodation for the additional rolling stock ; also that the former timetable to Boss be reinstated, and that stops be taken to increase the available tolling stock for the district. From same, in regard to advertising booklet for Westland and asking to be supplied with photographs and descriptive matter of resorts. —Received and referred to Dr Teicbelmann, the Chairman and Secretary. With regard to finance, the Chairman said the cost wtis estimated at Cod, and the Licensed Victuallers had agreed to find half the amount. Tt would be necessary to raise the balance by donations. Tt was resolved to wait on subscribers. From same, forwarding letters from South Westland settlers regarding south bank road at Watnroa and the Okarito ferry.—Receiv'd and referred to the County Council. GENERAL. Regarding the main south road the Chairman reported that in respect to

Keigli soils' section the Public Works Department was now gome into the nuttier of diverting the Ferngrovo mill trnllie by Stuart and Chapman's tramway. Iu respect to the bridges requiring repair there was a vote of £2.btiii on the appropriations. Regarding the Waituugi ford, the Department contemplated providing a ferry for curs at 7s Gd per trip as soon as tlic drays were working at the bridge approaches. Alembers generally approved the foregoing, and it was resolved to write the District Engineer > supporting the proposals and urging ' same be given effect to as soon as con--5 venient. I In respect- to the Borough loan pro- , ' posals it was stated a public meeting 1 was to be bold the following evening. I and it might be advisable to attend i and give a more public expression tq ■ their views, lion Aiichel agreed and said the apathy of the public in the matter was to he regretted. Thc\ ■ should all be alive to the interests ol the town and help to the best advan- ; tage. It was stated some local motor ' cars would be available for conveying • voters to the poll. It was agreed to 1 take up the discussion at the public meeting which falls to be held tonight at the Town [Tall. The Chairman referred to the visit jof Mr Steel, Secretary of tile Otago Expansion League, and the interest that gentleman had taken in advancing; Westland tourist resorts. Tt was resolved to write thanking Mr Steel, and to ask in what way the local branch could cooperate with the Otago Le'unio for mutual advancement. Messrs A. Tt. Elcock. F. AT. Brodie, ,T. Janaan and A. W. Yarrall were elected Member; of the branch . T rbe Treasurer reported there was a credit balance u! about Cl! with one sn ail account unpaid. The meeting concluded at 0.10 p.m.