Westland Branch of Canterbury Progress League.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 August 1923, Page 2

Westland Branch of Canterbury Progress League.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 21st. Tho monthly meeting of the Westland Branch of the Canterbury Progress League was hold at the County Chambers at 7.H-5 p.m. Present;—Dr. Teichclmnini (President) in the Chair, Messrs T. AY .Duff, C. S. Dalgleisli, A. G. Pilkiugton, D. J. Evans, M. Morris. T. AY. Bruce, J. J. Mclntosh, AY. D Alack ay, R. Wild. J. C. Maefarlane. AV. Jeffries. Apology was made lor the nbsenco of Air AY. J. Butler.

The minutes of the previous meeting were eonlirnied and the outward correspondenco approved. IXWA R D CORRESPON DEXCE.

From Westland A. and P. Associafiot for warding a donation of throe guinea: towards the expenses of the' A\ into; School.--'Received with, thanks.

From Lieut-Col. Carmichael, Xalvn

Hen Army, asking support to the tunnel number of the “War Cry.”— Received, no action taken. From Tourist Department, granting £.7 towards the- cost of the AYaiho and Fox Glacier map.—Received. The Ptesident said Graham Bros, were eontriiinting £7 also. The donations were acknowledged with thanks. The President said it was an excellent map of the locality, and would he of great service to holiday makers visiting the southern glaciers. From the Agricultural Department acknowledging report of Winter School. Received.

From Prime Minister ly-knowlcdg ing message of sympathy in cornice lion with the death ot the late fsii William Fraser.- - Received.

From P. 1L Stewart. Hamilton, congratulating the district on tho opening of the Arthur’s Pass t-uimol, which cave the Coast “a front door” to tho rest of New Zealand. —Received, to be acknowledged with thanks. ’ From A. and P. Society forwarding copy of annual report.— Received. TUNNEL OPENING CELEBRATION.

The President stated the previou: meeting had deferred the matter ol the celebration of the completion o the Midland railway. Mr AYild asked if a “wayside station’ would lie a fitting place ior such i celebration. (Laughter).

Afr Evans suggested a conference of local bodies to discuss the proposition. It- might be possible to have a children’s function during the day. and invite Ministers and others to attend a function in the evening. Ihe occasion was important enough for a gala celebration. All- Wild favored arranging for rlie children to he taken through the tunnel.

M,- Jeffries concurred, and thought ~ function should he held at night. The school children should be granted a free ride, tho local bodies or subsciiptions to provide the cost. Mr Wild explained it would he for tho local bodies conference to decide upon the programme. 1 Mat suggestion was adopted.

The Chairman, Messrs Bruce, \\ ild and Pilkiugton were appointed to represent the League at- the Conference. THE TRAIN SERVICE. Mr Evans reported chat when m Christchurch last week lie had taken the opportunity of conferring with the Organiser of the Progress League regarding the shortcomings of the through train service between Christchurch and Hokitika. Mr ( limit? suggested writing to tho Railway Committee of the League for its meeting last Monday night and the Secretary Intel done so. The Railway Committee gave the request for through carriages between the two centres, sympathetic support, and it was resolved to ask the Traffic Manager at Christchurch to confer with the Traffic Manager at Grcymoiuh with a view to having the situation met to the best advantage. The meeting considered this satisfactory and the' Secretary’s letter to iho Canterbury League was approved. FUTURE ACTIVITIES OF THE BRANCH. The President asked for suggestions in regard to future work to assist the progress of the district. Tiie Secretary read the original list, of activities, many of which have come to pass.

It. was resolved to telegraph to the Government with respect to the neglect of the tourist resorts of the district. The Chaiiman. Secretary, and Mr Evans were appointed a sub-committee to draw up a list of works upon which to concentrate in regard to the iuture ac tivities of the Branch. VOTE OF CONDOLENCE.

Mr Jeffries leforrod to the death of the late Mr S. G. Ferguson, the wellknown pioneer settler of the south, mid one who had taken on active part in flic progress of the district. He moved a vote nf --empathy to me relatives in their sudden bereavement. Mr Rmee seconded the motion which was supported <by the Chairman, and carried, those present rising to give silent, assent.

The meeting concluded at 8.40 p.m