CANTERBURY PROGRESS LEAGUE.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 May 1926, Page 1

CANTERBURY PROGRESS LEAGUE.

——— -mflrWESTLAND COMMITTEE. ANNUAL REPORT. The Executive lias pleasure in presenting its sixth Annual Report, together with statement of accounts for the year ended 31st March, 1926. Regular monthly meetings, which have been well attended, have been held, and the many and varied matters brought forward for discussion have been given full consideration, and where supported have been forwarded through the proper channels for further action. All discussions have been fully reported in tlie Press, and a brief review of "the more important matters is given below :—• Finance.—Tlie accompanying statement of accounts shows a balance of cash in hand of £7 15s 4d, with no outstanding liabilities. Publicity.—The Committee has concentrated its efforts this year in a publicity campaign, and for this purpose the sum of £215 lias been raised and expended in advertising Westland, mainly by a. widespread issue of the League’s booklet, “A Holiday in Westland,” of which a. new and improved issue was brought out during the year. Four thousand collies wore distributed at the Exhibition, and much favourable comment was made on the artistic appearance of the booklet. During tlie past two years tlie sum of £460 lias been expended in distributing the hooklet, and it is considered that- it is money well spent. To Dr Teiclielmann who lias been most generous in time and advice, the thanks of the Committee are due for liis valued services in connection with the publication and distribution of tlie booklet. The Committee used its best endeavours to urge that Westland have representation at the Dunedin Exhibition, but it is regretted that, apart from the distribution of booklets, and the supplying of a number of framed photographs which were hung in the Tourist Court by the League, the various local bodies on the Coast did not join forces and make a display of the many and varied resources of our district. Booklets were distributed and show cards displayed at the Winter Show in Auckland during the visit of the American Fleet, and in. this, and other ways the Committee has endeavoured to keep Westland in the foreground. Educational.—The Committee was instrumental in organising the first trip of Westland children to the Dunedin Exhibition, and this was followed at a later date by two more bodies of school children from the district, all of whom much appreciated and Lonefitted by (lie opportunities offered for wider and first-hand knowledge of Dominion and Empire industries and productive powers.

The League, also, as in former years, co-operated with the Field’s Instructor in the running of the Farmers’ Winter School. General.—Rail winy mutters have engaged the attention of members to a large extent, and it is pleasing to note that the Department is offering a hotter service, with more consideration of the requirements of the travelling public, and better transport facilities generally.. Support was given to the request for the completion of the Parnnssus-Wharaiim section of Ihe Sontli Island Main Trunk Railway, hut while supporting national works local needs :h!ave not been forgotten, and the opening up of the West Const road from Westport to Greymouth, the Duller Railway and South Westland bridges have all in turn been supported, and their construction urged as matters of immediate need to the dist rict.

Anruigements have been entered ;nio with the Marine Department, and a delegation of Canterbury and local members will in August pay a visit to South Westland to report on the proposed reading scheme, from Okuru to .Jackson’s Bay, making the trip in the “Tutnnekni.” A further scheme lor the development of South Westland, of which a detailed report will later he received, is a proposal supported by Southern local bodies for the opening up of a tourist route to Otago. \ia the Jfaast Bass, a project which has the sympathetic support of the Committee.

Many other matters of general interest have been discussed, and the necessary action taken to give effect to the decisions arrived at.

In conclusion, the Committee desire to express its thanks to the parent body in Christchurch for its continued interest in the welfare of Westland, to Messrs Butler and Goss who have represented the Committee on the Council of the League, to Mr Climie. who again acted as rep! -sentative at I lie Conference of Smith Island Leagues held in Dunedin, to the various local bodies and individuals for subscriptions and donations, to the Westland County Council for the use of the Council Chambers, and to the Press for its valuable assistance in giving space for forwarding the objects of the League and reporting discussions. T. W T . DUFF. President. Hokitika. Ifttli May, 1920.