WESTLAND PROGRESS LEAGUE

Hokitika Guardian, 21 March 1928, Page 1

WESTLAND PROGRESS LEAGUE

The Executive met at the County Chambers at 7.H0 o’clock last evening. Present: Dr Teiclielmann (President), Messrs T. W. Duff, E. W. Richards, D. J. Evans, W. D. Mackay, A. G. Pilkington, T. TV. Bruce, and J. W. Morris. Apology was. made for the absence of Mr ,F. J. Mclntosh. The minutes of the previous meeting wen* confirmed, and the outward correspondence was approved. H. Peart. Wellington, wrote in reply regarding Westland scenic pictures for pictorial publication in illustrated weeklies, if was resolved to authorise, an expenditure of Co hy way ol preliminary trial, subjects to he submitted i'or approval. A new photo ut the mountain scape by Mr Peart with Lake Matlieson in the loreground, and I‘ox Glacier in the middle distance, was praised very highly by the Chairman as one of the pictures of outstanding merit of the southern district. This subject will he used as soon as convenient. The Marlborough Progress League wrote in regard to a deputation to the Government regarding the prosecution of the South Island Main Trunk railwav, and the proposals were-agreed to. The Util lei' Progress League intimated the annual conference oi the South Island organisations would take place at Westport, May I to May 4, and -asking appointment of delegates; also stating full programme would he suitplied later, remits to he sent in by April Bth. It. was resolved the President and Vice-President represent the Westland League. The Canterbury Progress League supplied particulars of the eorrespon-(ldK-o lately published relating to the alleged neglect of the South Island by the Tourist Department. ft was resolved to thank the parent Society for its efforts in this matter, which were approved generally. The Secretary referred’to the departure of Mr Dollimore for Sydney Tourist Office, and suggested some special use should he made of his services to advertise Westland. It was decided to forward adequate supplies of literature to the Sydney office.

TOURIST MATTERS. The Chairman said the Manager of ic Tourist Department was expected > reach the district next week, and it as resolved the Leagub nssoeiaie itself ith the local Tourist. Association in resenting matters for Mr A\ ilson’s uisideration. The following list was approved. WESTLAND TOURIST RESORTS. 1. —That- a protest against the scant •eatment of tourist resorts in Westnd ho entered and it he pointed out i tlii' General Manager of Tourist and ealth Resorts the current appropriating provide for only £450 for this istriet out of a total allocation of 00,000 under Vote .10, Public Works erviees, and £2lO out of a- total alloi lion of 1441,924. under Vote 38, Conilidafvd Fund. 2. -That in view ol the special npreeiation accorded Westland scenic •atures hy Rt. lion. Amery and other istinguished visitors, the Manager of ourist and Health Resorts he asked i formulate a scheme for the wider dvertising ol the special ieatures ot lie district, and adopt proposals to 11- tlier improve facilities ol access to utstnnding localities affording special cope for holiday making. 3. -That in relation to the foregoing he following routes in Westland he poned up:— ( a ) Good foot track to summit of fount Tubua (3088 feet). Lake Kanieri. (b) Continuation of road access to lead of Lake Kanieri. (e) Shelter accommodation on shores if Lake Kanieri in the vicinity of •fans Ray for motoring and picnic inrties ; also shelter accommodation at hinny Bight. (d) Opening of Styx route via Jrownings Pass to "Canterbury. 0) for valking parties traversing Westland :erritory affording the greatest show ol maintain flora in the district, uith the dtiinate object (2) of carrying road access from Upper Kokntahi to the divid ng range. (e) Improvement of access in am About Hokitika Gorge, with provisioi or suspension bridge to cross the river (f) Assistance with regard to th< lea ring of Mahinapua Creek: sholtei died at Lake Mahinapua, and road ac ;-ess from Ruatapu to Mahinapua. .g) Opening track routes in ant sihout Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. (h) Subsidising motor boat service: ln the lakes of Westland for the eon i’enienec of tourists. LEAG UK CONFERENCE. With regard to the conference a Westport in May next, the followinf matters were mentioned for the agend: paper (additional to tourist subjects for consideration :

PUBLIC WORKS. 1. That the completion of all bridges necessary on main highways is an urgent necessity on the West Coast in order to bring the district into line with the facilities for motor traffic in other parts of the Dominion. 2. That keeping in mind the necessity for the conservation of the timber resources of the Coast, it is important to extend the railway in South Westland as rapidly as possible to recover timber which will otherwise be destroyed and lost by the steady process of clearing as settlement expands. 3. That in view of projected developments in regard to the flax industry in South Westland and as a means to ensure the timber of the district being handled as economically as possible, the Government be urged to arrive at a definite decision regarding the im provement of Okarito harbour as speedily as possible. That it is expedient for the opening of improved traffic east and west the Haast Pass route be improved materially, with camping and paddocking accommodation provided at easy stages along the route. MTSOET.LAXF.OUS. Tri-weeklv mail to Waiho Gorge through the year. Cheap return railway freights from Canterbury. Improved time-table between Greymouth and Hokitika and vice versa for “ express ” trains. Extended period for holiday fares on railways to West Const during holiday seasons. The foregoing matters were referred to the Chairman and Secretary to draft into form for consideration at the forthcoming South Island conference, and forward in time for inclusion in the order paper. The meeting rose at 5.45 p.m.