WANAKA NOTES

Hokitika Guardian, 29 June 1929, Page 6

WANAKA NOTES

(Special Correspondent.)

AIAKAKORA. June 25

Mr F. S. .Cooper (Wanganui) who journeyed with the Government Publicity photographers through Westland last summer, writes to tlie effect he had on that trip secured a large quantity of “real wonderful stuff” some of which have already appeared in leading illustrated papers. He lias also compiled u series of descriptive articles dealing with this trip for the Department who propose to distribute them far and wide. UPPER GLUTHA PROGRESS LEAGUE.

A well attended meeting of the above body met at Cromwell last week on which occasion a considerable amount of business was dealt with.

Air Bodkin. M.P., presided. Inward correspondence was dealt with as follows:

The Otago Expansion League inviting the League to send two delegates to the pro-sessional meeting with members of Parliament. Mr Roberts, Mayor of Cromwell, and Mr Wright. Secretary, were appointed, fn a discussion on the subjects to be presented, it was pointed out that such matters as railway, tourist resorts, and the Haast Road, would nil bo urged for by the parent body. Irrigation and the .settlement of the Cromwell flats and .surrounding districts were subjects noted; also closer settlement by subdivision. Tlie position of tho Ripponsvalo settlers were discussed at length. A report from Alakarora conveyed a persistent rumour that a long extension of the lease of Alt. Albert Station, of an area of some 160,00!) acres, had .been granted and suggesting a. vigorous protest against it. Tho area comprised three runs, which could easily he worked separately and there were competent settlers awaiting such areas. An accompanying opinion was that too much of the land business was done in secrecy, and the public never received full details. It was suggested that the League should take steps in the direction of fuller publicity of Land Board business.

The meeting decided to write to the Minister for full particulars regarding the* area, at tlie same time pointing out that by the proposed West Coast road a great area of country in the locality would offer itself for closer settlement. On a further discussion on the land question tho following, motion was carried:—That the Member for the district be instructed to ask for a return in tlie House of all small grazing and pastoral runs in Vincent County and the Upper Clutha district. showing the area, rental, tenure, and lessees, and whether freehold or otherwise. A scheme was outlined by tho President to develop the Weirs water scheme and after a lengthy discussion this was adopted. A canvasser was to lie employed to canvas all local bodies, societies and trading concerns in and around Dunedin and memliers were appointed to canvas their respective districts. The President suggested that the next meeting be devoted to our tourist and health resorts which bein'’ numerous called for more publicity. \n advisory committee were appointed to meet tlie Land Board on Tuesday, and a general meeting to be held with the Board 011 Wednesday evening.

Air Eric James who makes loir* journeys by horseback and motor, to attend the League’s meeting was invited to speak 011 matters concerning Upper AVanka and Haast. ATr James stressed the utni< st imnortance of immediate action to investigate the renewing of tlie run leases of Alt. Albert which lie stated was in reality three runs amalgamated and which had in the past been successfully conducted on separate lines. The sneaker pointed out subdivision of this large property of 160,000 acres of Crown Lands had an important bearing on the Tlawea-ALikarora road now under construction. It was resolved that Arr Bodkin, ALP., telegraph tlie ATi nister of Lands for information. On another matter mentioned by Air James a motion was carried supporting his application for a site and necessary pastures to enable him to extend his tourist services, etc., and Arr Viircoe was appointed to place this ease before the Board oil Wednesday night, and the President promised to place the matter’ before the Afmister should objection be lodged by tlie Alakarora Estate Company.

Ft was close on midnight before tin* meeting elrsed. AVoathor conditions are eov'»*e and the Haast Track is still bLcke'l. ‘ATr Thomson, Government "hotographer. acoonvmnios an observation tour to the remote territory south of Cascade. Good headway is being made with the Hawra-AFakarora road, over 200 men now being employed.