CANTERBURY PROGRESS LEAGUE

Hokitika Guardian, 12 July 1929, Page 6

CANTERBURY PROGRESS LEAGUE

WESTLAND BRANCH. THURSDAY, JULY 11th. The Committee of the Westland Branch met at thle County Chambers at 7.30 p.m. Present: Dr Teichelrnnhn (President, in the chair), Messrs W. J. Butler, Wm. Wilson, T. W. Bruce, T. W. Duff, W. Jeffries, W. E. Richards and H. G. Coles (Hon. Secretary). An apology was made for the' absence of Mr Mackay.

The minutes were confirmed and optward correspondence approved. A quantity of routine inward correspondence was read and received. Dr Teiehehnann mentioned that there was'a movement to have a motor road made from Graham’s Hotel. Waiho tthe Fanz Josef Glacier. He moved that the meeting is of the opinion that it would be unwise to disfigure the present track, a track which is so beautiful as to claim the admiration of visitors. It would he like making a motor road through a conservatory. The track at present permits of horse traffic and all visitors unable to walk the 2-J- miles are always provided with horses. He urged that the Department seriously consider the proposal before granting it.

Seconded by Mr Jeffries and carried ANNUAL MEETING. Tho annual meeting was then held the same members being present. ANNUAL REPORT. FOR. THE YEAR ENDING 31st. MARCH, 1929. The Executive Committee has pleasure in presenting to you the ninth annual report and statement of accounts for the year ended the 31st. March, 1929.

Meetings of the Committee have been held regularly during the year and have been well attended. The proceedings have been fully reported in the ■•Guardian” from time to time. FINANCE. The bulk of the expenditure was for additional copies of the booklet “A Holiday in Westland” and screen advertising in the picture theatres in Christchurch and Auckland. The credit balance of £3O 8s 4d should be supplemented by a further appeal for funds and a change in the form of publicity should be tried. The liabilites on the above date total 7s 6d.

GENERAIi. Reports received from Messrs Graham Bros and Mr Eric James show that there has been a considerable improvement in the Tourist Traffic durin the past year, and this fact demonstrates the value of publicity for our scenic attractions. A supply of 500 copies of the booklet “A Holiday in Westland” was forwarded to the Department of Tourist and Health —osorts; ICO copies to the Christchurch Branch, and 10° copies to the Railway Department fndistribution on the North Island Main Trunk train.

During the year this Committee cooperated with the Farmers’ Union in entertaining a party of 300 farmer from Otago who toured Westland. The New Zealand United Fire Brigades’ Demonstration was held in Hokililca at the end of February, 1929 there being about 38J visiting .firemen. The visitors Avere well entertained by the local organisations, an. AA’ere taken to. the points of interest about Hokitika.

S'Jc'nic views .of AVestland were screened for two months at two picture theatres in Christchurch, and ib one month at one of the Auckland picture theatres. Late in last February two photographers from the Government Publicity Department pioceeded from Lake Wanaka to Franz Joseph Glacier via the ltaast Pass, and secured many excellent scenic views and also over 409 b feet of film. accommodation.

.Messrs Sullivan Bros, have erected a very fine accommodation house at Welieka, about three miles from the Fo. Glacier! The improvement of the track from Sullivan’s to the Glacier is it. hand, and a suspension bridge across the Fox River, near the Glacier, is approved. When this work is completed the access to the Glacier will be easy. A new hut is in course of construction at the Aimer Bivouac. It is expected that the hut will be opened in July 1929. bne Government have .minted £IOOO for a- -shelter shed, which will bo erected at I.uh.ua Creek. Lake Kanieri.

< MAIL SERVICES. This Committee were successful in obtaining a twice-weekly service be tween Hokitika and Weheka. This will enable passengers to make th<journey between Hokitika and AA eheka in one day. BRIDGES. The. Main Highways Board hm* completed the bridging- •of Slatev s Creek, and the following is in hand : AlcDonald’s, McCulloiigh’s, Red Jack’s, Vino Creek. MOTORING INTERESTS.

During last Afaroh this Committee, together with members of the local Automobile Association, met ■ several members of the Canterbury Automobile Association, headed by Mr Freeman. President, and the matter of an improved motor road, east, and west "as discussed, and also tli.o bi idces be tween Springfield and Cass. Dangerous level crossings and o+W matters of mutual interest were dealt with, and it was agreed to co-operate in all matters of mutual concern. This Committee co-operated with other Local Bodies in bringing a number of matters of of AVostl-d before the Hon. the Minister of Mines

on the occasion of his visit to Hokitika. N. .The chairman moved the adoption of the report and balance sheet. Seconded by Mr Bruce and carried. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following officers were elected :- President —Dr. E. Teiehehnann. Vice-President —Mr. J v U. McIntosh. Westland representative on the Canterbury Progress Leagiuv-Mr W. Goss. Secretary and Treasurer —Air W. G. F. Coles. Executive —Messrs W. J. Butller, W Jeffries, D. J. Evans, W. E. Richards, T. W. Duff, A. G. Pilkington, W. Wilson, J. C. Macfarlane, T. W. Bruce, W. D. Mackay and Dew. Auditor—-Air T. W. Bruce. The meeting then terminated.