WESTLAND PROGRESS LEAGUE

Hokitika Guardian, 21 February 1930, Page 6

WESTLAND PROGRESS LEAGUE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20.

The Executive of the League met at the County Chambers at i . 36 o’clock. Present: Dr Teichelmanii (Chairman), Messrs \V. Wilson, 1. W. Duff, 1). ,1. Evans, J. J. Mclntosh, W. Jeffries, and H. G. Coles. Apology was made for the absence of Mr W. J. Butler. The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed, and the outward correspondence approved.

INWARD oOIUUCSPO.N'DKJNCJv

From J. J. McKay, Harihari, supporting the action of the League in re.-pect to the .South Westland railway extension, and promising full support from the south.—Deceived with thanks.

From Canterbury Progress League forwarding monthly report, and intimating the Publicity uo-iunittee in conjunction with tee Cm mber of Commerce, was preparing a new provincial booklet; aiso referring to the present .system or ila/iid valuwtions which was considered inequitable.— ilcceived.

Fivm Tourist Department, stating a report was being leceived regarding the erection of huts for tourists on the Paringa route, for consideration in connection with the next Estimates. —Deceived with thanks. The Treasurer reported a small cred. it balance.

•With respect to the visit of the Highways Board next month, it was resolved to support the .Automobile Association in the request for the effective maintenance of the- EastWest Coast road, va Otira Gorge, and the need for a deviation and bridge over the Waimakariri to avoid the rough approach and crossing to the 3ca ley'. Mr Jeffries Drought forward an important matter referring to the inadequacy of he. arrangements Unloading lambs at Boss. During the last two years some 10,000 lambs were exported by rail, and under the present arrangements they were subject to rather rough usage in transferring from tlie lorries to the railway trucks. A special unloading bank for the lorries was necessary, so that the stock could lie ioaded on the railway, without serious bodily injury which detracted from their export value. Itwas agreed to support the matter being referred to the Railway Department for urgent attention. The matter of reinstating the Monday Express to and from Christchurch was brought up, and it was resolved in view of the increase of the weekly traffic to press for tlie extraweekly train to meet tlie convenience of. Lb', travailing public to better ef-j f>ef. The need for the extra train was often evidenced, and during the lite running of the service over the holiday period, it had an increasing vogue. It ivas decided to forward the: request to the General Manager, who; it was thought should visit tlie district and look into local requirements j to facilitate railway business. It, was decided further to again j ask for an improved running time-: table on express days to ensure aj shorter journey on the stage between; Hokitika and Greymouth. As at' present conducted, this part of toe! trip is something of a bogey to pas-j sengors, and many are diverting to) motor traffic. The motor service no.vj reache* Hokitika over an hour ahead) of the train, and as this convenience j becomes mere widely known, the passenger traffic fay rail will suffer. i Another railway matter referred to, { was the lack of enterprise shown bj j the laiiwav management in not cat-! eihig for trade with respect to back) loading. This referred specially to) winter fodder supplies for stock on! the (oimt. It was pointed out that there would be a considerable importation of straw hay (which was at, present b-lived -n C nterbuiy for lack; of a market; .is well as root crops fr,; j winti r feed, if a special tariff were provided to encourage tlie tiade. >f that were done, there would be groM-j cr produce from Westland for export' year by year, and the Department won! ' be helping itself as well as insisting to develop pastoral pursuits. The opinion was expressed that-. a Trade Officer of the Department «|,ould visit (he district and go into nfatiers of detail with the settlers regarding this and other points affecting the extension of local settle, men! with a more helpful railway tariff.

'Che President suggested that au invitation be extended so the Minister in Charge of Tourist and Health Resort* to visit the district. They felt there were many matters which could be mentioned. Mr Jefiries and Mr Mclntosh supported strongly, and it, was agreed v> extend a cordial invitation to tlm Hon. Minister. The meeting rose at 8.25.