WESTLAND ELECTRIC POWER BOARD

Hokitika Guardian, 25 July 1931, Page 4

WESTLAND ELECTRIC POWER BOARD

SPECIAL MEETING. An emergency meeting of the above Board was field at 5.20 p.m. yesterday at the County Chambers to deal with urgent business arising from the meeting on the . loth, iaist. Present: Messrs \\ . J. Butler (Chainnan), J. A. M-urdocli, T. R. Chesterman, E. Selby, and D. P. Stuart.* Mr J. S. Langford, mining engineer of the Westland Power Ltd., was also present. Letter to dimes Department in respect to works to facilitate mining as a means' of relieving unemployment 'was read. Mr Murdoch approved of the proposals to extend water races as a means to ensure mining developments in likely territory. He spoke of proposals now in hand as woithy of help and thought the letter read should be supported by a deputation, to urge the (Prime Minister and the Minister of Mines to take up the - of helping mining developments in approved localities where it can be shown legitimate mining operations employing a number of men permanently,; can be undertaken, The foregoing views' were supported by Messrs Chesterman and Selby. The Chairman moved that the Board was of opinion that any assistance rendered to Westland Power Ltd. for the purpose of developing the mining arena described in letter d?ted Juno 23th, 4 addressed to the Minister of Minek, would he in the best interests of the furtherance of the mining industry in Westland; and also the Board felt that any such development would bei most beneficial in relieving unemployment, and more particularly will its be the means of diverting some unemployed labour to more constructive operations. Mr Butler said that should aim at turning expenditure for . unemployment relief into channels promising industrial and productive benefits. Mr Chesterman; seconded the motion which was carried. Mr Stuart agreed with the idea of a deputation, and' as Messrs Butler , and Murdoch would be in Wellington on other business next week, they with Mr Langford could wait on the Ministers and discuss the proposal in detail. Air Selby seconded, the motion, Messrs Butler, Murdoch and Langford , agreeing to do what they could, the proposal was agreed to. It was resolved to communicate with ATr O’Brien ALP. to arranging the deputation to suit the convenience of. the Ministers, and) the members of tlie deputation were thanked for tlieir offer in the matter. The account for the audit fee was passed for payment, and the meeting adjourned at 5.50 p.m.