Progressive League Annual Meeting Well Attended

Lake County Mail, Issue 12, 13 August 1947, Page 6

Progressive League Annual Meeting Well Attended

Mr J. McDonald Re-elected Chairman

Mr Jas. McDonald occupied the chair and read the annual report and balance sheet of the activities of the League over the past twelve months. The balance sheet disclosed a balance in the Post Office Savings Bank account of £2O 12s 3d.

Considerable discussion arose over plans of suggested water front developments, and it was finally decided to hold the discussion over for the new executive to deal with the matter. ( The matter of promoting and providing amenities for skaters was discussed and it was resolved that the whole committee inspect Downey’s lagoon last Sunday afternoon to view the possibilities of improving and enlarging this area for next winter and also erecting a shelter at this site.

Mr B. R. Hopwood placed the following motion for consideration before the meeting: “ That this League appoint a sub-committee to investigate and prepare a survey of possibilities in reference to the establishment of a laundry and dry-cleaning, business in Queenstown, That should the report reveal reasonable prospects for such a proposal, the executive be authorised to take such steps as arc necessary, and within the power of the League, to foster the establishment of a laundry and dry-cleaning business, by private enterprise.”

It was agreed by the meeting that there was a definite want for an establishment of Hhis nature and the secretary was instructed to write to Mr Campbell, of Timaru, who had made investigations along these lines.

A further suggestion by Mr Hopwood was placed before the meeting: “ That it be a recommendation to the Queenstown Borough Council to set aside or acquire a suitable area of Crown land, as near as possible to the town, for afforestation purposes with a view to establishing future supplies of firewood. Mr Hopwood stressed the fact that the Council’s activities on such occasions as Arbor Day was very commendable but it Avas assumed that the council did not intend to utilise such tree growth for firewood supplies and thus destroy the scenic beauty and soil conserving areas adjacent to the town. Mr Hopwood suggested that easy accessibility of a suitable area be given every consideration with a view of minimising costs. The matter was left to the executive committee to consider.

Considerable discussion arose over the matter of housing in Queenstown. Mr J. L. Lindsay suggested to the meeting that private enterprise be given first consideration, and that a scheme on the lines adopted in Alexandra and various other places be given first consideration. It was finally decided to write to Mr T. L. McDonald, local member of Parliament, asking to agitate for the speeding up of the Government housing scheme in Queenstown.

It was resolved that the executive meet on the first Monday of ,each month. A vote of thanks to the chair concluded the meeting. On the motion of Messrs E. E. Hopwood and J. Keen, Mr James McDonald was re-elected president for the ensuing year. Mr' B. C. Eobins was re-elected vice-president. The Executive Council was elected as follows: Messrs B. A. Vereoc, Alan Inglis, L, G. Lynch, D. Cosgrove, J. L. Lindsay, G. D. Cochrane, J. Keen, E. E. Hopwood, G. A. Herbert, M. T. Eobertson, B. Marshall, A. R. Skinner, and W. D. Warren.