TOURIST AND EXPANSION LEAGUE.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 January 1921, Page 8

TOURIST AND EXPANSION LEAGUE.

PRESENT ACTIVITIES. . ' Although not much in the public eye during the past few months, the proceedings of th/ meeting of the committee held on Friday evening last showed that the League is by no means dormant. It was announced that the Government subsidy for the current year would be £l5O, and if public support is maintained this amount should be increased in the near future. The League’s booklet is in circulation. It contains much useful information concerning Taranaki and its pleasant plans and—what is of greater importance—the means and cost of reaching them. Satisfaction was expressed at the success of the motor trips to Mokau River, eighty-one people taking part. Arrangements have been made whereby taxi-owners will make trips to many points of interest at reasonable prices, as set ’out in the League’s booklet. An active canvass for subscriptions is to be taken in hand by the secretary (Mr. W. B. Davies) at once, and it is anticipated that the business men will loyally support an institution that is doing such good work for the town. A member suggested that some of the denominations should be induced to hold their summer school in New Plymouth next year. He referred to the very successful convention just concluded at Hawera under the auspices of the Presbyterian Church. One thousand and eighty visitors were housed and well catered for for a week at a cost to each of 355, the show buildings and schools being used as temporary quarters. Shch an undertaking was of undoubted value to any town, as apart from the advertisement, there was a direct monetary gain. A simple calculation showed that over £3OOO oi ‘“foreign capital” must have been circulated in Hawera during the week, whilst the presence of over one thousand happy holiday-makers was in itself an item of value. A local committee had made the preliminary arrangements, and the undertaking reflected credit upon the promoters and citizens of Hawera alike. It was agreed that enquiries should be made as to the arrangements necessary to secure the holding of similar functions in New Plymouth next summer. The League is conducting a vigorous advertising campaign in the newspapers for permanent residents, setting forth the attractions and advantages of the town and district, and the results are very gratifying, enquiries for the League’s literature being fairly considerable. Mr. J. R. Cruickshank was appointed deputy chairman. The meeting was attended by Messrs T. €. List (chairman), A. McHardy J. R. Cruickshank. S. W. Shaw, W B. Davies, S. Toed, W. 11. Skinner. A E. Sykes, R. Dav. R. A Large and S. G. Smith, M.P The interest and keenness manifested in the work of the League are a good augury for the future of the League, which has been carrying on in recent years under considerable difficulties.