PROGRESSIVE LEAGUE LUNCHEON

Wairarapa Age, 23 March 1920, Page 5

PROGRESSIVE LEAGUE LUNCHEON

The Masterton Progressive League held a luncheon in Messrs Hugo and Shearer's rooms yesterday, in honour of Mr H. Holland, the ex-Mayor of Christchurch. Mr F. W. Temple was in the chair, and there were also about thirty members of the League present. ; In introducing the guest, the Chairman stated that Mr Holland had until recently occupied the Mayoral chair of Christchurch. Mr Holland had held that posts for seven years, and in recognition of his excellent war services had been created a C.B.E. by the King. Their guest did not suffer defeat, but retired from the Mayoral chair at the last election. Mr Holland thanked the League for the honour paid him that day. It; was most appreciated by him. The speaker congratulated the district upon what'he had seen of the town. : The activities of Masterton would do credit to any city. The speaker then went on to refer to the formation of the Canterbury Progress League, which had now an excellent career of achievements behind it. The League had effected good work in connection with the work at the Otira tunnel; Much opposition had been regarding this matter, especially from the Auckland province,. It was an imperative necessity that the. work should be put through with all speed, as it was costing Canterbury £50,000 for extra charges on timber from the West. Coast, and some £45,000 for extra coal charges. The League made its mark, however, when the railway cut came into operation. It started seven different mail services, including one to Dunedin. All were a huge success, and this action caused satisfaction and approbation throughout Canterbury. The Postmaster-General was so pleased that the Department footed the whole bill, and the cost to the Progressive League was ml. The League was also instrumental in improving the mail service to the North Island, and making itself felt in, improvements in the Railway Department. , In conclusion, Mr Holland strongly stressed the necessity of such a body. It was out for the good of the community, and should receive due support. He incidentally mentioned that his own League was affiliated with 107 different public bodies in Canterbury, each of which contributed towards its funds.