ADVANCE, CANTERBURY!

Press, Volume L, Issue 15015, 9 July 1914, Page 7

ADVANCE, CANTERBURY!

PROGRESS LEAGUE TO BE

FORCED

ORGANISING COMMITTEE

APPOINTED

In tho City Council Chambers last evening, a nieetiug to consider the formation of a North Canterbury Progress Loaguo was held, over which his Worship tho Mayor (Mr H. Holland) presided. A number of apologies for nonattendance were received. Tho Provisional Committee set up at the mooting held on June 24th to gather information iv connexion with the formation of a Loaguo for tho advancement of North Canterbury reported as follows:— "That a League bo formed and called the North Canterbury Progress League. "That tho object ot tho League be to promote or assist any movement for the advancement of North Canterbury, and to secure the co-operation of town and country to that end, and that tho League shall be entirely non-political and non-party. "That the activities of tho I/caguo be divided into tho following sections:— (a) Finance Committee. (b) Membership Committee. (c) Agricultural and Pastoral and Natural Resoureesv, or Country Development Committee. (d) Trades, Commerce, and Industries Committee. (c) Residential. Parks, Scenic Reserves, and Health Committee. (f) Educational Committee. (g) Railways and Public Works Committee. (h) Publicity Committee, (i) Executive (of two from each <f above). "Rules havo been drafted, and these provide for the formation of branches of tho League in all centres of population iv North Canterbury. Christchurch will havo its branch, and it is hoped that branches will be formed in every town and borough, or country district, in Canterbury north of tho Rangitata river, as it is only by united effort that anything great can be accomplished. "Every branch will elect a committee of as many members as it thinks fit to conduct the business of tho branch from (a) to (i). "The general business of tlio Leaguo will- be conducted by a Council of Management, consisting of representatives from the various branches; it is also suggested that all public and semipublic bodies bo asked to nominate a member as a councillor, and that M.P.'s shall also bo asked to becomo members of the council. "There will also be an Advisory Council selected from men of long and varied experience and known ability. ."With regard to subscriptions, it is suggested that tho League shall consist of honorary members paying not less than £1 ls per annum, and of ordinary members paying not less than 5s per annum. Subscriptions to bo payable each year in advance, and to become due on the first day of tho month in each following year corresponding to that month in which tho member joined tho Leagoie. "Finally, if tho foregoing suggestions are approved, it will bo necessary for this meeting to set the League cm ite feot by the elect kjn to-night of a Working Committee, or what may bo called the nucleus of a Council of -Management, to undertake tho organisation of the League." The chairman moved the adoption of the report. Some people seemed to think that the League would swamp certain existing bodies. That was not thought possible for a moment. The League would foster and assist all such organisations, and help Canterbury forward. Success seemed assured already. It was deemed advisable at this stago to suggest a small committee of workers, rather than a larger committee, which might bo overweighted with numbers. Mr A. S. Taylor seconded tho motion. Mr Willis moved that the fee of 5s for the- working member should bo reduced to 2s Gd, so that tho working man cquld bo able to join. It was also moved that the feo should be on a sliding scale, to bo fixed by •iach individual as ho joined. The Rev. S. Lawry suggested • that the feo should ■ be fixed by the rides. \ They were working in the dark till they had tho rules, and knew what money they would need. The clause proposed by tho committee was agreed to. A Council of Management, consisting of the following, was appointed: — Messrs C. T. Aschmann, H. Anderson, ' J. W. McCrostie, J. T. Martin, J. " Henry, J. I. Royds, T. W. Reese, L. . Royd Smith, G. W. O. Smitbson, R. ! L. Williams, J. B. Laurenson. and H.* . H. Smith. I A vote of thanks to tho Provisional ] Committee for its work was carried. ' After tho meeting, cards of member- '■ ship; wero distributed amongst those present. t ___. .