CANTERBURY PROGRESS LEAGUE.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16520, 12 May 1919, Page 8

CANTERBURY PROGRESS LEAGUE.

MEETING AT LOBURN.

A meeting to confirm tho formation of the Ashley County branch of the .Progress League was held on Saturday evening at the Coronation Hall, Loburn. Mr John S. Hiatt, deputychairmari of the County, presided, and a largo number of members were enrolled. Mr Murtagh Kennedy was chosen as president, and also as delegate to the Central Council. Mr T; R. Wilkinson was appointed secretary, and Mr J. W. Macleod treasurer. It was decided that meetings should be held on the last Saturday evening in each month. Several matters of importance to the county were discussed, and it was decided to refer to the executive of the League, for immediate attention, the Ivory scheme for soldier's settlements, of which the branch heartily approved. Mr Kennedy addressed the branch on the advantages of closer settlement, and methods of general enquiry into the matter, and it was decided to bring the question before the council.

THE IVORY SCHEME. The Ivory scheme, which was approved by the meeting, outlines proposals for assisting returned soldiers to engage in the fruit-growing industry. The mam points of the Bcheme are: — (1) That the Government make arrangements for the planting of a certain amount of orchard land for returned soldiers.

(2) That cost of" planting and maintenance of orchard for five years be >added to cost of land and buildings.

(3) That the Government enter into a contract with a firm of experienced contractors for supply of ■ trees, planting and maintenance of same until they come into profit. (4) That the soldier taking Tip a section have the option of taking over the cultivation and maintenance of same at the end of twelve months, and that the Government pay to him the sum specified in the contract between the Government and the contractor for such maintenance. This provision will, in conjunction with work available in the district, probably relieve the Government of any sustenance payments. If situated in a fruitgrowing district there will also be plenty of employment in packing, spjwymg, etc. If the soil is suitable, the settler can profitably "row tomatoes and other lines.

Arrangements are being mado to hold a conference of delegates from" tho various South Island Development and Progress Leagues, in Timsiru, in July. The Canterbury Progress League has heartily approved of tho proposal, and intends to be strongly represented at the conferencc.