WAIRARAPA PROGRESS LEAGUE

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 73, 19 December 1928, Page 6

WAIRARAPA PROGRESS LEAGUE

MASTERTON BOROUGH JOINS

SOME OF ITS OBJECTS

Special Service.

Masterton, December 16.

The Mastertou Borough Council tonight decided to join in with the newlyformed Wairarapa Progress League on the financial basis proposed at the recent Conference. The decision was unanimous, the opinion being freely expressed that the league was an organisation badly needed in the Wairarapa. A deputation consisting- of Messrs. A. Free, Dunderdale, and Jackson, representing the league, waited on the council, and the last-named addressed the meeting, saying that for some time past it had been felt that a progressive association embracing the whole of the ’.Zairarapa was an urgent necessity, for, while the prosperity of the district was concerned, its progress had been called into question on several occasions. An association such as the league would have a beneficial effect on the district, but to get it going the whole-hearted support of all local bodies was required, and it was proposed that a levy be made on local bodies’ funds on the basis of 6d. per £lOOO capital value in counties and Is. per £lOOO in towns, which would entail an outlay of approximately £lOO on the part of the borough. Outlining some of the objects of the league, Mr. Jackson said one of the first schemes that would be dealt with would be that of closer settlement in the Wairarapa, for although at present the population of the district was 35,000 everyone would admit that it was capable of maintaining twice that number and still be prosperous. Investigation of the. oilbearing country of the Wairarapa could also be carried out, and Mr. Jackson referred to the endeavours of the Farmers’ Union in trying to influence the Government to survey the East Coast, which was known to be oil bearing. Mr. Coates when Prime Minister had said that a survey of this area could be expected. The league might be able to get something done in that matter. Mr. A. Free pointed out to the meeting that the council would have four representatives on the league’s executive. There was very little discussion on the question, and members of the council were unanimous in their decision to join up on the basis proposed. SUPPORT FROM OTHER BODIES. Carterton, December 18. ' The Carterton Borough Council decided to-night to support the Wairarapa Progress League. Word was also received from the Grey-, town Council that it would support the league.