PROGRESS OF SOUTHLAND

Evening Star, Issue 17191, 5 November 1919, Page 8

PROGRESS OF SOUTHLAND

THE LEAGUE ADVERTISED.

[From Our Parliamentary Reporter.]

WELLINGTON, November 5.

Thanks to a clause in the “ Washingup ” Bill authorising local bodies in Southland to contribute to the funds of the Southland League, this body got a good advertisement m the House yesterday. “What is this league?” asked Mr Wilford. Is it a political, single tax, or hydroelectric? If *o, why not say so? Hon. J. _A. Hanan said that it was a non-political association representing all sections of the community, its object being the development of the industrial and commercial welfare of Southland.

Mr Wilford: A very fine, object. Mr Hanan; There ought to be no objection.

Mr Wilford expressed sincere apologies to the hon. gentleman. His offence waa that ho did not know about the league. Mr Ngata: Is this a precedent? Hon. D. H. Guthrie: Two other leagues have the same privilege. Mr Ngata 'said he also had a league, including 15 local bodies, the object of this body being to develop the East Coast district.

Sbr Joseph Ward was drawn to his feet amid some laughter. He was, ho said, responsible for the introduction of this clause. (Members: “Oh, oh:”) Its purpose was to. reimburse a number of gentlemen of hiprh standing who had incurred expenses in- the preliminaries for a hydroelectric scheme for Southland. ' •

The committee accepted the explanation without demur, and also agreed, on Sir Joseph Ward's motion, to add harbor boards to tho local authorities which may contribute. J