OTAGO EXPANSION LEAGUE

Evening Star, Issue 18337, 26 July 1923, Page 5

OTAGO EXPANSION LEAGUE

ANNUAL REPORT.

The eleventh annual report of tho Otago Expansion League states It is gratifying to report that during tho year the league has gone steadily forwarcl, taking its part in all tho activities and pursuits which aim at improving or ameliorating tho condition of life, trade, and travel in Otago. Shortly after tho opening of the league’s vear tho question of tho disposal of tho Mon Seed Farm was finally settled, and the venture is now being carried on by several well-known and experienced gentlemen, under whoso fostering care it is confidently expected that this experiment in proving tho possibilities of tho Central district for seed-growing purposes will bo fully developed and its success proved beyond cavil. Questions appertaining to the tourist traffic havo occupied the attention of tho executive during tho year. At the close of last season representations wore made to tho department that a change was absolutely necessary in regard to tho cost and management of tho Milford track if this superb national attraction was to be kept open. Tho prohibitive charges im-. posed at the beginning of tho season, and against which the league protested strongly, proved, ns was foretold, a heavy handicap, and tho season was poor by comparison with previous years. Evidently the protest and tho practical experience boro fruit, for the league was notified during tha year that tho tariff would bo reduced, and that it was proposed to lease the lake steamer on Te Anau to Mr G-ovan, so that greater facilities might be given to travellers to view the magnificent scenery of these so seldom seen fiords. Tho league heartily approved of these reforms, and we havo the promise of the department that further far-reach-ing reforms will bo effected in tho management of the track prior to tho opening next season.

Tho near approach of the completion of tlie reclamation nn Lake Logan raised tho question of the disposal of that area, and the league, in conjunction with other public bodies, took part in the various discussions regarding the ultimate disposal of tho land. Tho advent of the exhibition proposal, however, lias thrown this into tho background for tho time being, and nothing further will be heard of it until the site of tho exhibition is finally decided.

Tho question of a new post office lias been raised annually by tho league since the removal of the department from the Princes street building, and various promises have been made by the PostmasterGeneral to proceed with tho building when the financial situation was easier. That time we now consider has conic, and, allied with the Chamber of Commerce ami other public bodies, an attempt, will be made to secure a definite beginning of a now building in Princes street equal to the needs of the department and the dignity of (lie citv.

Since the immigration policy of the Government has definitely shrunk to the bringing out of nominated persons only the league lias been assisting in this matter, There being no office of the Immigration Department in Dunedin, the secretary volunteered to perform tho necessary duties if supplied with the forms of application. The offer wa.s accepted by tho department, and tho league office is now tho Mecca of those who seek the necessary method of bringing out friends and relatives from thra Homeland.

At tho request of tho Government a committee was formed in Dunedin to facilitate tho collection and forwarding of exhibits for the Empire Exhibition in London, and tho league was invited to send a delegate to this committee. Tho, invitation was accepted, and tho secretary represented the league thereon. Unfortunately, the work of the committee was sadly circumscribed by tho swaddling bands applied in Wellington, and so far no very great success has attended their efforts, Tho committee will, however, make every endeavor to secure for the primary and secondary industries of Otago full recognition and advertisement. Tho financial position of tho league is gradually improving, ami tho executive accept this n.s a tribute to the work they are accomplishing. The special thanks of tho executive are due to the City Council for its donation of £2OO and the St. Kilda Borough Council for its gift of £25. Those gifts have rendered possible (lie publication of the Milford track pamphlet, and a reprint of the league’s Central Otago papmphlet will be undertaken early in tho coming year.