PORT CHALMERS AFFAIRS

Evening Star, Issue 20862, 4 August 1931, Page 12

PORT CHALMERS AFFAIRS

PROGRESSIVE LEAGUE MEETING

A meeting of the Progressive League was held last night to discuss matters of local interest. Mr AV. Love was in tlio chair.

The Chairman reported having met representatives of the Sawyers Bay League and discussed the matter of having a footpath constructed alongside the road from Port Chalmers to Sawyers Bay by the unemployed. In connection with that matter it was unfortunate that a misunderstanding had taken place, as the Port Chalmers League only wanted to help the unemployed at the Bay. Any fault that existed certainly did not rest at the Port Chalmers end. The Town Clerk wrote acknowledging receipt of two letters from the league; In the matter of the proposed reclamation of Mussel Bay, arrangements had been finalised by the council up to the point of taking a poll af tho ratepayers for authority to raise a loan to carry out the necessary drainage work. Tho plans for tho drainage had been prepared, revels taken, and tbo whole scheme approved by the Local Government Loans Board. Before taking any further steps the council had decided to communicate with tho Harbour Board asking the earliest possible date upon which tho board was prepared to commence the reclamation of tho bay. Tho other request from the league for assistance in having railway freights reduced on the railway to Dunedin, would have the hacking of tho council.—The letters were received, and it was stated that tho league was pleased to see that matters were progressing. Mr A. E Ansell, ALP., in reply to the league’s request in regard to reduction of haulage charges between Port Chalmers and Dunedin on oversea cargo, said he would ho pleased to support tho proposal.—The Chairman said they probably made an error in writing to tho Alinister of Railways before tho matter came before tho Borough Council.—After discussion it was decided in future to give the council tho opportunity to move first in such matters.—Air AnscU’s letter was received.

Air C. L. Pettit, acting-traffic manager, acknowledged the league’s letter in regard to haulage charges on the railway between Port Chalmers and the city. Tho representations contained therein would receive consideration, and a further reply would ho forwarded later. - -Received.

Air W. APCormack suggested that the council might ho approached with a view to work being provided for boys who had left school and were unable to obtain employment.—lt was decided to refer tho suggestion to the Vigilant Committee of the league, with a view to ascertaining whether anything could could bo done for tho boys and youths out of work. Tho matter of secondary education was discussed. It was stated that increasing obstruction was being placed by tho educational authorities in tho way of boys and girls obtaining secondary education. The increased diliiculty in securing senior free places was specially mentioned.

Tho Chairman stated that ho and the secretary had attended the annual mooting of the Otago Expansion League. It was a good meeting, and everything went off very well. Mr Er. rington deserved credit for tho time and attention ho gave league business. —Fc was decided to write and congratulate the Expansion League on its annual report.

It was agreed to call the council’s attention to tho slippery state of the footpaths at steep corners. At some of tho corners the' paths were really clangorous in tho frosty weather experienced recently.