PROGRESS LEAGUE.

Grey River Argus, 13 October 1926, Page 2

PROGRESS LEAGUE.

QUESTION OF FORMATION. A AIEETING TO BE HELD; — In the colirse of the meeting of the ’Brighter Greymouth committee yesterday afternoon a discussion arose in regard to the proposal to form a Progress League in Greymouth. The Mayor, Mr W. H. Parfitt, presided. Air T. Nelson said that he had had conversations that day with two members of the Chamber of Commerce who each held distinct views as to the respective merits of the Chamber and the League. One said that he would liko to see the League join up with the Chamber as a sort of sub committee. 'Elie other thought that the League should retain its individual identity. Both were in favour of keeping the Chamber of Commerce going at all costs, and would by no means allow it to become a back number. It was also stated that Mr Kettle was away, and it might bo courteous to await his return before a definite proposition was made. “I have been accused more or less rightly of being the power behind the movement for the formation of tin l League,” said Mr I). AL Robertson. He added that he would not deny the soft impeachment, and wont on to say that he was also a member of the Chamber of Commerce and in joining, he was actuated by the prospect of having various commercial wrongs righted through an organised body. Before taking the step, he made enquiries of mon competent to form an opinion and from the information that was given him it was apparent that there were numerous difficulties to be met with, and he whs told by a number that it was no use going to the Chamber of Commerce, because it was suffering from some incurable disease. However, he joined the Chamber, and saw, in the course of two# years, evidence of a lack of virility. He was appointed to a committee, and from that day to this he had never boon called to a meeting, lie had every respect for the Chairman of the Chamber, but the years were creeping on him. It was apparent from the meetings of the Chamber that it had not got the confidence of the town.

“We have got to band together for the common good of ourselves,” continued Air Robertson, “and in doing so, for the common good of the people. The only way to do that is to get a live body.” lie was perfectly satisfied that a society would bo no good unless i, had a paid secretary to oreanise it. There was a new spirit in the town, ho said, and there was a stronger spirit on the other side of the hill, afid they had to fight that spirit. Unless they stood together and sank their petty differences, they would not accomplish anything. They had to determine on something. If it was to a Chamber of Commerce, it should be a large Chamber of Commerce, and, if a Progress League, a body covering wide interests. Greymouth. at the present time, was the envy of the West Coast. Could it force itself upon the rest of New Zealand instead of being a nonent ity ?

While he did not wish to express any opinion as to either body. Air Nelson referred to the financial side of the question, and reminded his hearers that the Chamber of Commerce owed iis Secretary .£5O salary. He also pointed out that no one was debarred from joining the Chamber of Coinweree, the rules providing for anyone from a wharf labourer to a farmer. The Chamber, however, sometimes discussed matters of a private nature, whereas the Progress League would want to make everything public. Tn agreement with Mr Robertson’s remarks, Afr Bunt said that, to ensure success, there should be sufficient funds to pay for an organiser. The Chanibe’ of Commerce should not necessarily be excluded, but whether they had it ox not, they should certainly have a Progress League. Naturally the Chamber only applied to one section. If they had all the business men in Greymouth in the Chamber, they would not be able to have sufficient funds to pay for an organiser. They would have to have something wider in its scope. The suggestion ha<l occurred to him to have a Progress League and have a Commerce Committee. That was the case in Westport, and it was there a live organisation, and accomplished a good deal. If they had an organisation of 1000, and a subscription of .10/6, they would have sufnicient for an organiser.

Air Miller: “I suppose the business men of the town are responsible for the lack of interest in the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce has got weight in other towns.” Mr J. Kent: “The Chamber of Commerce has got weight in one direction.”

Air Bunt said he would like an expression of opinion from those present, as he had an idea that some of the committee previously in -favour with the Progress League had changed their minds.

Mr Nelson said he did not think that was the eftso.

Mr Bunt stated that he had had private conversation with some who were now in favour of linking up with the Chamber of Commerce. Mr Miller: “What is the limit of membership of the League?” Air Bunt: “Anybody interested in the progress of the town could join.’’ Mr Robertson also said ho would like to hoar an expression of opinion. The Chairman thought that unless they had a meeting of the whole of the Committee present they could not decide on anything. Mr Bunt thought that those of the public interested in the matter were entitled to have some information as to what was being done. Air Kent moved that the meeting express itself in favour of a Progress League, and that a public meeting bo called at an early date to consider the formation of the League. The motion was seconded by Air Patterson and was carried unanimously. On the motion of .Mr Robertson, seconded by Air Crooks, a sub-committee, consisting of Afessrs Robertson, KentA Crooks, and Aliller. was appointed to I meet any committee appointed from | the Chamber of Commerce to discuss" the forthcoming meeting, ,