HOKITIKA PROGRESS LEAGUE

Grey River Argus, 24 February 1949, Page 4

HOKITIKA PROGRESS LEAGUE

Hokitika Borough Council notified the Progress League at its usual meeting, that it was prepared to make some payment towards the flood protection work, but plans and specifications for the job had not reached the council, and thus no further action could be taken. The stationmaster, Hokitika, advised that Weld Street crossing would be sealed as soon as the contraetpr was able to do the work. The road to the station had been kerbed and surfaced and would next be sealed. The request for a warning device at Hampden Street crossing had been referred to the engineer in charge. The district engineer, N.Z. Railways, replying to a request for a warning device at Hampden Street, pointed out that while the League asked for warning devices at Hampden Street, the borough council had authorised the building of a shed adjacent to the railway crossing in

Tudor Street. The chairman (Mr D. Friedlander) said the League had asked for a warning device at Hampden Street. If the borough council granted a permit for a shed near to a crossing it was no concern of the League, he said. The League was advised that the borough council had sought legal advice and was informed that it had no power to refuse a

permit on the ground that the shed would obstruct the view of the rail-

way line. Mr Green pointed out that in cities large buildings were constructed right up against the line. It was decided to inform the engineer that the League acted in the interests of’public safety as Hampden Street was considered to be a dangerous crossing.

Mr Peart requested consideration to the publishing of a booklet covering the tourist attractions from Nelson to the Haast Pass.

The League gave its delegates authority to discuss the matter with the Westland District League in Greymouth next Tuesday. It was resolved the League give its whole-hearted support to the Westland District Progress League in its efforts to induce the Government, to make adequate provision for continuance of the gold industry on the West Coast.

The Westland District League is to be advised that the Hokitika Borough Council is awaiting a report from the District Engineer of Public Works as to any deterioration in the protection wall after the recent flood, and they would then be notified of the position. Advice was received that a test area was to be developed at Ahaura of 614 acres. It was resolved to ask the Commissioner of Crown Lands to report on the possibility of proclaiming Ness’s Creek a scenic area for recreational and picnic parties. . The Westland District League forwarded a letter from the Chief Postmaster, Greymouth, that when the next telephone directory is being set up, provision will be made to have the Hokitika portion set with coloured pages and each set of names grouped under a large capital. As the National Orchestra is to visit Greymouth this year, Mr Peart was asked to interview the Hokitika Arts Council with a view to getting the orchestra to visit Hokitika also. Hon. W. E. Parry advised that timber was being sawn for the building of the annexe at Franz Josef Glacier and it was hoped to make an early start with the work. Mr Peart asked if any prior notice had been given of the intention of the Government to shift the electoral office from Hokitika to Greymouth, and what was the reason.

The chairman said there appeared in the press a statement from the department that the shift had been under consideration for some time. The head office of the political parties were in Greymouth, which 'was the largest centre of population. Mr Peart maintained the people were entitled to know more about it, if it were intended to shift the office, some prior notice should have been given. The matter of Ross mails was referred to the District League. Advice was received of the installation of a telephone at Lake Mahinapua. Mr Peart (president of the Lake Mahinapua Acquatic Club) said it would be appreciated by the club, and was highly necessary.

Messrs D. Frielander, J. B. Hood, E. W'. Green and H. C. Peart were appointed delegates to the District League Council at Greymouth on March 1.

The Ministry of Works advised that as work progessed to completion at the aerodrome plant would be sent on to the Great South Road. Hon. T. H. McCombs notified that it would not be possible to produce a booklet on Soils and Agriculture for some months owing to difficulties in the printing trade. Mr Green stated that according to a report from the Electoral Officer some 500 names had been deleted from the roll. He asked the League to request the District League to ascertain the reason. It would be interesting information to have. The League required to know whether it indicated a drift of population from the Coast, or if certain industries .were beuig affected and employees were seeking employment in other parts of the Dominion. The League desired to induce people to come to ( the West Coast. If the electoral report showed a drift from the Coast some action could be taken. If it were due to other causes it could not De helped. '