“CAVALIER TREATMENT.”

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume X, Issue 153, 14 June 1920, Page 6

“CAVALIER TREATMENT.”

MARLBORO IG H LN DIG NATION. SOUTH ISLAND MAIN TRUNK. Blenheim, June 14. Stiong words about the attitude taken up by the Canterbury Progress League in the matter ot railway construction were used at the annual meeting of the South Island Main Trunk League. Members remarked that the Canterbury League was reducing Canterbury to the lei el of the “dog in the manger,” and the effect of public opinion throughout the Dominion in relation to Public Works development was hardly advants—-*ous to southern provinces. Ou the motion of the newly elected president, Mr. _E. 11. Penny, the following resolution was passed for circulation throughout New Zealand: — “That this League is filled with astonishment and indignation at the narrowmindedness and parochialism displayed by the Canterbury ' Progress League in refusing to co-operate with the people of Marlborough in urging the claims of the South Island main trunk lines and regards the attempt to secure exclusive preference at the Otira tunuel as a deliberate perversion from the supreme importance to the Dominion of linking up the main trunk lines and are unjustifiable because the provision already made and promised for Otira tunnel assures completion of that work in the near future and this undertaking couldn’t have been prejnd’.ced by support to the larger project. Moreovei our League considers it* has been treated in a cavalier fashion by toe Canterbury League inasmuch as it was always able to count on the cooperation ox Canterbury iu the past ■ years. This League trusts the selnsK- : ness of the Canterbury League will be I noted throughout New Zealand and wide'}’ condemned as contrary to the best interests of the country in the matter of public works development.” CANTERBURY’S SIDE. ♦ Christchurch, June 14. In reference to the telegram from Blenheim regarding the attitude of the Canterbury Progress League towards the South Island Main Trunk line, it is explained that the following resolution was carried at a meeting of the executive on June 2nd :— “That the League realises the importance of the South Island Main Trunk ine being proceeded with and will make the best use of any opportunity that arises to support completion ■ of the lino.”