NELSON PROGRESS LEAGUE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 16 July 1928, Page 7

NELSON PROGRESS LEAGUE

ANNUAL MEETING

The annual meeting of the Xelson Provincial Progress League was held yesterday afternoon. There were present: Messrs A. Gould, president (Nelson Harbour Board), Jas. Hunt (Richmond Borough Council). H. Everett {Motueka Harbour Hoard). G. Maeniahon (Waimea County Council), \V. Lock, F. G. Gibbs, J'. Best, F. 1. Ledger (Murchison Countv Council), W. J. Moffatt and F. W. U.' Smith (Xelson City Council), and Dr. S. A. Gibbs (Xelson Automobile Association). Apologies for absence were received from Mr H. Atmore, M.P., J- C'order, E. H. Thomson.

The report of the president (which will be found under a separate, heading in this issue) was read by the secretary (Mr E. E. Neale). A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the president.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Officers were elected as follow: President: Mr A. Gould (re-elected); vicepresident, Mr F. G. Gibbs (re-elected); executive committee, Messrs W. J. Moffatt, F. W. 0. Smith (City Council); G. Macmahon .■■ (Waimea County Council); H. R. Duncan (Nelson Harbour Board); H. Everett (Motueka .Harbour Board); F I. Ledger (Murchison County Council): S. A. Gibbs (Nelson Automobilo Association): E. H. Thomson (Chamber of Commerce); J. Hunt (Richmond Borough Council); G. A.-Harkness (Nelson Horticultural Society); and the fol : lowing added members—Messrs P. Best, J. Corder, W. Lock, H. Atmore M.P., E. P. Hudson, M.P., and the Hon. W. W. Snodgrass, M.L.C.

EXECUTIVE MEETING

The annual business being disposed of the meeting constituted itself into a meeting of the executive committee.

CORRESPONDENCE

Mr J Prouse, on behalf of Wai-iti settlers thanked the League for endorsing an application, for a bridge at Lel"rove. The writer suggested that the farmers' Union should be represented on the League. ; ,'..''., The secretary stated that both the Farmers' Union and the A. and I. As-, sociation had been invited to join the League, but no answer had been given. It was resolved that the bodies concerned be again approached. : The Minister of Public. Works .in reply to the League stated that be would be pleased to arrange for the position as to re-opening the road through Pay s Saddle and Kerr's Hill, to Tophouse to be fully investigated. Mr Ledger iu answer to a question said the proposed deviation was only 6 miles longer. '. ' . It was resolved to ask the Mam Highways Board how soon it would proceed in the erection of the two bridges in Norris' Gully. V

ROTORUA-TAUPO RAILWAY

Mr F. G. Gibbs moved the following motion: That the Nelson Progress League strongly protests against the branch railway line to Rotorua being extended to Taupo before the ,700 mile trunk line from Nelson to Invercargill is completed by filling the small gap of 47 miles from Gowan to Inangahua Junction or one-fifteenth of,the whole: that the Government be urged to adhere strictly to its declared policy of completing trunk lines before expending more money upon the construction of branch lines; and that copies of this resolution be sent to the Premier, the Minister of Public Works and all members of Parliament." In moving the motion Mr Gibbs said the Government had enunciated tho policy that it was desirable to complete trunk lines before doing anything further in branch lines; and this proposal to push on the Rotorua-Taupo line was not in accordance with the'policy. Although they were told that two commissioners had reported in favour of the line, the public did not know the nature of these reports. Anyone, familiar with this part of the country could Tfardly imagine that, this line could compare favourably with .the Nelson line; nor could they agree that their Che was free from motor competition while the Nelson line was subject to it. Both lines were on the same footing in that respect. . .« The motion was seconded by Mr Moffatt and carried. . At a later stage , of the meeting Mr Moffatt asked whether any further action was to be taken regarding the pushing on with the Nelson railway. He asked if it would be better to call a public meeting or send another deputation to Wellington. It was stated that the reports of the railway , commission had not. yet come to hand. The president thought the day of public indignation meetings had passed Dr. Gibbs considered when the report of the commissioners came to hand perhaps the League could take further action. ■ i . It was decided to defer further consideration pending the receipt of the reports. GENERAL

Arising out of Mr Wilkinson waiting on the meeting it was resolved to advertise in a Nelson edition of the Christchurch gardening publication. Mr Moffatt spoke .in complimentary terms of Mr Wilkinson's activities in connection with the matter and moved a motion in. this direction. The resolution was seconded Mr F. G. Gibbs and carried.

It was pointed out that Mr Wilkinson bad simply approached the League for its moral"support, and did not solicit any financial assistance for the publication.

Referring to the proposal to close tho Wairoa bridge Dr. Gibbs considered it was unthinkable to close such a important highway for about 18 months. After a brief discussion it- was resolved, on the motion of Mr F. G. Gibbs, that the League views with concern tho possibility of closing the main highway for 12 or 18 months, and hopes that the County; Council will find means to avoid "the deviation, also that it, is hoped that the new structure will be in alignment with the main road. A motion was carried that representations be made to the local member of Parliament to- renew their efforts to obtain an. extension of river limits.

The president and the secretary were authorised to reply to the County Council's letter regarding the comparative, price of coal landed at the power house from Murchison and from the Bay.