DISTRICT NEEDS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10562, 13 April 1920, Page 3

DISTRICT NEEDS

PROGRESS OF WELLINGTON. DISCUSSION BY "CENTRAL LEIAGUE. At the monthly meeting of tho general committee of tho Central Progress League, many matters of .-urgent and. vital concern to the Wellington district wero tinder review. NEW RAILWAY STATION. Tho secretary reported that in connection with, the league's effort towards expediting the commencement, of tho building of tho now railway station, ho was iiuornied by the authorities that a seawall would need to be built, and a great deal of reclamation bo carried out beforo sufficient yard accommodation would be available upon which to build tho new station. Tho work of- building- the retaining wall and general reclamation is held up on account of the shortage of material and labour. If'both were available and the work proceeded with tindor the best conditions, there seems, no possibility of tho station being started w-itli-in two years. It is reasonable to state, therefore, that three years- may clapso before a start is mado with the construction of this most essential public work for Wellington. General surprise was expressed by members at the mention of this new aspect of tho delay. SCHOOLS AND GROUNDS.

In connection with schools and school grounds, the secretary stated that two sices had lately boon- secured in the city and. suburbs and others were under consideration. Those responsible were to be commended for tho decided promiee given of a great improvement ln the schools, school grounds, and education generally throughout the city. ELECTSIC POWER,

Tho secretary was instructed to put further phases' of the Hutt river power scheme before tho people. It was tho opinion of tho meeting that any provision of steam-power plant can only b» looked Moot- as an expediency measure, and tho water now-running to waste is our natural and permanent source of power. It was further resolved that steps ue taken to put the matter fully before the people of the Hutt Valley, with too view to the local bodies concerned forming a Power Board to develop this waste water-power. It was the opinion ot the meeting that the development of this source of energy would be a very gi'at factor in advancing the progress of ttic Hutt Valley. The questions of the housing problem and better shipping facilities with Nelson and Picton were held over for further consideration. It was decided to wait on tho Ministers concerned about the new railwaystation. National Museum grant, and other matters of moment.