OTAGO EXPANSION LEAGUE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16348, 3 April 1915, Page 6

OTAGO EXPANSION LEAGUE

The monthly meeting of the executive of tho Otago .Expansion League -was held in the league's office, (Stock Exchange Buildings, on Wednesday evening; present—Messrs A. Bathgate (in the chair), P. R. Sargood, George Fenwick, A. Moritzson, J. C. Stephens, J. Inglis Wright, W. G. Somervillc, and K. S. R-amsay. A telegram was received from the Hon. W. F. Massey with reference to tho Japanese Trade Commissioners, as follows: — "Your telegram of 29th received.. I will see whether Dunedin can be included, and advise you later."—lt was resolved that the following telegram be despatched to the Japanese Trade Commissioners:—"Tho Otago Expansion League extends a cordial invitation to the Japanese Trade Commissioners to visit _ Dunedin, and, in doing so, the. league desires to point out that Dunedin is the leading manufacturing centre in the dominion, having in its midst many largo woollen mills, clothing factories, and otlier large and prosperous industrial concerns, which cannot fail to afford valuable information to <rar visitors."—The secretary was also instructed to acknowledge with thanks the wire from the Hon. W. F. Massey promising that : he ' would endoavour to arrange that the commissioners should include Dunedin in their itinerary. Mr J. Inglis Wright reported that, in company with Mr H. K. Wilkinson, he had visited Lawrence, where a most enthusiastic publio meeting had been held and a branch of the league formed. It was resolved that the league express its gratification at the efforts of _ Messrs Wright and Wilkinson in inaugurating a branch of the league at Lawrence; and, further, that these gentlemen be cordially thanked for their assistance in the matter.

The secretary was instructed to write to the Clutha County Council urging the neoes9ity of gravelling and repairing tho Main South Road between Pukerau and Waipahi. A recommendation :rom the Publicity Committee •to have 3000 sheets of picture stamps with 12 views on ceoh sheet printed, with a view to advertising the scenic resorts of Otago, was approved. Tho secretary was instructed to communicate with the printing establishments in town and bring before them the question of printing envelopes with views of local and Otago scenery. The following extract from a letter received from Sweden by a Dunedin business firm was read:—The Otago Witness, —It is with great pleasure that we have studied this Christmas magazine, with its many splendid pictures of delightful sights in and around Dunedin. It gives a very good idea of your charming residence houses, your prominent official buildings, your lino modern office buildings, your parks, and the mighty, wonderful mountain sights that undoubtedly give the impression that, once seen, they will never be forgotten. We dare say that the Otago Expansion League, by the Otago Witness is able to interest people all over the world for the 'booming' city of Dunedin and the Otago province." It was resolved to acoept with thanks the offer of Mr P. R. Sargood to make a special donation to the league for tho purpose of securing membership for the league on the Workers' Educational Association; and, further, that Mr J. S. Stephens be appointed tho league's representative on the association.

A list of new subscriptions received since the inauguration of the membership campaign was laid on the table, showing that £169 17s had been received to date.