EXPANSION LEAGUE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20500, 30 August 1928, Page 2

EXPANSION LEAGUE.

MEETING OF EXECUTIVE,

The Executive Committee of the Otago Expansion League met dn Tuesday night, Mr S. B. Macdonald presiding. A recommendation from the State rorcstry Department was received informing the league that, in reaphnse to its request, an officer of the department had visited Pembroke and, in conference with the chairman and secretary of the Domain Board, had prepared a scheme for the planting out and improvement ot the board’s areas on the shores of Lake Wanaka. , „ , t An announcement from the Chamber ot Commerce that the conference of representatives from Canterbury, Southland, and Otago would shortly be held to go into the question of a further appeal to the Government for assistance in reinstating the Bluff-Melbourne steamer service was received with pleasure, and it was decided that the league would be represented. Pleasure was expressed by members at the unity of action displayed by the chambers and leagues of each province and the hopeful prospect of ultimate success. This feeling was increased by the reading of a letter from Mr J. M. Fisher, of Hobart, a recent visitor to New Zealand, who advised that he had been requested by the Prime Minister (Mr J. G. Coates) to get the Tasmanian State Government in touch with New Zealand. This was now being done and developments should be speedily apparent. Regarding the erection Of the Post Office, the Minister of Public Works (Mr A. D. M’Leod) wrote: “It is not possible for me to give an indication as to when the actual building is likely to be commenced until Sufficient data has been obtained to enable the department to determine the nature-of the foundations required for the building. You may bo assured that there will be no unnecessary delay in connection with the erection of the building, the need for which is fully appreciated.” The executive felt that this declaration should finally dispose of the rumours that the building would not bo gone oil with. At the resquest of the Publicity Department the league supplied a large quantity of literature on local attractions for distribution through the office of the High Commissioner in London, and notice was received that the ease had reached Wellington and had been despatched to London. The subject of the Haast Pass road was again brought up, and it was decided that recommendations should be made to Mr J. Horn, M.P., on the subject. An interesting account of the recent visit of the general manager of the Tourist Department to Milford was read, giving a description of the new hostel which will be ready, he hopes, by November. The building will contain accommodation for 36 men and 20 women, independent of the manager and staff and will be electrically heated and lighted. From the long veranda in the front of the house an unrivalled view of the beauty of the Sound will be obtained. There is no doubt, All' Wilson says, that when this hostel is finished and the method of transSort is improved by steamer calls from duff, a tremendous influx of tourists from all parts of the Dominion will set in.