OTAGO EXPANSION LEAGUE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23334, 28 October 1937, Page 7

OTAGO EXPANSION LEAGUE

MEETING OF EXECUTIVE The monthly meeting of the executive committee of the Otago Expansion League was held on Tuesday evening. The president (Mr G. J. Errington) was in the chair. Other members present were Messrs T. Scollay, R. S. Black, J. Y. Love, G. Mirams, A. Smith and J. Meikle. TRAVEL ASSOCIATION The president reported that he had attended the executive meeting of the South Island Travel Association and outlined the activities and proposals which came before it.—As there was some doubt in the minds of members regarding the exact position of the association in regard to local publicity, it was resolved to write requesting elucidation of the policy and the methods adopted in carrying it out. IRRIGATION SCHEME In connection with the proposed irrigation of the Maniototo Plains, members expressed pleasure at the active interest being displayed by Chambers of Commerce and welcomed their valuable assistance in pressing for the early start of this work.

EXPERIMENTAL FARM In reference to the proposed experimental farm, the Minister of Agriculture (Mr W. Lee Martin) advised . that a select committee was being appointed to consider the scope of such an institution and the most acceptable site for it, and on the report of this committee the department would be prepared to take action. It was resolved to thank the Minister for the information given and to inquire if the league could present evidence to the select committee in support of the project. LEWIS PASS ROAD The Canterbury Progress League advised that it was celebrating the completion of one of the major operations on October 30—viz., the official opening of the Lewis Pass road. This project gives access from North Canterbury to the West Coast, connecting both with Reefton and Murchison. —It was decided to forward the congratulations of the league. WAYSIDE ACCOMMODATION In connection with the opening of roadways through a previous wilderness, the question of hostels or wayside accommodation was mentioned, and a member made a suggestion which the league will pass on to the proper authorities —viz., that any such building should be in keeping with its surroundings.

ADVERTISING THE SOUTH At a previous meeting it had been reported that the Tourist Department in New South Wales was not featuring the southern steamer connection nor the South Island as a whole in its advertising programme. As both the president and secretary had recently been in Australia, and had especially noted the fact that due prominence was given to the south, they tabled at the meeting ample proof that the allegation was without foundation. From the inquiries made and the dates submitted, it was shown that not only was the south well advertised, but that a considerably larger booking than usual had already been made for the present season. The steamer facilities from Sydney made the voyage to Wellington the shortest and cheapest for visitors from that district to visit the south, but both in Victoria and South Australia the facilities afforded by the summer sailing between Melbourne and the South Island were well patronised.