SOUTH ISLAND

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26904, 16 October 1948, Page 4

SOUTH ISLAND

VITAL MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION

A conference of South Island chambers of commerce, which was advocated many months ago by the Oamaru Chamber, will commence in Oamaru on Monday afternoon at 2.30, and will continue until Tuesday at 12.30 p.m. Several matters vitaly affecting the South Island will be introduced, and it is expected that some important decisions will be reached. The remits which have been received are:— That constituent chambers be urged to examine the whole question of immigration with a view to suggesting any improvements that can be made in the system at present operating (Dunedin).

That this . conference urges the Government to establish an overseas air terminal In the South Island atas early a date as possible (Dunedin).

That in view of the rapid advances in all fields of aviation overseas, and particularly in the Commonwealth of Australia, the Government be urged to give every encouragement and facility to civil aviation in New Zealand (Canterbury). That this conference protests against the proposed alaborate public works schemes in the North Island when so many essential public works schemes for the South Island have been neglected (Oamaru). That the Government be urged to give further consideration to the Sawyers’ BayWaitati tunnel project with a view to its completion prior to the electrification of that portion of the railway system (Dunedin). That the Government be congratulated on the decision to undertake the Coal Creek hydro-electric scheme and be urged to prosecute the scheme to completion with the utmost despatch (Dunedin). That the Government be congratulated on its decision to improve the existing main north highway in the vicinity of Mount Cargill and to comDlete the Leith Valley-Waitati highway. This conference looks with confidence to an early completion of these undertakings (Dunedin) That this conference urges the organisations handling touring accommodation to examine the situation in respect to services available in hotels for tourists, from both the short term and long-term angles, and

offers the assistance of the South Island Chambers of Commerce in

finding a solution to their problems (Canterbury).

That this conference protests at the export of timber from the South Island to the North Island and Australia, and the consequent disparity in house building between the South and North Islands (Oamaru). . That in view of the good results which have accrued from visits to primary, secondary and technical schools, and the close liaison established with educational organisations by the Dunedin Chamber, other South Island chambers are recommended to take similar action (Dun) edin).

Delegates will be welcomed to the conference. by the Mayor, Mr M. F. E. Cooney, and the president of the Oamaru Chamber. Mr W. R. 'Williams, after which the Canterbury chairman will be installed in the chair and a roll call taken