OTAGO EXPANSION LEAGUE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3768, 1 June 1926, Page 37

OTAGO EXPANSION LEAGUE.

The Executive Committee of the Otago Expansion League met on Wednesday evening The members present were: Messrs S. B. Macdonald (in the chair), P. R. Sargood, G. J. Errington, C. H. Hayward, Captain Sundstrum, V. Jacobs, J. Inglis Wright, E. Tamblyn, H. M. Mackay, and W. R. Brugh. The President reported on the various matters which had occupied his attention since last meeting, including the result oi the deputation to the Prime Minister m connection with the new poßt office and the definite promise given that this work would be undertaken .during the current financial year

The subject of a publicity campaign to advertise the South Island, which had been one of the suggestions at the recent league conference was discussed in connection with proposals for the issue of an original guide book, and the advertising of the South Island scenic resorts in the Christmas numbers of the illustrated journals. It was decided the matter would be furthei con sidered on receipt of information regarding the position taken up by the other leagues interested.

The opening of a road connecting Otago with South Westland, via the Haast Pass, was fully considered, valuable information regarding this road being presented to the meeting from Messrs W. D. Nolan and E. James, of Okuru. This route has been aptly named Macandrew’s Dream, as it was the hope of that well-known pioneer to link up the two provinces by this route, as far back as the days of the great gold mining discoveries in both districts. The project is being strongly advocated by those living in the adjacent district, and a petition to Parliament is being prepared, asking for the inclusion of a grant for the purpose to be included among those allocated for roads and bridges.—The executive decided that similar action was necessary in Dunedin, and the secretary was instructed to prepare and issue the necessary petition for signature in Dunedin and in Central Otago.

The Naseby Citizens’ Welfare League wrote stating that the State Forestry nurseries In the vicinity were to be closed, and that tree-planting was to cease. Representations had been made, and the assurance was received that the Commissioner of State Forests had decided not to close the nursery at Naseby, but to maintain it on its present h asis.

The reports from the South Island agent in Auckland repeat previous complaints that a number of tourists arrive in the north port with the idea that the sights of New Zealand consist of geysers at Rotorua, a glow-worm cave, cno the Wanganui River. They allow themselves anything up to 14 days to visit these sights, and therefore have not the time <o tross to the South Island. — The executive decided that to attract tourists to the South Island it would be necessary to inaugurate a campaign to bring under their notice the southern resorts prior to arrival at Auckland, and it would be advisable to carry out publicity activity over seas. The arrangements for the annual presessional meeting of the local members of Parliament were outlined, and the details were left 'o the president and secretary to arrange prior to the meeting on June 4.