EXPANSION LEAGUE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3886, 4 September 1928, Page 7

EXPANSION LEAGUE.

MEETING OF EXECUTIVE. Tlie Executive Committee of the Otago Expansion ‘League met on Tuesday evening, Air S. B. Macdonald presiding. A recommendation from the State Forestry Department was received informing the league that, in response 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 of the board’s areas on the shores of Lake Wanaka. An announcement from the Chamber of 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-Alelbourne 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 Air J. Al. Fisher, of Hobart, a recent visitor to New Zealand, who advised that he had been requested by the Prime Alinister (Air 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 Alinister of Public Works (Air A. D. APLeod) 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 be 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 be gone on 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 case 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 Air J. Horn, AI.P., on the subject. An interesting account of the recent visit of the general manager of the Tourist Department to Alilford 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 ef 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, Air Wilson says, that when this hostel is finished and the method of transport is improved by steamer calls from Bluff, a tremendous influx of tourists from all parts of the Dominion will sei in.