PROGRESS LEAGUE MEETING IN PAHIATUA

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11535, 28 August 1930, Page 4

PROGRESS LEAGUE

MEETING IN PAHIATUA

ADDRESS BY ORGANISER

Last evening, in the Borough Council Chambers, Mr J. N. McLean, organising secretary of the Wairarapa Progress League, addressed a fair number of interested business people concerning the formation of a League district committee. The Mayor (Mr J. D. Wilson) occupied the chair. In introducing Mr McLean, the Mayor gave a -liOtrt t resume of the League, and that Pahiatua was more in tion with Palmerston North than Masterton or Wairarapa. Generally, however. Mr McLean had come to outline the activities of the league, and it was thought that committees formed in the various districts would strengthen that body. Mr McLean then addressed the meeting. He thanked the Borough Council and Chamber of Commerce for their cordial assistance. He explained that the objects of the League, which, he said, was iormed in 1929, following an Act of Parliament authorising local bodies in the Wairarapa district, from Pahiatua and Akitio Counties in the north, to Pal User Bay and those between the Rimutakas and East Coast to contribute such amounts as they thought fit to the League. The League, he added, was formed with the idea of advancing land settlement, to advocate better transport by road, rail and a.ir, promote public reserves and afforestation, the fostering of education, and to watch over the interests of the Wairarapa as a whole, and also the reguirements of each district. Air Ale Lean referred to the success of similar Geagues in the South Island. Regarding district committees he mentioned that he had recently visited Pongaroa and had had a very enthusiastic meeting. At Eketahuna the Chamber of Commerce gave a favourable reception to me idea. Tinui was very much in favour. Carterton unanimously supported the idea, and another meeting was to be held at Grey town to-night to finalise matters. One of the criticisms of the League. Air Ale-Lean said, was that it only derived special benefits for Afasterton. This was not so. He was personabbl acquainted with the men at the head of the League and he knew it was the last thing they had in mind that Masterton should benefit to the disadvantages of the other portions of the Wairarapa. By the appointment of district committee, that criticism is fully met because it now lasted entirely with the people of and district to see that requirements are placed before the League. If Pahiatua was represented on the League matters directly and indirectly relating to the welfare of the district could be dealt with. In practically every town there were a limited number of public men who were interested in many things and had their time taken up. and it wu no desire of his to add to their burdens, hut if any existing organisation such as the Chamber of vonmerce would take the matter - ->. it could become the basis of a 'U-~riet committee. It was explained that the committee would ha re no financial obligations whatsoever, the funds being subscribed by the Boroughs and Counties on the following basis: Boroughs, Is per £IOOO capital value. Counties, fid per £IOO9 on capital value; other organisations, £1 Is per annum. Should the Chamber of Commerce decide to affiliate with the League they would be -e----quired to pay the sum of £1 Is as an affiliation fee. Tn reply to a question bv At W. T. Brown, as to whether this would be all the money required. Air McLean explained that there would be no other fee attached till it was yon how matters were settled at the end of the present financial year. Asked by Air F. Britland what the purpose a District Committee served, Air McLean explained that at league meetings there were always general questions which were considered, some of interest to the whole area, and if a d ; strict had some particular thing they wished pushed forward the league was there to help. Air AlcLean explained that the league had dealt with cases such ;>s the formation of an Aero Club in theWairarapa, tlie Rimutaka Deviation, and the establishment of a Wairarapa Training Farm for youths. D it. was thought that the league could be of any assistance there was better way to get in touch with it than through a district committee. It was much better that some local organisation became affiliated, though, it was not essential at the present time.

A general discussion ensued. in which Air P. Tulloch. President of the Chamber of Commerce, asked one or two questions.

The Alayor pointed out that it would he advantageous for the Chamber of*Commerce to affiliate with the league, their interest being much on the same lines.

Air D. Aloriarty was of the opinion that the Borough Council should take up the work of the league and moved that it be a. recommendation of flic meeting that the members of the Borough Council form tlie basis of a district committee.

An amendment, moved bv Mr W T. Brown, that the Chamber ol Commerce be formed as a basis <>l a committee of tlie Wairarapa Progress League was seconded bv Air W. H. Afnrch. and was carried. Air AY. T. Brown moved that Afr AlcLean be thanked for attending and giving information regarding tin league.

Til’,s was seconded bv Air Aluroli and carried by acclamation. A similar vote was passed to tin Alayor for presiding.

Air AlcLean returned tlianks for the favourable reception accorded him.