LOCAL BODIES

Southland Times, Issue 22188, 2 December 1933, Page 9

LOCAL BODIES

PROVINCIAL INTERESTS REMITS AT HALF-YEARLY CONFERENCE STEWART ISLAND REQUESTS Many matters of importance to Southland were discussed at the haltyearly conference of progressive leagues and local bodies held in the Southland League rooms yesterday. The president of the Southland League (Mr William Hinchey), presided over the following: His Worship the Mayor (Mr John Miller) and Messrs L. F. Webb, R. N. Todd and B. W. Hewat (Invercargill City Council), Mi T. F. Doyle (Mayor of Bluff and Blufi Harbour Board), Mr G. V. Edge (Bluff Progress League), Mr W. Oswald (Stewart Island County Council), Mr J. McNeill (Southland County Council), Mr J. A. B. Walker (Riverton Borour Council and Progress League), Mr A S. Russell (Stewart Island County Council), Messrs J. Campbell and W. Little (Lumsden Town Board), Mr A. Fisher (Otautau Progress League), Mr S. McDonald (Southland League Executive), Mr C. S. Longuet (Bluff Harbour Board), Mr W. Gordon (Lake County Council), Mr W. Grieve (Invercargill Chamber of Commerce), and Mr D. J. Wesney (Queenstown Borough Council). The chairman, in extending a welcome to the delegates, mentioned that the league had circularized the local bodies and progressive leagues of Southland to ascertain the feeling regarding the holding of a half-yearly conference. All the organizations circularized had been in favour of holding such a conference. It was gratifying to see such a good response since this was an indication of the interest taken by the people in the welfare of the province. There were many remits to be considered, most of which concerned the need for developing the tourist trade—a need which could not be stressed too strongly. Remits. The following remits were dealt with: “That the Postmaster-General’s attention be drawn to the futility of the payment of radio license fees owing to the poor reception conditions due to power leaks.”—(Riverton Progressive League). In supporting the remit, Mr Walker said that the Riverton residents had had great difficulty in obtaining good reception from their machines. Several times during the day nothing but a roar was heard. The speaker urged that the Government should make some investigation into the cause of the leaks. Mr Miller: This matter is being dealt with at the present time in the House. The Postmaster-General is not worrying about the reception so long as the license fee is paid. The chairman said that the department was getting the license fees, and it was its duty to give service. It was decided to forward the remit to the Postmaster-General. “That a further effort be made to obtain a reply from the member of Parliament on the position with regard to the Orepuki Shale Works.—(Riverton Progressive League). Mr Walker said that his league could not yet understand why the licensee of the works should be allowed to keep the undertaking ir. its present state of inactivity. He suggested that the league should communicate with Mr J. Hargest, M.P., reminding him of his promise to let the league have certain particulars regarding the works.

Mr Walker’s suggestion was adopted. “That the Wyndham-Mokoreta-Wai-kawa Valley road be reopened.” (Wyndham Town Board.) In moving the remit, which was carried without discussion, Mr Harper said that the road was half-finished. He stressed the advantage accruing from its completion, Josephville-Caroline Road. “That the Josephville-Caroline road be completed.” (Lumsden Town Board.) “This seems to be an old friend,” remarked Mr Campbell in supporting the remit. The league had given his board every support and the matter had advanced so far that, two years ago the Unemployment Board leased a building to accommodate the unemployed men needed to construct the road. However, it was later announced that there were no unemployed available. His board and the residents had now come to the conclusion that it was useless expecting the road to be put through by' the unemployed and consequently it was desired that the Public Works Department should take the work in hand. The road was quite a necessity. The support of the league in that direction was sought. Mr Campbell was supported by Mr Little. M'r Russell said it seemed to him that before the league could unconditionally support the remit the opinion of the Southland County Council should be obtained. Mr Campbell made it clear that the County Council had always favoured the road. Other speakers had expressed the view that the league should stand right behind the remit, and on its being put to the vote the remit was carried. “That the Government be approached for some financial help towards river protection work at Lumsden.” (Lumsden Town Board.) The board, said Mr Campbell, had been working away very consistently at river protection work, unemployed labour being used. Considerable expense had been involved so far as materials were concerned and some £l6O to £2OO had been spent during the last two years. It was hoped that the Government would be able to give some financial assistance. “This river erosion is a national matter,” said Mr Russell, “and I think the league should support it wholeheartedly.” The remit was carried. “That this conference be held periodically at Gore.” (Gore Borough Council.) “That the half-yearly conference be held in the country districts.” (Riverton Progressive League.)

These remits were referred to the executive of the league for consideration. Dues From Fishing Boats. According to the Harbour Regulations a fishing boat carrying her own catch is exempt from dues, whereas should she carry fish belonging to any other person dues become payable. Thtj effect of the strict observance of this regulation upon Stewart Island residents caused a petition to be drawn up as follows:— “We, the undersigned residents of Stewart Island, do hereby petition the Government to have that clause in die Fisheries Act which defines a_ fishing vessel as one engaged in taking fish for purposes of sale amended and to substitute the definition of the Imperial Merchant Shipping Act which includes vessels engaged in the sea fishing service. Failing an amendment to the Act we would ask that Stewart Island be excluded from the operation of that clause which defines a fishing vessel as one engaged in taking fish for purposes of sale. We further request that all bona fide residents of Stewart Island be allowed to travel to and from the mainland at their own risk in any registered fishing vessel on days when the regular mail steamer is not running.”. Mr Russell, who moved the remit, spoke exhaustively on the history and merits of the petition which, he said, bore the signature of practically every adult on the island. He asked that the conference urge that the Government give its earnest and favourable consid jration to the petition. Mr Doyle said that the petition did not have the support of the Stewart Island Progressive' League, according to information he had received from Mr Sloan, chairman of that league. It was felt that the representations made in the petition would jeopardize the present Bluff-Stewart Island ferry service and indirectly spell the death-knell of the tourist traffic to the island. He questioned if the subject of the petition came within the scope of the league’s activities. Mr John Miller expressed the opinion that the league was wasting its time in discussing the matter. They all knew that the Marine Department would not relax any regulations having as their object the preservation of life. It seemed to him a domestic matter.

Mr Oswald said the fact that the petition bore the signatures of all members of the Stewart Island County Council, the Harbour Board and the Progressive League was an answer to criticism.

Mr Russell, replying to Mr Doyle, said that the petition bore the signature of Mr Sloan. It was rather strange, therefore, that Mr Sloan should have communicated with Mr Doyle on the lines the latter stated. Mr Russell also replied to the allegation that the ferry service would be jeopardized by the proposed amendment, denying that this would be the case. Some discussion arose as to the advisability of the petition and of the league’s participation in it. Mr Oswald reminded delegates that the petition represented the unanimous opinion of the islanders. It was finally decided to refer the matter to the executive of the Southland League. Ferry Service.

“That this conference strongly support the request of the Stewart Island County Council that to enable competitive tenders to be called for and received, the present mail contract be extended to June 30, 1934, and that tenders be immediately called for an improved bi-weekly service with a more up-to-date and suitable vessel. Further, that with the assistance of the Bluff Harbour Board a subsidy of up to £GOO per annum be offered.” (Slewart Island County Council). In supporting the remit, Mr Russell said that usually the Government called tenders for a postal service for three years, but a period only of 12 months was granted in respect to Stewart Island. Unfortunately that year expired during the present month, when there would be heavy holiday traffic. Captain Hamilton had been put to considerable expense in regard to the undertaking. There was no doubt that the island deserved both a better vessel and a better service than was the case at present. A Bill had recently been passed to enable the Bluff Harbour Board to contribute to the Stewart Island service. Captain Hamilton was paid £3OO per annum for carrying the mails, but the board realized the inadequacy of the service. Was Stewart Island justified in asking for an improved service? asked Mr Russell. Undoubtedly it was. The trouble, however, arose over the approaching termination of the contract. The Postal Department was asked to extend the term for another six months, yet the Minister had called for tenders for a new mail service. The speaker reiterated that the island was entitled to the very best service it could obtain. If tenders were to close in such a few days there would, he said, be no service available for a year as the new mail contract would again expire just at holiday time. In conclusion, he asked the league to support the council in its request that Captain Hamilton's term should be extended for another six months. Mr Campbell seconded the remit. Mi- Doyle said that if the period was extended it would greatly inconvenience Captain Hamilton who would not know where he then stood. Mr Walker opposed the remit, submitting that the subsidy was already sufficient. Mr Doyle said that as the Minister had telegraphed the islanders suggesting a fortnight’s extension and asking if that was not sufficient what longer period was requested, the league should not take any action. It was finally decided that the matter should be referred to the league’s executive after the islanders answer the Minister's telegram.