REDUCTION IN INCOME

Southland Times, Issue 23839, 9 June 1939, Page 5

REDUCTION IN INCOME

SOUTHLAND PROGRESS LEAGUE APPEAL TO BE MADE TO LOCAL BODIES The general support accorded to the Southland Progress League by the local bodies during the period under review had been greatly appreciated, states the league’s annual report which will be presented at the annual meeting on Friday, June 16. The income had also been well augmented by the subscriptions of private members. However, the income had been considerably reduced in recent years. At the time of the general financial depression of a few years ago, many local bodies were obliged to curtail expenses, but the consequence of this had been that in most cases the contributions had never been brought back to the original figures. An appeal was to be made this year to some of the local bodies to favourably consider increasing the amount of their contributions. The league must have finance to carry on, and with a larger income the scope and effectiveness of the work in the interests of Southland, could be increased tremendously.

“The executive has made every possible effort to meet the position,” states the report, “and it has to be pointed out that because of savings now made in overhead expenses, the leagues position this year shows a good improvement over the financial standing of 12 months ago. As shown by the accounts, the revenue account discloses a credit balance of £27/7/3, as against a debit balance of £44/17/10 last year. The balance-sheet shows cash at bank £5/19/3, whereas 12 months ago there was a debit balance of £7O/7/10 The actual improvement is £72/5/1. as shown by the revenue account, and it is felt this may be considered very satisfactory.” The Blackmount-Redcliffs road was a road which the league was convinced was essential to the future development and progress of Southland. This position was undoubtedly accentuated by the opening of the road to the Milford Sound region, for it was felt- that if the present lack of a road direct from the southern lakes to the southern Portion of the province continued in the future, Southland would always suffer the disadvantage of being “cut off from the main lines of tourist traffic. An opportunity was taken last summer of arranging a visit of inspection over the proposed route of the road. A recognized and informed road engineer accompanied the party. The result of the inspection showed that the length of new road requiring formation and construction was eight miles, being the distance between the Blackmount and Redcliffs station homesteads. The estimated cost of putting this work through including the construction of bridges over the Ligar and Redcliffs streams and four other small creeks, was £4245. The league considered the Government could well give favourable consideration towards authorizing a grant to allow for the construction of this road to be proceeded with. Opportunity was taken of expressing appreciation of the co-operation extended by the Wallace County Council in the matter, in promising the sum of £5OO towards the cost of the project. It was proposed to make the subject of the Blackmount-Redcliffs road a remit for urgent consideration at the forthcoming conference of members of Parliament and representatives of local bodies. ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY During the year representations were made to the Minister of Public (the Hon. R. Semple) drawing his attention to the high charges for electrical energy .in the area under the control of the Southland Electric Power Supply. It was also pointed out that at tiie time of the change-over from the board to the Government, assurances were given that, in addition to certain immediate small reductions in unit and meter charges, very substantial reductions would be made when Southland was linked with’ the Waitaki scheme. A reply was received from the Minister containing definite assurances of reduction of electricity charges in Southland. Those who were interested in the matter would be aware of the Minister’s detailed announcement of reduced charges which appeared in the newspapers on March 7. It was pointed out that these reductions were estimated to save consumers in Southland about £lO,OOO a year. The encouragement of the planting of trees on farm lands for use as shelter belts and beautification was also fully discussed at different meetings during the year. The executive received an interesting address from the Conservator of State Forests (Mr N. J. Dolamore). The matter was brought to the notice of the Southland branch of the Farmers’ Union, and it was understood that the union was at present giving consideration to the subject.