WESTLAND PROGRESS LEAGUE HAS MEETING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18011, 23 November 1926, Page 8

WESTLAND PROGRESS LEAGUE HAS MEETING.

THREATENED LOSS OF CUSTOMS OFFICE. (Special to the “Star.’ ) HOKITIKA. . November 23. At a meeting of the Westland Progress League Mr T. E. Y. Seddon, M.P., forwarded a copy of a letter to the Minister of Customs relative to the contemplated closing of the Customs office. It was pointed out that a large sum in duty which .should be credited to Hokitika was paid elsewhere. One local firm in five years paid £IB,OOO duty on machinery into Greymouth for overseas goods to Hokitika owing to the difficulty of the shipping company issuing a bill of lading to Hokitika, and the goods had to be cleared at Greymouth. Hotelskeepers and others indenting had their supplies cleared at the centre ports also, instead of requesting the agents to send the goods here for clearance. The Marlborough League notified that a deputation would wait on the Minister of Public Works regarding the completion of the Tophouse route, and asked for support and co-operation. It was agreed to assist when the opportunity offered. Particulars with regard to its constitution were supplied by the Greymouth League, and best wishes were exchanged. Mr Eric James, of Okuru. notified a contemplated tour by members of the Otago Expansion League after Christmas, to make the round trip via Haast Pass and the West Coast from Dunedin, returning via Christchurch. It was resolved to extend any courtesy within the power of the league to the visitors. The secretary reported that about twenty-five signatures of business firms were still shore to ensure the installation of a continuous telephone service. Further action was deferred. Reference was made to the misconception of parent league members regarding the South Westland report. Objection was not taken locally to the publication of Mr Judd's reports, but to the league reaching a definite decision on the report, which was not first hand, without referring it to the local league for comment and an opportunity to correct wrong deductions from irregular premises. The secretary was asked to convey this view of the league to Christchurch.