ADVANCE, WANGANUI

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 186, 7 August 1936, Page 6

ADVANCE, WANGANUI

WORK OF THE LEAGUE ACTIVITIES SUMMARISED PRESIDENT’S FUTURE PLANS A detailed summary of the activities of the Wanganui Tourist and Development League since its amalgamation with the Wanganui and District Development League was supplied by the executive when the annual meeting was held last night. At the outset the president (Mr. W. J. Gibson Hughes) explained that although the league had not been in existence very long the annual meeting was necessary under the constitution of the old league. The constitution, incidentally, was adopted when the merger took place. Speaking to the adoption of tne annual report, Mr. Hughes said that the league was the only one in New Zealand which embraced so many fields of activity. It was the duty of every individual citizen in Wanganui to give the organisation their morai and financial support. The league was concentrating all its energies in one direction, namely, the advancement and welfare of Wanganui. No opportunity to co-operate with any society or association had been lost, particularly when the welfare of the city and district was concerned.

“As the tourist season is rapidly approaching, the sub-committees have been working to bring into being their plans for co-operation with the Government Tourist Department in boosting Wanganui, both overseas and in New Zealand,” Mr. Hughes continued “Because of the work of these committees in organising throughout the year important events and outstanding attractions, our city will be featured as a real holiday resort and a star attraction in the book which the department is preparing for distribution at home and abroad. This work will assist the department in stimulating the desire of tourists to visit New Zealand and Wanganui.” “The Government Tourist Department, under the administration of Mr. L. J. Schmitt, its manager, has struck a very bright and optimistic note in its reports. They are anticipating, and not. without substantial reasons, that during the coming season there will be a larger influx of tourists to New Zealand than has been the case for many years. As our city stands in hiszh regard with the denart.ment. and is directlv on the main tourist, routes, it is logical to exnect I hat our local sections of the tourist industry will be the channel through which tourist wealth will flow into this district. In the near future it is proposed to estab 15 sh a ladies’ retention committee. Th's committee will be representative of all the ladies clubs, guilds and societies, in this c'tv. It will be their province to assist in the entertainment of the travellers who come to this city. Since 76 per cent, of the overseas travellers arc ladies, it is essential that the formation of this committee receive immediate attention. Spirit of Loyalty “When the league is more established. I have several overseas travel agencies which are willing to distribute literature and publicity material relating to Wanganui. They have offered to recinrocate in a tangible way for any business that may eventuate through the agency of the league. Another point and problem of importance that has been solved by the league was how to hold and foster in the younger generation that, spirit o f loyalty and pride in their city and district. This will ultimately reflect to their credit, as citizens bv increasing their interest in civic affairs. We felt that to create the spirit of individual responsibility toward their city would be a step in the right direction To this end definite are now ready for submission to the new executive. Mr. Hughes concluded by expressing his appreciation of lhe loyal support accorded him by members of the executive. He complimented the Railway Department on arranging special excursions to Wanganui. The department had shown a great deal of enthusiasm in this direction and had done much to co-oper-ate with the interests of the city.” The annual report and balancesheet were adopted and the election of officers took place. Tributes to the efficiency of tne pre-’cent were paid by Mr. W. J. Gilberd, who proposed that Mr. Hughes be re-elected to the office and by Mr W. P. Miller, who seconded the motion. Mr. Miller remarked that it must be apparent to all members ol the executive that Mr. Hughes har effused a great deal of life into the . organisation. He had done excelleni I work. ; The election of officers resulted a follows:—President, Mr. W. J. Gibsor Hughes; vice-presidents, Messrs. W. J [ Gilberd and G. H. Pownall: hon. trea ! surer, Mr. J. Miller; executive, Mrs 1 McPhail. Mrs. Wickham. Dr. G. J : Adams, Messrs. F. C. Atkincon, J. F i Broad. C. S. Brown. A. R. Donaldson f R. J. Drummond. A. Halligan, J. J I Lissette, W. P. Miller. A. C. Sieve ! J. S’ddells. D. G. Strachan. W i A. Veitch, C. N. Hood, H. Rowell am Mackie; hon. auditor, Mr. R. M. Fin layson.