BY ROBYN PARKES
In February 1927 the Motueka Progress League held its first meeting to advance the development and interests of the district.
The first actions of the League were to organise a clean-up of house frontages, to approach the Council for a regular rubbish service and to query the site of the library being too far away from the centre of town. Within a few years interest had waned, with much of the work falling on the shoulders of only a few members.
In November 1934 a large group attended the AGM where a call went out to strengthen the League and to give representation throughout the district. Local bodies and public organisations were reminded that they should have a voice in the League but also should be sharing the work. Also raised was the issue that certain local bodies were financially supporting the Nelson Progress League, thereby impeding the development and expansion of the Motueka League.
Following conversations concerning the tar-sealing of the main Motueka - Nelson highway and shortening the route via Rabbit Island, thus speeding up transport between the two centres, Mayor R. York loudly and emphatically protested, stating - “Gloves off! Mars for Martians, Nelson for Nelsonians and Motueka above all for Motuekaians”.
“The onus is on this progress league to support its own district and we look to the people to support Motueka. Hops, tobacco, and fruit represent the principal industries of the Nelson district —and where are they produced? Motueka is the answer, and for this reason Nelson, to an extent, has become dependent upon Motueka. The time has arrived when we should consider our own district first. It’s all very well to shorten the main highway in order to transport our goods to Nelson, but surely our first consideration is our own harbour.”
A loud round of applause followed.
A new constitution was framed, and a comprehensive programme of actions were adopted for year 1935.
On the agenda was:
(1) Development of Moutere Estuary Rd.
(2) Advocacy for the Motueka Aerodrome for air transport services.
(3) Re-open the question of mudflat reclamation improving the drainage and value of the land.
(4) Motueka and Takaka Districts for tourist routes.
(5) Development of Onekaka iron resources.
(6) Taking up with Government the question of tobacco industry in which the League had an interest.
(7) Improvements to Takaka Hill.
(8) Beautification work in Motueka borough.
(9) Carnival Easter week.
A huge effort went into organising a successful Easter week for Motueka with multiple events planned by the League. Motueka Amateur Athletic Club was approached to participate and confirmed a sports meeting to be held on Easter Monday. A Progress League booklet was circulated containing descriptions of the district, primary industries, commercial activities, and photographs of resorts, orchards, tobacco fields, hop gardens etc.
Motueka Aero club agreed to run an air pageant with eight to ten planes on Easter Saturday and hoped to have Flying Officer “Scotty” Fraser in attendance with his parachute. In conjunction car enthusiasts were invited to show their cars.
A shopping week was supported by the local Retailers Association with a shop window dressing competition. This was judged at the beginning of Easter weekend with ‘Self-Help’ by J Morgan winning.
A procession of decorated lorries, cars, bicycles, prams etc was held on Easter Monday leaving from Whakarewa St to Pah St. Prizes were given for the best in each category including one for the best decorated billy cart. The Progress League were congratulated on a very successful event.
