The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1936-03-05
BusjlyEngaged
Ia Developing
Treasure State.
VIM. G. Ferguson Tells of
Actives of State Chamber
of Commerce.
SAYS GREAT SCENIC
BEAUTIES ARE HERE

I'VE think you have one of the mos
scenic and most attractive sections ir
the northwest said William G. Fergu-
son, assistant manager of Montanans
Inc, while speaking before the annual
joint meeting of the civic clubs of Lib
by, held in Junior High auditorium
Monday night.
I'VE are not guessing any more when
we give out statements as to the
amount of money left each year in
Montana by tourists also said Mr..
Ferguson. when we say that tourists
spent SIS, 500, 600 in Montana last year
we know exactly what we are talking
about because the state highway COM
mission has made a careful and de-
pendable study Of the matter But we
are convinced that figure isn't nearly
high enough. 1t is based upon all
estimate of $3.65 spent daily by each
and every tourist visiting the state.
You and know that very few people
can travel for the small sum of $365
a day; we know it will most nearer
$500 day. We know that another
$4,000 ought to be added to the
estimate given out by the highway
commission. That means S3000O000
spent in Montana last year by tourists.
And every person in the state benefit
ted by the expenditure of 30 million
dollars within its borders
Those are just two or three high
lights of very interesting address by
MIR. Ferguson while telling his audience
what Montanans, the state chamber Of
commerce, is doing for the develop
ment of the state.
Describes Intangible Work.
MIR. Ferguson opened by describing
some of the intangible work his or
SANITATION is doing In this connection
he referred to attempts that are being
made to set up a Columbia Valley
Authority similar to the Tennessee VAL
ley Authority in the south. Similar
legislation is being sought in respect
to the Missouri and Mississippi valleys.
II such laws are enacted, it will mean
that three or four men will have abb
solute control Of much of the water re-
sources of Montana, as other sections
would desire that water for irrigation
and power purposes. Ferguson said
Montanans is striving to have cs-
tablished the principle that only the
surplus water from Montana streams
can be taken for use outside the state.
To Save Irrigation
The speaker also referred to another
intangible, the work that IS being done
to protect the irrigation interests OF.
the state. He said strong opposition has
developed in the middle west and east
to further irrigation development. Mon
tanans has succeeded in having the
policy adopted that irrigation develop
ment shall be continued in Montana
when and where the existence and
prosperity OF certain sections OF the
state depend on such development.
Mr.. Ferguson told of what is being
done to develop our recreational re
sources. He said legislation must be
obtained that will provide for preserv-
ing the standing timber along the high
ways and bordering the lakes and other
scenic spots throughout Montana. This
means that the owners Of that timber
must be paid for the timber.
Waging Advertising Campaign.
The speaker told in detail of the
campaign being waged to advertise the
state and attract tourists here. The
American people are people of trav-
elers,n he said, land they are becoming
greater travellers every year. 1t IS
CONTINUED on page 81