CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1246, 30 September 1911, Page 19

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Blenheim has a live Chamber of Commorce, and, working as it does in conjunction with the Picton Chamber in connection with matters of mutual interest, it is a power for good in tho province. During the past year the chamber, with Mr. J. Rollo Sharp as president, has accomplished many things of value to both town and country. The railways liavo received attention, and important improvements havo been secured in the facilities for tho transport of stock. Increased rolling-stock was applied for to meet the demands of tho growing trade, and is being supplied. The question of adjusting' tho time-table on special occasions to suit, tho boat sailings from Picton was discussed with the Minister, and a promiso obtained that the matter would receive due attention. The chamber has also been successful in securing ' a duplicato telephone lino to Picton, thus greatly facilitating the transaction of important business between tho ohief town of tho province and.the port. A very important matter which caused a good deal of diseussion is the erection of a separate bridge over the Opawa River, near the Blenheim railway station. At present all traffic passes over the one bridge, and it is not only inconvenient, but very dangerous. The chamber has induced the Borough Council to tako the matter in hand, and it is hoped that the second bridge will be an accomplished fact at no very distant date. The advantages of Picton as a naval base aro fully recognised by the Blenheim Chamber, and that body has been co-operating with tho Picton Chamber in urging tho claims of the port on the Government and the Admiralty. The chamber- has the valued support and hearty co-operation of Vr. John Duncan, member for the electorate, in all its efforts to secure tho advancement of the.district.