CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 397, 23 April 1902, Page 2

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

The ordinary meeting of the Chamber of Commerce was held last evening, and was attended bv the following membors : Messrs A. F. Matthews (President), Town* ley, W. Morgan, Whint-ay, Ambridge, J. Rosie, Redstone, Pettie, Webb, Humphreys, and Orr.

VALUE Of EXI'ORTS. A communication was received from the Premier, stating that in view of tho inaccuracies in the exporting returns, principally owing to clerks not putting the right value in, the Government had decided that the chief member of the exporting firm should sign the export entry. A return would bo sent to the local Chamber of Commerce to enable that body to criticise the values with the object of arriving at tho proper values. Discussion followed, members generally approving of the list of prices furnished by the local Collector of Customs. Mr Orr said tho prices were those at present ruling for the several commodities.

Mr Whiuray thought the Collector of Customs should be thanked for the information with regard to prices at present ruling. Ho suggested that a change in the name of tho port might improve tho prico of produce sont from the district. motu rush. The President detailed the result of tho interview with the Laud Board in regard to conserving tho timber iu tho Motu. Particulars of tho interview havo already baen published. Mr Whiuray pointed out that there was an error in tho report. Ho had stated that there was X 9,600,000 worth of timber on 200,000 acres, and ho was reported as having made out that there was that amount on 2000 acres.

MR CARROLL’S VISIT. It was pointed, out that Mr Carroll would be arriving in Gisborno tho following morning, and it would perhaps be as well to interview him on several matters of importance to tho district.

A member : Do you want to get some more promisos ?

Mr Ambridge : We havo several matters that we might with advantage bring boEoro the member of tho disirict.

The President thought some stops should bo mado to havo telephonic communication established with the Morero Hot Springs Hotel. It was absolutely necessary, especially during tho summer months, when there was a considerable traffic. He thought tho matter might bo brought under Mr Carroll’s attention.

The cost would be very small. Mr Pettie thought that tho matter of tho telophonic connection could easily be arranged when the proposed improvements were made to the Springs. He understood that the Government had the matter in hand. It was decided that a committee should be appointed to meet Mr Carroll, and tho following list of subjects was approved of as being matters upon which Mr Carroll could assist the district: Motu timber, railway to Motu, stock track, telephone to Tiniroto, lands for dairy farms, Legislative Council appointments, telephono to Morere, telephone profits from Gisborno exchange to be devoted to extensions, tolograms uniform rate. Discussion took place with regard to tho aoquiring of land for dairying purposes. Mr Redstone referred to ono blook of 20,000 acres in the district which was bringing in the Government X6O a year. This could bo secured and out up into smaller holdings.

Mr Lunn mentioned one or two properties in the district eminently suited for dairying which could be obtained and out up into suitable holdings. The President urged that efforts should be made to obtain larger holdings, say 350 acres. He understood that the Minister of Lands was favorable to the cutting up of blocks in this manner.

A MONSTER MEETING. Mr Morgan said that tho Farmers Union had asked the Chamber of Com" merce to co operate in a monster meeting to be held at Ormond upon tho occasion of the opening of the railway. Mr Townley said the railway would bo opened on Coronation Day, and tho district should rise to the occasion, and havo

a fitting celebration for the same. Ho was not sure how many Ministers would be present. It was close to the opening of Parliament, but he thought that two or three might be present. He would be pleased if the Chamber of Commerce would offer suggestions. Mr Morgan though the proper course for the Mayor to adopt was to call a public meeting.

Mr Whinray was koen on taking the Ministers to tho Motu. They would have a hard frost and a good road, and the eyes of the visitors would be opened when they saw the magnificent district. If only Ministers once saw the timber there would be no trouble about a railway. They would gain more by a trip to the Motu than by presenting half-a-dozen illuminated addresses. The district had neon shamefully neglected, and it was time that an improvement was brought about. The President wished to disabuse tho minds of members as to the isolation of the district. It was time they dropped this cry. Tho district was not isolated, for one could get to Woffington in twenty hours, and Auckland in twenty-two hours. They would also shortly have a railway. His friend, Mr Whinray, wgs eloquent on the question of the' subject of the isolation of the district, but he for one did not agree with him. Mr Whinray said that he had a good answer for Mr Matthews in the following couplet:— The district was much tho same as when Captain Cook came, The only way in was right out on the main ; Our isolation, a big gun said (referring to Colonel Pole-Penton), Was against them accepting our military aid. And so we dre left in the doldrums dull, Till some merciful aid shall give 'us a pull. We now puff together from the deep far back, For the Chamber of Commerce has got on the track.

Mr Townley agreed with tho President as to tho necessity of dropping the cry of the district being an isolated one. He contended that the chief want of the district was want of public life. Tho people did not support their member as they should. Until they had a little more public life in tho district they mu3t be content to crawl along as they were doing. Mr Lunn : Except in the Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Townley : And you have very little there. Where are all our merchants ? Where are the men of this district who should bo to the front 2 Why are they not here? It is the want of energy and public life of the settlers themselves that is keeping the place back. Mr Whinray concurred in the remarks of the previous speaker. He had long been convinced of the apathy displayed by many leading settlers. Oftentimes when the press advocated some pressing need the matter was lost sight of for tho want of backing up. It was decided that the Secretary should see Mr Carroll, and arrange a time for the committee to meet him.

NEW MEMBERS. Mr W. L. Rees was elected a member of the Chamber, and Messrs T. McGregor and Birch were proposed for membership.