MOTU TIMBER COMPANY. ADDRESS BY MR HICKFORD.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1057, 26 November 1903, Page 3

MOTU TIMBER COMPANY. ADDRESS BY MR HICKFORD.

At the Theatre Royal last evening Air A. HieKford delivered an addxess in regard to the timber forests oi the Aiotu, special mention being mane oi the proposals which lie has in hand lor the formation of a company, for tne utilisation of the timber. iiis Worship the IViayor presided and, _in introducing Air iliekford, relet red to the valuable asset that Gisborne had at its very doors, flow to utilise that asset was what they all desired to learn, and he was sure they would listen with attention to what Mr Iliekford had to say. The Motu district was under public attention, and they were all interested in the starting of the dairy, industry there. in the course of a week or so, the laciory would he opened by Air AicGrcgor, and he was conhdont that it would prove most successful. The district was a rich one, and nothing would push it ahead faster than the utilisation of the AJotu timber forests.

Mr Uickford, who was cordially received, devoted the first portion of his address to pointing out to the audience the value of the limber forests of the Molu, and what the development of tiie same meant for Gisborne* fie had been accustomed to the bush all his life, and he could assure them that there was a mighty forest awaiting development, and one that would not he cut out for many years to come. At some length he deprecated the statement that the timber was too scattered to justify tlir) erection of mills, contending; that acre for acre it would compare favorably with any other part of the colony, lie. then went into liis proposals for the formation of a company, traversing a good deal of the ground covered in his address at the aViotu, a full report of which appeared in yesterday’s Times. The speaker received a most attentive hearing, and at the conclusion Was warmly applauded. Mr J. W. Whinray made an excellent speech, warmly supporting tiie proposals, and he concluded by moving the following resolution : “ That this, meeting having heard Mr Ilickford's proposals for utilising this valuable asset (the Motu limber), and the means suggested io develop an important local industry, accords him its hearty support and approval ; and also accords him a 1 hearty vote ol thanks for his comprehensive scheme and practical suggestions, ’and wili assist him as far as possible in giving effect to these proposals.” Mr C. Neild seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously,

Mr Iliekford returned thanks, and a vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the meeting.