CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Grey River Argus, 23 September 1937, Page 2

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

GREYMOUTH MEETING. A meeting of the Greymouth Chamber of Commerce was held Tuesday afternoon, there being present: Messrs P. J. McLean (Chairman), W. P. Smith, G. R. Harker, W. F. Harley, W. E. Norton, F. W. Shallcrass, T. E. Coates, and E. McDonnell. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs J. W. Greenslade, J. S. Robertson, G. M. Truman, S. J. Davis and F. A. Kitchingham. It was decided, on the Chairman’s motion, seconded by Mr. Norton, that a letter of appreciation be sent to the Minister of Public Works thanking him for making a grant of £25,000 for the extension of the Greymouth Aerodrome. The Canterbury Chamber of Commerce wrote requesting support foi tneir nomination of Mr. M. S. Myers, of Dunedin, as Vice-President of the Associated Chambers for 1938. It was decided to approve of Mr. Myers’ nomination. The General Manager of Railways (Mr. G. H. Mackley), in reply to the Chamber’s representation, advised tnat, as the lights over the Cobden level crossing were maintained by the Grey Electric Power Board, the question of improving the lighting was primarily one for them and the.. Borough Council. He was at present unable to advise when a warning device could be provided at the crossing. The Greymouth Borough Council advised, in reply to the Chamber’s representations concerning the proposed high-tension power line, that the matter had been left to a subcommittee to investigate, and, if necessary, to approach the Minister of rublic Works. The Associated Chambers of Commerce advised that the annual conference would be held at Timaru on November 3, 4 and 5. It was decided that the Chairman represent the Chamber at the conference. The Chairman said that since the last meeting they had had a conference with the heads of the Railway Department, and the position regarding trucks had greatly improved. In reply to the Chamber’s representations for a grant for the purpose of making a commencement with construction on the proposed Mananui to Mahinapua Road, Hon. P. C. Webb, for the Minister of Public Works, advised that he would give the matter further consideration with the possibility of providing a grant on the forthcoming Roads Estimates. Several leters were received from the Westland County Council, Mr. J. O’Brien, M.P., and the Minister of Railways, regarding the extension of tne railway into South Westland, the Minister advising that the report of the investigating committee was being awaited. The Chairman said that they were awaiting the report in Parliament now. He had had several letters from South Westland settlers, expressing appreciation of the Chamber’s efforts in the matter. The Wellington Chamber of Commerce wrote, urging the Chamber to co-operate in conducting Chambers of Commerce examination, to be held in centres, so desirous in November.

The Chairman said that, unfortunately, there were no candidates offering for the examination. Mrs. D. Oliver (Vice-president), and Mrs. A. Turner (Secretary), wrote on behalf of the Greymouth Women’s Institute, requesting the Chamber’s support of their advocacy of a women's rest room for Greymouth, and pointing out the vital need, in view of tne present poor facilities for country women coming into Greymouth to do their shopping. < The Chairman moved that the letter be received, and a copy be forwarded to the Borough Council. Mr. McDonnell said that he thought in the matter, as it was a serious the Chamber should take an interest position. The motion was carried.

On the suggestion of Mr. Coates, it was decided to write to the Railways Department, pointing out the danger to road traffic at the crossings of two trains running at the same time on the parallel lines between the Elmer Lane roundhouse and the station. On the motion of the Chairman, it was decided to write to the Railways Department, drawing attention to the aanger and the delays at the bridge, and suggesting that wig-wag signals be installed at Taramakau Bridge. The Chairman moved that the General Manager of Railways be written to, requesting that, in view of the present inconvenience, and the likely increase in traffic during the summer months, he should give some indication as to when a larger rail-car, as promised, would be put on. The motion was seconded by Mr. F. W. Shallcrass, and carried. Mr. T. E. Coates said that he understood a rail-car. to carry 50 people, intended for the West Coast line, was at present partially constructed in the Addington workshops, and the Department could not get the material to finish it. A sub-committee, consisting of Messrs McDonnell, Coates and the Secretary, was set up to report on Borough rates to the next meeting.