CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 November 1920, Page 4

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Tu'E'o.jA i r , NOVEMBER- 2nd. The morning meeting of Hid General Conimittc was lielcl at the County Chambers al JSio p.'m. Present: —- Messrs Perry (Chairman I, Wild, Duff, Butler, Ritchie, Stuart, Bruce, Houston, Nightingale and Evans (hon. sec.) Afiologi.es were made for the absence of .Messrs L’erham,. Williams; Wilson, and Mclntosh. The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed and the outward correspondence was read anil approved. [N'jVAlili tORRi^ONDENCE. I'To'ih the National Waterside' Labor 'ldmp|oyiuent (Association suggesting limit of weights, of sacks of potatoes to be not more than 206 lbs.—Received and agreed to as reasonable. From. lit. Hon. W. F. Massey acknowledging telegram regarding the Hiley scheigc at 'Christchurch. and stating the, matter would have the earnest. consideration of the Government. —-Received. F'rom iCantorbuiry Progress League thanking the Chamber for action taken in regard to the Hiley scheme; also expressing thanks for the support given to the proposal for ' the School of Foiestry to be established 'at Canterbury University College.—Received. From Hokitika Borough Council notifying tiiat the Council was supporting the request urging the Government to proceed with the Riley scheme at Christcliiircfi’ «W Ay tfelton.—Received with thanks. ' From . same agreeing that the Reserves Committee would co-operate with Mr AY. J. Butler regarding matters affecting the i’mprovdment of . Cass Square.—Received; Mr Butler said lie would be out of town till Saturday evening when he would he glad to confer with Mr G. A. Woo'd, Chairman of the Reserves ■ (Miririiittce that evening. GENERAL. Mr Butler mentioned that Mr Fowerncres of Canterbury would be visiting Westland this month to report in rc r gard to botanic research affecting forestry. Also that Mr ‘Hansson, the Assistant Director of Forestry would be visiting' the district immediately for general information regarding tho extent of Westland Forests. It was resolved to meet the gentlemen if possible, and discuss forestry prospects and administration. Mr Bruce referred to the fact that Cook’s Tours Office seemed to be unaware of the motor serving running b(B. twden Otira and Hokitika, in connection with tho overland service. It was resolved to notify Cooks Tours of the satisfactory Arrangements existing. The meeting concluded at 8.5 p.m. ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting was held immediately after. Air G. A. Perry (Prcsident) occupied tlip/ chair, and the same members were present. Air Ri. AVild (hon. treasurer) read the annual balance sheet for the year which showed a (jredit balance of £47 ss. The total receipts had been £155 3s. 3d, including £34 7s 7d carried forward from previous year. Members’ subscriptions had totalled £34 125., mail subsidies from'local bodies £33, and the hire of the picture film, £52 2s Bd, with bank interest £1 Is. The expenditure included £37/7/6 'for mail subsidies, £2O to the Progress 'League, and £24 to the County Council for clerical assistance, with additional items for miscellaneous expenditure. : The following were the financial members for the -yrilr: —Messrs Parham, Little, Houston, Duff, Graham. Nightingale, Bruce, Stewart, .Evans, Morel, Perry, Wild, Stua/ft, Delamare, AAhfcon,. Butler, . Ritciliie, Clements, Gibb- Keller, Mclntosh, Chapman, Coulson, Preston, Williams, King, Yar;rail, and Upjohn. The report was received and adopted, members expressing satisfaction at the return from the cinematograph picture and the credit balance now available. It was' resolved' to write to the Hokitika. Borough Council regarding Overdue mail subsidy. ANNUAL REPORT, NOV., 1920.

Another year of -service has run round, and your attention is asked while some of the principal matters of tlie year to engage attention, are referred to,

The Midland Railway i,s the outstanding work of importance to AA'estlaml, and it is gratifying to record that matters are now shaping well to ensure the speedier completion of the Otira tunnel and the linking up of the East and AA r est Coasts in the general railway systems of the South Island. The Public Works Statement recently delivered disclosed a very satisfactory condition of affairs relating to the completion of the Otira Tunnel. It seems evident that the Hon. J. G.

Coates, Minister of Public Works, has decided to concentrate on th 0 speedy completion of the work, and the Chamber may feel gratified that it associated itself in the effort to induce the Hon. Coates to visit th e district last May, and while in Westland malke a, personal inspection of the Otira works. It will be remembered that the Hon. Minister adjusted the labor difficulties satisfactorily and according to all accounts works are proceeding . quite smoothly find tlie workmen are contented and making good progress. Last financial year £50,000 were voted for the world and £03,000 spent. This year £125,000 is voted and largo contracts let for the electrification. It is estimated if the contracts are earned out to ■ trine, a'vote of no less than half a million' will be required next year to meet the expenditure on the tunnel works. This volume of expenditure indicates that the energies of the .Department are now being focussed on up of the works in order ter attain the earliest completion. This will be satisfactory to the people of Westland whp have waited so long and so patiently for this great arterial work, the (renjisaititm of which is so long overdue. Following the agitation which has gone on for so long, the promise of the earlier completion of the connection will he gratifying to the people who will h c gi-ateful to the Government for at hist realising in a. practical way tho national importance of the work. *

South A Vest land bridges have been a long-standing requirement, and over many years there has been a persistent agitation for the erection of tlie required structures to permit of motor traffic between Ross and AVaiho. Turn-

-> , f rig agaifi to tile public Works Statenent arid ti)o Estimates it will be found . iluiit liberal provision has been made 1 'or fclid urgent wo/rks, and one© again | there is evidence of the value of Mr | Doates’s visit to Westland during the | pear when the want of the bridges was , put forward as the most pressing of internal requirements. Here is a list if bridges in South Westland recognised arid provided for in the lately cireuliileci Estimates: Little Waitiilia B;ridgo £3,800. - Little Wanganui Bridge £8,900 Ataupau (Bridge £1,500. Dry Creek Bridge b IVtciCiillbugh Bridge > £3,600. McDonald’s Bridge ) Parker’s Creek Deviation £O2O. Waitangi 'Bridge £5,530. Wailio Kiver Bridge £5,000. Waikukupa Bridge £1,850. The above is a total of,, £30,300 for bridges on the main south road, and is a substantial recognition of the immediate wants of-ftfi’CN^listriet. The works being provided for epver all the important crossings on the main south road. .A tender for Little Waitaha bridge is accepted or about to, be. The northern approach to iLittle Wanganui river bridge has been commenced and portion (about half) of the local timber for the structure delivered. A tender lias been accepted for Ataupau bridge. Plans arc said to be ready for Little Wanganui and Waitangi, bridges, and tenders are being called for tlm supply of timber for the Waikiikupa bridge Various sitlrveys of sites have been made in connection with other bridge works. From this it will be seen that the preparations arc in a forward state, and the Department might be urged now to call for tenders at once for the Little Wanganui, and Waitangi bridges and prepare plans for Waibo bridge; also that the smaller bridges lie proceeded with as rapidly as possible. If local agitation is concentrated in this direction there would be every liop e of seeing all the structures above referred to in hand during the next year—which in view of th e early completion of the East and West Const railway will not be ,a moment too soon, for with facilities for quick travel, South Westland’s scenic ’attractions’ will be a special feeder to the passenger traffic over the Midland railway. Tlie Public Works Estimates contain provision also for small bridges on the Otira-Kumara road to the amount of £1,250. This is a satisfactory vote and its expenditure should be teen to at once. Ever since the Chamber has been interested in inaugurating the motor mail service to connect with the overland service, these small bridges have been agitated for, and it is satisfactory to find they are now in sight. The Automobile Association of Canterbury and Westland might be asked to co-operate in urging the early expenditure of the very necessary vote. Mention of the mottvr mail, service to and from Otira-Hokitika every TuesThursday and Saturday recalls the fact that the service is excellently conducted in punctuality and comfort for tLe travelling public, and. in the prompt delivery of the mails each evening for the business community. By the courtesy of Mr Stuart, Chief Postmaster, [mail matter for Hokitika, is now placed on the earlier coaches. This enables a more prompt departure of the motors from Otira to Hokitika, and the mails now reach here shortly after 6 p.m.— which is a special convenience all round and fully justifies the action of the Chamber in securing the establishment of the service.

!• Tlie Tourist Department votes for Westland this yea f are stronger than heretofore, but the Mines Department votes are less satisfactory. The Tour- ■ ist Department lias made provision for j works along Mahinapua Creek, and it is to be hoped this tourist resort will be jrestored to the public. lAt Lake Tvajnieri provision is made for a track up 1 Mouiit Tuhua whence a remarkably fine scenic panorama of Westland and its coast is obtainable. There is however, only a small vote of £3OO for improving Lake Kanieri road.' The permanent improvement of this road should become a matter for all *’nte‘rested in the' welfare of th e district, as. it leads to a beauty spot which erirapi times visitors from all parts of the : world,- 'airid popularised as it should i be by good means of communication, will be a, valuable asset to the toivn of Hokitika which will bo the starting point for tourists visiting the lake arid its attractive surroundings. Hero, again, the Automobile Association can lend influential help, and with concerted action by all interested, a point should be tnac\e to obtain a substantial vot e for the improvement of the road next year. It is a matter for regfet the votes under the Mines appropriations are not larger. Interest might well centre during the coming year in devising methods to assist in the encouragement and development of the industry, arid particularly in a definite policy of research to seek for the hidden mineral wealth which this-district must still contain.

Tlie fresh interest shown by sections of tlie cMim'unity in the coal deposits at Ivoiterangi is very gratifying. Local prospecting is proceeding and time will show whether the deposit is of any extent. It promises to he- at least equal to local requirements for lime burning and domestic uses in the district, and if ail inexpensive- method of working arid delivery down the hill is devised the coal will, perhaps, be brought out by motors for more general consumption. Leading up to the coal outcrop, tli e rough track at present ill use, gives' at various points a fine expansive view of the Koiterangi-Kokatahi settlement. This outlook should be better known, for it affords evidence of the land availabl 0 for pastoral pursuits in a district the size of which is not fully realised till inspected from an altitude such as Pisgah Point oil the ascent of Mount Camelback, affords. The Forestry policy of the country is of the greatest importance to AVestland, but so far very little has been disclosed of the action to be taken in the district, beyond the fact that practically all the forest crown lands of Westland have now been declared provisional state forest reserves. This action might impede the sawmilling'.industry by reason of tlie restrictions and regulations which have been suggested should be imposed. The position is such that some definite- idea should be afforded of tlie public policy, and this information should now he sought. It can be recognised that the forest lands

iif will in'- a great asset, but lh 0 people will be disposed rather to seeing them used now where possible rather than being looked up indefinitely Hor posterity. IA. clear statement of the policy as relating to the future of the district, affected so inuijli as it by the expansion of the swindling industry, would be welcomed certainly. The so called “Westland” experimental farm is to be established >n the Inangahua County, and £9,550 is voted for the.undertaking, £-5,000 of which.is for building a homestead and ( £2,550 for wages ,and £1,500 for ‘‘otter exponses”. This is hardly the “Westland” farm which was promised at flpkitika. by tiic late Hoh. MdNab, Minister of .Lands, niul Iris successors in the years gone hy. Since the Inarigahua- County site has been determined upon, promises were made to carry out, experimental work at Kokatnlu and elsewhere, hut these promises remain unfulfilled also. In connection with the project of a Westland experimental farm, it would bo. interesting to hnow the number of Departmental officers who have visited the district on the matter and the cost incurred thereby. There has been a. steady procession of

officers for years past and the cost to the .country in this -expense would have developed quite a. respectable farm' if the money had .been utilised in that direction. For the time being tVestlnnd is still to be without its experimental farm, but as the production of fodder is so vital to. the pastoral pursuits of tbb district, the.Hdn. Minister of Agriculture should f>o urged to make good the promises given in th c > past, and at . Kokatahi and. on terrace lands elsewhere carry out a class of experiments which without involving a large outlay, will demonstrate for a modest expenditure the. class of information pastoralists require regarding grasses and fodder plants generally, j The Chamber has been endeavouring during the year to enlist the attention 'of the Railway Department regarding increased loading space for timber. On * a former occasion when the question ! was raised there was th e promise that ; the.layout of the local railway station ! was to he reorganised, additional land ’ taken, and provision made for meeting the through railway, traffic to result j from the opening of the East and West ' Coast railway communication. Beyond

some survey work being done there tvas nothing to indicate that the matter is receiving attention. A. recent ,-isit to the District Traffic Manager threw no further light on the matter. Already there is a congestion regarding the stacking of timber and the matter calls for immediate attention. (This question together with the future of the Hokitika station in relation to the Midland traffic, are matters which would justify the Chamber, asking th e General Manager of New Zealand Railways to make his promised visit to Westland. There are other matters affecting siding ' accommodation at Kuinara, Araliura and elsewhere, also needing attention, which arranged, would be of value to the industry. Regarding telephones and mails, the public are now called on to pay higher rates without any increase in the conveniences. The second weekly mail to Waiho Gorge comes into force tins week, but is set down only for six months. With the higher tariff, and the fact that war conditions have passed. the Chamber has every reason to press for a return to the pre-war timetable, and ask that the twice weekly mail service should lie continued throughout the year. The Department is arranging for country telephones exchanges among the settlers of InterWanganui Flat, with the centre at Hari Hari. At both Upper Kokatahi and lxoiterangi groups of settlers are similarly arranging for country exchanges with the centre at Lower Kokatahi. Doubtless this useful system will spread to other settlement districts of the main line. The time has arrived, when ;i second telephone wire should he installed between Ross and Hari Hari at least, and this extra convenience should be requested. The Chamber has entered its protest against the increased charges lately imposed for telegrams, telephones and postages. The new tariff is a specia'l impost on country settlers, and this fact was pointed out, lnu the need for more revenue was the excuse given for the iiicrease, which will have to be borne apparently meantime —though it is questionable whether the Department will derive the enhanced return which was expected.

During the year, the Chamber moved actively regarding the Government announcing a policy in respect to papermaking. Westland has vast tracts of timber considered suitable for the purpose, as also h'ydro-ele'ctric power schemes, which could be developed in connection with the paper-making project. Th© Government, through the Forestry, Department is now having a report - made on the subject, while priyiite -enterprise, which had the matter in hand in the Taipo district in pre-war times, is again moving in regard to its scheme, and a.s the former rights to timber areas and water power are still intact, there is hope this venture

will materialise in due course. The Chamber has also kept under the notice of the authorities the possibilities of this neighbourhood as a suitable landing place' when aviation becomes established. The position and suitability of locations has been placed before the Air Board, and confidential enquiries have been answered on the same subject from source. The question of a flight across the Tasman Ocean has tjpeh suggested, arid if determined upon this, this part, of the South Island, the most aid,iacen-t to Australia, would be a riiost suitable landing place, particularly as in Mount Cook there is an outstanding point in the Southern Alps which would be a permanent sign-post for fixing the whereabouts of aviators approaching New Zealand from tlie west. The absence on this part of tho Coast from fogs or other drawbacks, is worthy of note also, as also is the -fact that in addition to good landings being afforded, there is in the shallow waters of Lake Mnhiriapua a very suitable landing filace for hydroplanes. During the past p'eriod the New Zealand Government, placed at the disposal of tlie Chamber the exhibition of the cinemritorgraph tour of the West Coast compiled bv the Government photographer. This was a creditable production from every point of view. Jt was shown successfully hereabouts, while it is now on the Dominion circuit t

iii sections, and the leading beauty spots of the district are thus being well advertised abroad. Later this very line picture is to be shown through Australia and in Britain. The picture was ‘•made” at the suggestion of the Chamber, and the thanks of members 1 are-due to the Govbrtiment for the consideration shown to the district in the matter. The year has seen a branch of the Canterbury,Progress League established . here, and the Chamber lias evbfy reason to welcome the new Committee which lias been set up to deal! with these general matters wJiicli count towards the progress of any community. The visit of the Canterbury delegation wilder the auspices of tiie League was an evidence of the activities of the local committee and an earnest of tlie interest taken in 'this district by our Canterbury friends. The party of gentlemen who toured the district front Otira to Waiho , Gorgo were much impressed with what they saw, and| carried away impressions very favourable to the district, the extent and resources of which were in a great

measure a revelation to them peisonally. The Canterbury Progress league has promised to co-operate in any district matter urged by the local committee of the) League .Brandi, and this influential support, backed as it is by so many Canterbury local bodies and members of Parliament, should carry great weight. Then the Chamber will be associated with the League in aUmattors pertaining to the welfare of the district, and this joint aid will be very useful as time goes by. A mater in uhicli the two bodies might become directly associated is tihat of the extension, of the South Westland railway, for which, unfortunately there is? again no provision on the Estimates. The .line beyond Ross has been authorised by Act of Parliament to the south side of the Mikouui river, a distance of about four milcs. The survey of the line from Ross to Waitalm, a distance of ten miles, has been authorised, and a distance of 2 miles 54 chains surveyed. Having had this practical •recognition by the authorities, the district is\entitled to ask that the work should be taken in hand, and the Chamber and Progress League' might confer on the subject as to an organised effort to induce the Government to recognise the starting of the work. Works of this magnitude are accomplished only by persistent agitation, and if the two bodies formed a joint District Railway Committee steps could be taken to urge the matter definitely and insistently. There are other matters which might

be referred to, but the report lias extended to considerable extent already. Suffice it to say that the Chamber has been watchful of the commercial and trading interests of the district, as well as its general welfare following the general development and progress of the country areas. There are schemes afoot how for hydro-electric development, for improved reading, and for other factors, all counting towards the betterment of the community interests and living. With regard to milling and land settlement, the industries are flourishing, and the district is growing in the value of its productions. Interest in mining, particularly by outside capital, is becoming more marked, and a great enterprise is developing at South Hokitika. These prospects give the promise of a greatly improved year being ahead, mid should result in useful work being afforded for the Chamber to undertake. It is gratifying to see the membership increasing and a wider interest taken in the work. The monthly meetings were better attended, and interesting papers on local subjects were supplied by Messrs Butler, Wild and John Murdoch. This is a branch of the Chamber business which might be extended if taken up by country members who do hot find it convenient to attend the meetings. They could, through papsis on various subjects, ventilate their opinions on district matters 01 cun out affairs, and so add to the value and worth of the general deliberations of the Westland Chamber of Commerce. The report was received with appreciation, and _it was resolved same be printed and circulated. Mr Wild referred to tile representation of Mr W. J. Butler, at the annual conference

of Association Chambers of Commerce, when several commercial and tradingmatters were under consideration. At the suggestion of Mr Butler action raising out of proposals referred to in tlie report was authorised, including letters to the Automobile Association regarding Kanieri Lake road and culverts on Christchurch road. Mr Houston being present at the meeting, iwas congratulated on his fortunate escape from the recent misadventure when crossing the Little Wanganui jriver. Mr Houston thanked the members for their remarks and said among the- messages he liad received was one from Mr iSeddon M.P. who stated it would not be, long before tenders were called for the erection of the bridge.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS. President—ail* G. 'A. Perry was reelected. and in accepting office stated the Chamber was to be congratulated on the useful work it was doing in the district.. ... - v Vice-President—Mr W. J. Butler. .Treasurer—Mr J. Ritchie. Mr Wild declining renomination owing to the pressure of other duties., , Hon. Secretary—Mr D. J. Evans. 'General Committee—Messrs R. Wild, M. Houston, P. R. Stewart,, It. F. Perhani, A. Aifkeri, ,T. W. Bruce, W. TOon,.T. W.^Duff,. j. J. Mclntosh, ji. Ritchie, R. E. Cranston, g. J. Ford, C. J. Nightingale. . Consulting County 'Representatives: jOfcijr-a —Mi. iFitzgeraid; Cjhristchurch Road—Jas. Fitzgerald; , Stafford—G. Linklater; Arahura—iß. Ward; Ririiu— A. Ross—S. u P. Evans; viraitaha—Jas Cropper; Hari 'Hari—W. St. Geojrge; Wataroa—S. Richardson; Waiho—Jas. Graham;...Weheka—M. Sullivan; Bruce Bay—R. Ritchie; Okuru— W. D. Nolan. ’ , Votes of thanks were, carried to the Committee for past services and to the press for the publicity and assistance given flie Chamber and its work. The meeting ,coucludecl. at 9^p. m .