CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 February 1921, Page 4

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9th

The monthly meeting of the above Chamber was held at the County Chambers at 7.30 o’clock. There were present:—Messrs W. J. Butler (Vice-Pre-sident) in the chair, R. Wild, M. Houston, T, W. Duff, S. J. Ford, It. Cranston, J. Ritchie, T. W. Bruce, and D. J. Evans.

An apology was made lor the absence of Mr G. A. Perry.

Mr Cranston was welcomed to a seat on the Chamber by the Chairman. - Tim minutes of the previous meeting were' confirmed.

The outward correspondence whs read and approved. Arising out of the latter, the Hon Secretary reported on an interview at Christchurch with Chairman and West Coast members of the Canterbury Education Board regarding school matters at Wataroa. The Chairman said the Board was anxious to assist, and a master was being sent down for the opening of the school term. The Boaid was prepared to establish the school in the Wataroa hall pro tern, providing not less than the present roll was maintained to ensure the accepted salary being received by the master. The Government was still being pressed for a grant to build a larger school at a more central site, and it was hoped a finality on this application would he reached very shortly. It was resolved to acquaint the residents of the gist of the above interview. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE. From Grey mouth Chamber of Commerce, asking support in the representations to the Government in respect to assisting immigration.—Received and resolved to support the action. From Minister of Lands and T. E. \. Seddon, M.P.. on the subject of acquiring land for a soldiers’ settlement at Little Wanganui.—Received. It was reported that the negotiations had fallen through and the land was now being offered by public auction. From T. E. Y. Seddon, M.P., communicating a reply from the Minister of Marine in regard to the construction of Bruce Bay Landing, and stating the matter was under consideration.—Received. It was resolved to further urge the construction of the work.

From Minister of Education, replying that when sufficient dental service was available it is hoped to be able to make arrangements for subsidised dentists to visit schools etc. in outlying districts.—Received with thanks. From Canterbury Progress league, dealing with local matters affecting public works, and notifying the projected visit of the Rt Hon Mr Massey. —Received with thanks.. In respect to the Prime Minister’s visit, it was decided to leave local district requirements to the local bodies, and take up commercial matters with the Minister of Finance, specially including the necessity for economy in the public departments and a readjustment of the burden of taxation. Under the present system there was discontent and a restriction on enterprise. A new adjustment was requisite. Mr Butler was appointed to represent the Chamber at any public deputation where the questions mentioned could bo properly raised. S. Richardson,' Mfttainui, telegraphed in regard to the support of the Chain-

her in reference to school matters at Wataroa.—Received and dealt with under the report of the Hon Secretary above referred to. From A. J. Harrop, reporting that his thesis on the early history of West-

land was now complete up to the time of the abolition of the Province in

1876, and enquiring what support would he given to thF publication of a volume containing 200 pages of reading matter, ten illustrations and two maps.—Received. The Hon Secretary reported on a conversation with Mr Harrop at Christchurch last week, and said the latter would be in the district shortly, when a sub-committee of the Chamber might discuss details with Mr Harrop. Messrs Perry, Butler, Wild and Evans were appointed a sub-committeo to confer and report. From the Associated Chambers of Commerce, forwarding annual reports. Received and distributed, and annual subscription passed for payment. Various circulars were also read. GENERAL.

Mr Ritchie, hon treasurer, reported in regard to receipts. A vote of £3 was granted to assist in providing motor cars to tako the Chautauqua lecturers to Lake Kanieri this month.

Mr Ritchie strongly urged the erection of Waiho river bridge at the Gorge. Mr Bruce supported the urgency of the work. It was explained a preliminary grant Had been provider} by the Government, and it was intended to proceed with the erection of the structure as soon as the necessary material could be imported for a suspension bridge.

Mr Houston enquired in regard to the position for clearing Maliinnpua creek for boat traffic. It was stated UHOO was available this year for the work, as also £3OO for the road to the Falls. These works were in the bands of tho County Council, and the Overseer was now preparing the proposals for the expenditure. It was hoped to have the works carried out before next tourist season.

Mr Wild thought something should be done regarding a lock, and also in cutting the weeds in the lake. The matter ot the early visit oi the Ministei in Charge of the Tourist Department was mentioned, and it was suggested the matters could be brought under his notice if Mr Nosworthy would visit the creek and lake. Mr Bruce moved that a letter of congratulation lie sent to the Minister of Internal Affairs applauding the attitude he had taken up in regard to a stricter film censorship, and stating the action indicated was in accord with the views of the Chamber. Mr Butler heartily supported, as did also other members and the motion was canied unanimously. Mr Wild referred to the desirability of seeking to bring about a revival in mining. Mr Bruce and others spoke in support of action, and it was mentioned that the subject might lie brought under the notice of Mr Massey, who was also Minister of Mines. The meeting concluded at 0.15 o’clock.