CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 April 1921, Page 1

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

TUESDAY, APRIL sth

The Chamber sat at 7.40 p.m. Present; Messrs R. Wild (voted to the chair), Ritchie, M. H. Houston, T. IV. Bruce, W. .j. Butler and D. J. Evans. The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed. INWARD COR RESPONDENCE. The Prime Minister replied that the waterfront dispute had been settled and the men had now resumed work.— Received. The Automobile Association wrote in respect to a vehicular turn-out on the Hokitika railway bridge.—Received. S. V. Richnrdason, Matainui, reported a movement to close the Okarito court and open same at Hnri Mari, and pointed out the Wataroa district was a more central centre.- Received and copy of letter to he sent to the Justice Department for information and investigation. OVERLAND MAILS. Reference was made to the frequency with which the the s.s. Wahine was missing the train connection of Into, and it was resolved to write the H.iS.S. Cov and ask that steps l>e taken to improve the service so as to ensure regular connection. Tn connection with the overland mails, it was resolved to appreciate tho action of the Postal authorities for tho steps taken to make a, connection by motor, when the steamer missed. TOURIST TRAFFIC. The Chairman laid on the table copies of the travel number of “The Australian” published in New York in which appreciative references were made to Westland and Hokitika scenery. Arising out of the foregoing and the increasing volume of tourist traffic the question of the shortage of hotel accomodation was referred to. It was pointed out the insecurity of the license tenure was a drawback to further enterprise in building. After discussion Mr Butler moved that in view of the increasing tourist traffic and the necessity of providing additional hotel accommodation, the Government lie urged to amend the Licensing BoDs Act in the flirci-l mu of extending the period hi-tween polls from three veins to nine years, as an encouragement to hotelkeepers to enlarge accommodation and improve the conveniences for the travelling public. Mr Ritchie seconded.— Ca rried.

LITTLE WANGANUI CROSSING. Reference was made to the daugei and difficulty of crossing Little Wanganui river of late owing to the deep lord. It was pointed op* motor traffic was increasing and facilities were required lor a safe crossing in minor floods or tile trallic would be brought to a stand-still,

Alter discussion it was resolved to suggest a. temporary low-level bridge be creeled, and the County Council he asked to allow Overseer Millner to prepare a design and an estimate of a suitable stricture, and when the informa l ion is available a. conference ol all interested ho called to consider ways and means for the erection of the proposed bridge, crossing to meet temporary requirements pending the erection of the main structure by the Government.

The meeting concluded at 8.-10 p.m