CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 May 1921, Page 1

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

TUESDAY, MAY 3

The Chamber met at 7.40 p.m.. at the County Chambers. Present Messrs W. J. Butler (vice-President), in the chair, R. Wild, T. W. Bruce, D. J. Evans, J. Ritchie, 0. J. Nightingale and ,T. J. Mclntosh. An apology was made for the unavoidable absence of the President (Mr G. A. Perry). The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed. The outward correspondence was approved. Arising out of same it was resolved to write the principal Chambers of Commerce in the Dominion and ask their support to a request to the Government to extend the holding of the licensing polls from three years to nine

years, so as to give proprietors some stable guarantee regarding building necessary additions etc to accommodate the increasing number of travellers who in most centres at different periods of the year find it difficult to secure suitable accommodation. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE.

From Prime Minister, promising consideration to Chamber’s representations in regard to extending the period between licensing polls from three years to nine years.—-Received. From Minister of Justice, stating careful consideration would lie gievn to the request to hold Court sittings at Hnii Hari.—Received. From U.S.S. Coy., replying that the matter of securing the regular connection of the s.s. Wahine with the Midland railway service at Christchurch was engaging attention.—Received.

From Canadian Trade Commissioner, Auckland, notifying the compilation of an importers and exporters directory, and enquiring for particulars of local firms desiring to be included in this book of reference. —Received. Tt was decided to notify the public interested by advertisement. From British Empire Chamber of Commerce in United States forwarding monthly journal from New York, and stating the object was to facilitate and encourage trade and commerce between any part of the British Empire and the United States.—Received. From Minister of Internal Affairs, regretting' after full consideration the request to assist in the publication of the proposed “History of Westland could not be acceded to.—Received, and resolved to discuss the matter with the Minister of Education when in the district shortly.

From Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, asking support t-o a request to the Government to set up a Royal Commission to enquire into the proper principles and incidence of all taxation in New Zealand.—Received; to be complied with.

From S. W. Richardson, correspondent at Matainui, suggesting on behalf of local residents that the post office he established permanently at the accommodation house which was more central, and the stopping place for the mail coach.—Received. It was explained tlic Chief Postmaster had been consulted and he had reported existing arrangements were quite satisfactory to the Department, and a change did not appear justified. From the Farmers Co-operative Coy. Hamilton .forwarding particulars of annual meeting, and printed matter relating to progress of company.- -Received. From Auckland Chamber of Commerce supplying copy of printed annual report.—Received. From Bristol Chamber of Commerce (England) forwarding copy of booklet dealing with Bath and West Bristol annual show.—Received. From Forestry Department. British Columbia, forwarding booklet dealing with uses of oregon timbers for manufacturing purposes.—Received. From C. A. Jolley, owner of the “Wakaiti,” drawing attention to the state of the surf boat at Bruce Bay, and suggesting a small expenditure be incurred to make a temporary boat landing behind the Flower Pot rock. Received, and referred to the County Council, and a copy of the letter he sent to the Public Works Department as an indication of the special urgency for proeeding with Bruce Bay Landing

for which a sum of money has been voted for years past.

GENERAL.

Accounts to the amount of £43 8s (3d

were passed for payment. It was resolved to apply to the local bodies for contributions overdue in respect to the

Itira mail subsidy. Mr ,J. Ritchie, lion Treasurer, was ppointed to sign cheques. Wth regard to the advancement ol

the works at Otira Tunnel, it was resolved to enquire from the Progress League, Christchurch, as to the nature of the progress at the works of late. Mr Mclntosh spoke of the necessity

of putting in a few small culverts over the water crossings on the Mikonui to Waitnhn road, the open dips at'present beino- a menace to motor car traffic. It was decided to refer the matter to the Public Works Department. The neeessity for a planked crossing at the soft ford of the Waitangi river was mentioned as a temporary expedient pending the construction of the

proposed bridge. The suggestion was referred to the Resident Engineer. Mr McTntosh further drew attention to the present defect in the weir at the Little AVaitaha ford, which caused a deep gut in the centre of tlio crossing. Tho suggestion put forward was that a top log of -the breastwork on the smith side he removed so as to give tho water a better spread, and avoiding the present low place which was the cause of tho scour in the ford now complained of. It was resolved to write to the Resident Engineer, and suggest consideration to the proposal mentioned. The Chamber rose at 9 p.m.