CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Hokitika Guardian, 14 December 1921, Page 4

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

TUESDAY, DEC. 13. The regular meeting of the above C'liamlKT was held at the County Chambers at 7.15 o’clock. Rresont: Afessrs T. W. Duff (voted to the chair), d. Ritchie, W. Wilson, T. XV. Bun®, .1. A!orris, .1. J. .Mclntosh, D. J. Evans, and Dr Teichelnntnn. Apologies were made for the absence oi Messrs Rut let , Wild, Williams, Rerham, Houston and Nightingale. The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed und life outward curie spot tde uce appr< >ve.d. INWARD CORRKSPONI)EN( E

Froi* Acting Chic 1 EosLma.sL r. acknowledging offer of Chamber to give increased subsidy for the* year to the JJokilika-.Olira motor mail service.— Received.

In connection with the receipt of the letter it was stated that Horn the end ol Uio year the local office was to he reduced in status. Jt was explained that as it consequence the alteraL a would be inconvenient for hanking and other purposes, and in view ot the rising prospects of the district it was resolved to write the RostnJ He )>uincut, pointing cut how public business would he affected.

From A. 11. Stuart, writing a cordial letter thanking the Clamber lor is expression of appreciation of his services while discharging the duties ol ":ief Postmaster at Hokitika.

Erotii President, Auckland Chamber .f Commerce, appreciating report circulated by the Westland Chamber on the progress apd prospects of South Westland, and agreeing much more should he thine by the Tourist Department to bring the attractions of the district under the notice of the outside public—Received with thanks. Front Auckland Chamber of Commerce, forwarding copy of President’s address on taxation proposals. —Received.

From Board of Trade, forwarding leaflet on saw millers’ costs and prices. —Received. From Australian Trade Expansion Coy., Ltd., Auckland, drawing attention to the virtues of nieat-tlour which is destined to grow into an important Dominion industry.—Received. It was stated meat-dour was debited as the lean meat oi sheep or cattle reduced lu a special process to a line flottr or meal, and that it was of high nutritive value. From Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, forwarding (i'-’tid annual report. Received with thanks.

From 11. F. Wigram, Cbristchiui i. forwarding copies of the three prize assays on the use of aircraft for the defence of New Zealand —Received. It was explained that one of the essayists in his scheme proposed an aerial station at Hokitika for three machines as part of the defence system. From Rt TTou AY. E Massey. Hons Anderson and Lee. Auckland, XcUoii and (irevmoiitb Chambers of Commerce, T. E. Y. Seddon, M.P.. regarding amendment to the Customs tariff affects

ing timber and mining machinery.— Received.

From N’.E. Associated Chambers ol Commerce, Wellington, im w .:: not:: pay.tje.ulars of Jute Conference a,t Christ church, and stating a ’.ion J various matters. —Received. Printed matter from various source, was also received. GENERAL.

Curtailed Ross train serve .'. :i :- matter was taken up and discussed. Ultimately Air Bruce moved and Air .Mclntosh seconded that a protest , - made to the authorities at the drastic “ept” which was proving so very inconvenient to the public.—Carifd.

It was juither resolved to communicate with the Buss foiiiicil anil enquire what arrangements could he made regarding a motor service Iron: Rc-s "i ITolcitiJtn and return tut Tuesdays and Thursdays, the Chami'er to sunnoit a subsidy grant in that direction it pra"l.jcuhjc arrangements could he made. Motor forejing at Waiiangi river. AH McllHosh said it was do/nahle to do something in the mate:'. A k’.e:: settle,!' if cppn.ccled with Hi' :i■ system oiler,ed l” haul a.I enis mi i.s tile ford for C3"9 per annum. d. Rile hie referred to ..'hat the County Council was endeavouring to do a :■ maLier, and ultimately the unit! r ■ referred t «.> .Messrs Meln I■•> ■ and ‘ l ' to ae, oil helm II ol the t hamber. ()}f tli.e motion ,of Alt' ifit !’ • ■' : ' resolved to urge tenders he ■<'! ! a once for Waitaim l In algo. Kumnj'u-Wnimcii water :ae. Mr Puff referred to the im-icmcd ehM..vr for water, and explained it "*•'t‘ 1 Clippie mining. The inerca was a handicap nil lho,-e engaged i g 'he u dust r.". 1: tyus revolve.! to a h t- "" sideratiun of the m ,: '. r ... 1 ; any d.a -ti- a- :io.i ' : : 1: : ' r .'dines made hi- iMomeed • ’•••' “ di-lriel. ANN I'AJ. .MEETING. The annual meeting ui ’• was then held, Air Huir pivsidLi;.-. Air J. Ritchie, li»n Treasurer, p: '■ - sen ted the balance sued >::• u-y. ■' total revenue of £l2> i«s ! ‘ : ' £(52.57 liroughi ior.'ar'!:. Idue t.v.n 35 fin:.ncial memhers. i»d the le al h .-dies had runtr 'd"d : . ' 11 e:;|iendiiiiiv ride £•>! 1 had been p:*id nut. tor tlio oi ’’ v motor mail to and from (> ! ::n : '' for mounting war tronhios. t-’l toclerical assistance, and £lO 3; t printing and adve t isuig. I •' expenditure was f -‘R*' ” a < red if bah,nee M both ' The assets were V ”■ ; " ; " liabilities C 9 15s. The -lu'e.d"" ret eived and •■td:q>t> ■t. T'-e Ullltmd t ’ a'- !v ’ ; *d tt 1

During tli" i'M'llcrs of import:.,.- I.i’il M-o •nrtH.sf Hmulum -I the Chamber. !■ i“ -o,ti~l.ii*l,*ry to t,o aHIo to or: u«*riil work... re* t t,, many mat! '- dea 1 . . Tim mail for completing il"' llailway remains the. oiilslam.inir of im|M>rtan<i‘ in this district, vorv gratifying to Ho alilo to say that under all tho eire.imstnnvcs a very optimistic report can now Ho made. 11 ho entire works aro proceedin': very satisfactorily. Tho tunnel was duly pierced, tho accuracy of alignment .effecting the highest'credit on the engineering staff. The laying of the permanent wav is in .progress and it is expected will he completed within three months time. The other internal work is proceeding equally satisfactory. Outside, the many matters to he attended to. are haying attention. Tho station sites are being prepared, and the work is showing good progress. The power station is in course of erection and is being well advanced. The plant and material for operating the tunnel are coming to hand quite satisfactorily. Much of it is being slopped ahead ot time. Arrangements are completed_ for assembling tho large motors at Addington. and from tlienee they will be towed to Arthur’s Pass. Tt is possible that by the end of February material for the power station and the western mu; of the tunnel will he railed through for erection purposes. Tin’s achieved the work will he considerably accelerated The only delay at the moment to record is that in connection with the erection of the railwav men’s houses at the tunnel ends. The high cost of the tendors received is said to be holding * l l’ this portion of the work. Pome san„uine hopes aro expressed at Otira about the possibilities of through traffic a few months hence, so that it should he safe to anticipate that 1022 will witness the culmination of all our hopes and anticipations in regard to the final completion and linking up of East and West Const railways. This is very good news and will he a source of satisfaction to all concerned that this long delayed and much protracted work is within sight.of early completion. In connection with this pleasing prospect it would bo an oversight not to appreciate the persistency of the Government at this stage in hastening the work to completion. Despite the financial difficulties which have caused a .curtailment of public works expenditure, it is to the credit of the Minister of Public Works that ■funds have been apportioned in sufficient, quantity to maintain most satisfactory progress with the work, and at the same time meet the monetary engagements in respect to the electrical equipment for operating the tunnel traffic which in itself is a very substantial item. Tt may he assumed that tho desire to complete tho railway is the full realisation of the merits of the Fast and West Coast agitation as to the reproductive' nature of the trade and intercourse which will be possible once the two sides of the Island are linked up

WiD regard to the Smith Westland rend bridges the conditions are such as te warrant a favourable report. During the year the Chamber ngitited very actively for bridging the Little Wanganui river, and the result has been eminently satisfactory, for the work is now in progress. The Little Wnitahn bridge is completed so far as the structure itself is concerned, and the approaches have now to be mndo. A large cutting lias to be made on the north side, and the spoil taken out will be trucked across the bridge and make up the south approach. The earth work is to lie started very soon, according to promise, and the bridge and road should he available in about ten weeks’ time thereafter. The Tata re bridge near Wailio Gorge lias been camplered and opened for traffic. Of the larger streams 'still unbridged on the main road to Wailio Gorge there remains but the Waitangi river. 'Hiere is a parliamentary vote for this work and last week the Minister of Public Works premised Mr Soddon M.P. tenders would bo called for the erection of the bridge. The smaller creek crossings which are at times a menace to traffic are to be taken in hand as funds permit, but on the whole in tlie light of the financial sringenoy prevailing, very good results have lieen achieved for the year. The attention to the special requirements of the south is very pleasing and it is only right that the action should be appre-

eiated. The new Estimates are .not' likely to contain many additional bridge ' votes. The immediate future in regard to public: works expenditure depends on the 'fate of the five million loan for | which authority is now being talon, i Em during the coining year with the . opening of the Tittle Waitaha bridge, the completion of the Little Wanganui | bridge for traffic, and tlm under- | taking of the Waitangi bridge, the | traffic) south will bo well catered for, and within twelve months we should se.e all the important river crossings from Hokitika to Waiho Gorge safely bridged. Of tlio smuUers bridges there are votes for Parker’s Creek, Dry Creek, M.oCulloiigb’s Creek and McDonald’s Cjeok all on the main south road. Parker’s Creek which involves a deviation will probably bo done shortly, ami there is much need for the other small bridges, for which there is an unexpended vote of £3,600. It is understood some small provision will he made for Waiho river bridge this year sis a guarantee that the work will not oe lost sight of, b,lit as Waitangi bridge lias first to be erected, bridging the Waiho u ill be deferred for a year. The timber for Waikukupa bridge on the far south ■road is not being delivered, and the bridge itself will it is expected he erect, ed dining the year. An officer is to be sent south iu the new year with regard to the liruce Bay Landing and riie deviation of the main south road at {slippery Face on the Maori laddie. The former work should he pressed for as soon as the proposals! are ready as au improved means of landing is required most urgently. The motor mail service subsidised by the Chamber to and from Otira lias been conducted satisfactorily, and is a. great convenience all round. Now that motors are coining into more general iiso in South Westland, and with the facilities afforded for traffic by the I- id ring of the rivers, the settlors in dial' quarter are looking for improved mail services. As far as Waiho Gorge mails twite a week arc required and the Chamber has ah ays supported such services. The frequency of mail services l inland places is now being governed ■by the cost, but to a rising district s..cb as the south, where dairying is e ponding special consideration should l,e oted. and no doubt the Chamber v. ill continue to press for tko most liberal concessions to the settlors. The Chamber joined with other bodies in seeking amendment of the tariff prop'sals dealing with timber and gold dredging machinery. In regard to the former. Parliament did not go beyond

tile proposals brought flown l.y the Government. but in respect to tho latti r there Inis been <i r remise insulo to gaol • oiuossimis on the linos suggest-

\s If* tlit* future it will lie for tlie ( bander to nniintuin its advocacy of c'istiiit r.i'f|iiiromenls, which in n voting o'umlvy soil) 11s this arc many and varii as. Miipng promises to take a new le.'oo of life, as ;i result of the very sue-i .ssful drodgitig operations on Smith Hokitika where handsome returns are li-ing received week by week. The dredge driven by electric power has demonstrated what can he done with our alluvial anrifeionis flats. The returns are not being made public, but in an unofficial way it is gleaned that they are ipiite satisfactory and are encouraging the enterprising promoters to extend their operations. For this purpose greater electric power is to bo developed and a more powerful dredge designed. This is very good news indeed, and indicates that in respect to gold mining the industry still lias an indefinite period of production ahead of it. While thus it cannot be said that the mining era .of the Coast is finished, other activities tire developing. Settle rnent lias grown, and dairying is developing. Sawmilling is another flourishing industry of prime importance. Both mining and sawmilling are mainly peculiar to the Coast, and are not so general elsewhere. In other eases 'iiev are overshadowed by other activities and so are not so important in the public oye they are to a district such as this. Their maintenance in fullest activity is thus of great- importance and a body such as this can do useful service for the industries by watching their interests. There are various ways in which this can and the necessary attention should he given closely. The immediate wants of Westland have been summarised under twelve headings. They may lx* enumerated here as a list for consideration during Hie forthcoming year, which rr<»nWeto be an important year for Westland :

WESTLAND WANTS. 1. —Completion of Midland Railway. 2. -South Westland Road Bridges. 3. Lake Knnieri Tourist Resort popularised. 4—South Westland Railway Extension. 6. —lmprovement of Southern Ports. 6. - Drainage of Swamp Lands. 7. Experimenal Farm Demonstration. 8. Research Work and Mineral Prospecting. 9. Hydro-Electric Power Development!. 10. —Reafforestation of Waste Lands. 11. Establishment of Paper-making. 12. —Creation of Secondary Industries. The report was received and adopted. ELECTION OK OFFICERS. President —Mr 0. A. Perry. Vice-President—Mr W. J. Butler. Mon. Treasurer —Mr J- Ritchie. Mon Secretary—Mr D. J. Evans. General Committee—Messrs A. Aitken, T. W. Ilruoe. R. E. Cranston, T. W. Duff, S. J. Ford, XL M. Houston, J. .). .Mclntosh, C. Nightingale, R. !•’. i’crbnm. If. Teiebelnumn, R. Wild, ,1. Wilson. ■ COUNTY CONSULTING REPRESENTATIVES. Otira : M. Fitzgerald ; Christchurch Road, Mr Jos Fitzgerald; Kumnra, the .Mayor; Stafford, .Mr G. Linklater; Arabura, Mr B. Ward; Kokatahi, All* L. H. ilorel; Rinat, Mr A. Clifton; Ross, the -Mayor; Waitaha, Alt' .1. Cropper; llari Mari, Mr XV. St George; Wutaroa, Air S. Richardson; XVaibo, Mr A. Graham; XVeheka, Mr M. Sullivan ; Bruce Bay, Mr B. Ritchie; Okuru, Mr XV. D. Noiap. At the close of the annual meeting .Mr Evans was invited to give an account of his recent holiday trip to Australia, and in the course of half an hour’s address detailed some ol liis experiences and impressions in the Commonwealth.

The meeting rose at 9.45 p.m