CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 February 1922, Page 4

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Tn:smv. ckic m. ] The Chamber mot at 7.40 p.ig. Pre- j sent Messrs W. J. Butler (chair),* J. Ritchie, ,11.,.Wi1d, M. H. Houston, ! W? Wilson, 'J. J. McTntoslij C. J. ' Nightingale, : and D. J. Evans. I The minutes or tlie previous.meeting i were confirmed, and the outward correspondence was approved. .INWARD CORRESPONDENCE. From Commissioner of State Forests stating arrangements were in band to establish an experimental afforestation on a large reserve near Hokitika, and if satisfactory the experiment would he developed to the fullest extent of the financial resources of the Forest Service.—Received with thanks. From Secretary, Postal Department, stating the- three Coast postal districts had been amalgamated with Greyniouth

as the centre; and that savings bank business would be conducted as heretofore at Hokitika without any extra inconvenience to depositors.—-Received. From Secretary, Marine Department, replying that the Bruce Bay Landing survey was authorised, the staff noiv being available.—Received with thanks. From S. W. Richardson, correspondent for Wataroa district, urging that the new school at Matainui he proceeded with, enquiring the position regarding the erection of Waitangi bridge, and drawing attention to tlie alleged overloading of passenger cars to and from the district. —Received. From Canterbury Education Board, replying that tlie erection of the Wataroa school was now in hand, and any recent delay was caused by waiting for seasoned timber.—-Received with thanks.

From S. W. Richardson, further letter, stating a local petition to the Government regarding the delay in reference to Waitangi bridge, was being signed, and again mentioning the matter of loading of cars.—Received. It was stated that extra provision was expected on the Supplementary Estimates for Waitangi bridge and it was hoped tenders would lie called for the work in the near future. Regarding the loading of cars, it was explained that this was mainly due to intending passengers not notifying in advance or hooking seats, in which case extra car accommodation was provided. Tlie same experience was noticeable, the Chairman remarked, on the Otira-Hokitika run, notwithstanding that the passengers were notified when leaving Christchurch to hook their seats. Invariably more passengers turned up at Otira than the number of seats booked iii advance. It was then a question of inconveniencing tlie intending passengers by leaving them behind, and as very often the south people were travelling on important business, such a course would have been specially inconvenient. It was explained that the Chamber, in. ary case, had no jurisdiction in the; matter, hut the publicity given to the; discussion would remind travellers of' the advisability of hooking in advance! so that necessary car accommodation; world he forthcoming. ! From Will Lawson, organiser N.Z.j Forestry League, Wellington, stating] he was commencing a lecturing tour of' Canterbury in regard to afforestation and other forestry features, and would be glad to include .Westland in his: itinerary.—Received and resolved toj encourage the proposed visit to West-, land. •

From Minister of Lands, replying to protests against recent .forest legislation, stating the clause objected to hnd been passed by Parliament.—.Receved. The Chairman said the latest news from Wellington was to the effect, Die position, serious as it was, was now being reviewed. Sir F. D. Bell had written to the Sawmillers’ Federation stating a further amendment was being introduced 'to the Bill by Governor’s Message securing the wardens’ powers affecting renewals over reservations and licenses. The Chairman said this would he satisfactory he thought, and he detailed the course of action taken' in the matter in Wellington. Thanks were expressed to the 1 Chamber for the prompt action taken in forwarding a protest, and to Sir F. D 1 Bell for th e favorable action proposed in the matter.

From R. Ritchie, correspondent Bruce Bay district, reporting the Public Works officer had completed tlie surreys of Bruce. Bay landing and Slippery Face deviation, and suggesting a copy of the engineer’s report be obtained. — Received with thanks, and action authorised accordingly. From Hokitika Borough Council and Westland County Council agreeing to co-operate in Local Bodies’ Conference. —Received. From State Forest Service acknowledging resolution passed at Local Bodies’ Conference in respect to afforestation.—Received. From Hon Minister of Mines as follows: ’•

1 have to acknowledge the receipt of i your letter of the 27th inst. forwarding copy of a resolution passed at a con- , for cnee of* Ideal bodies 1 recently held at , Hokitika in regard to mining. I have . noted the tbriiis of the resolution and in reply would' point out that the Government has at all times been only too willing, with the finances at its disposal, to foster the mining industry, and proof of this is shown by 1 the expenditure which it has incurred on mining in the past. Yciur communication is rather indefinite in character as to what further 1 action your' Chamber considers should be taken to further the interests of mining, and I shall therefore he glad if you will kindly ' furnish me with full particulars of any proposal which you have to offer to assist the Department in the matter, and what financial assistance the local bodies are willing to offer by virtue of the powers conferred 1 on them under the Mining Act of 1908. —Received. Mr Wild' suggested the letter bo published'in full, and the public invited to send in suggestions in regard to furthering mining developments throughout the district. This courso was agreed to. Mr Butler gloved further that it would be an advantage if papers or articles dealing with district matters dealt with at the Local Bodies’ Con- | feienco could be contributed from time j to time as a means of extending public knowledge on the matters under 3is-i ouseion. -Mr JjTightingale seconded.—l| Carried. It is now open for the public j generally to contribute papers along the lines indicated in the resolution. ) From P. R, Chime, Christchurch, fop- 1

warding copy of .paper prepared on the' subject of ■ ‘‘The Chamber of Commerce movement in America.”- —Received with thanks. GENERAL. Mr Wild referred to the projected visit of the Hon Minister of public Works, and stated ,Mr Coates should be invited to visit South Westland. Mr Clements, added Mr Wild, had offered to .place a motor car at the disposal of the Minister tot visit Waiho , Gorge. It wa« resolved to acknowledge tlie offer with a vote of thanks, and convey the offer to Hon Mr Coates, with a request that lie might tour ,also, the .far south district. The. Hon. Treasurer (Mr. Ritchie) reported the funds in handi were £9 5s 6d. Received. It was resolved to appeal to members for the payment of the annual subscription now due. The meeting concluded at 8.30 o'clock.