WESTLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 September 1922, Page 4

WESTLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5. Tho monthly meeting was held at the Countv Chambers at 7.30 o'colck Present: Messrs G. A. Perry (President), W. J. Butler, R. Wild, T. W. Duff, J. Ritchie, C. J. Nightingale, T. W. Bruce, D. J. Evans, and Dr Teiehelmann.

The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed and the outward corres pondence approved. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE.

From Prime Minister, acknowledging letter expressing satisfaction at , the ratification of the tariff agreement with Australia, and stating same had been communicated'to the Hon .Minister of Customs. —Received.

From Same, expressing thanks for appreciation extended on the appointment of Mr F. T. Samlford as Immigration Officer at London, and stating the letter had been forwarded to the Hon Minister of Immigration—Received.

From AV.E.A. Grey District Committee, appealing for funds to carry on the educational work of the branch. —Received and regret expressed funds were not available for the purpose.

From Office Appliances Section of the British Chamber of Commerce, asking support to British manufactured for office use including all office appliances.—Received and approved. From N.Z. Taxpayers’ Federation, Wellington, forwarding copy of Taxation Commission report, and other printed matter bearing on aspects of taxation.—Received with thanks.

From Development Agent, Cardiff, forwarding particulars of the port of Cardiff, “the world’s great coal port.” —Received with thanks. From Customs Department, forwarding copies of the International Customs ournnl. —Received with thanks. MAIN .SOUTH ROAD—ROSS TO FERGUSONS.

* From Clements Motors, Ltd., Hokitika, as follows: We wish to draw your earnest attention to the portion of the road between the Mikonui and Fergusons which D in such a deplorable state now that : r it gets any worse motor traffic sonU wil he stopped altogether. We have written to the Postal Department bill can get no satisfaction from them. Wo have to state that the road referred to is so had, with ruts nearly eighteen inches deep, that when the. wheels of the cars are in the ruts the axles are scraping along the road and we have had several springs broken lately and other damages done to the cars and the ears can only travel on low gear, with an effort, for seven miles, thereby taking nearly an hour longer on the journey. As you know the state ot llie road lias been brought about entirely owing to the motor timber lorry traversing the road three times a day ami at too high a speed. Wo must point out that when tenders were put in for the carriage of mails south they were partly based <•" (he then condition of the roads and it is most unfair to our firm that the road is allowed to get into such a sta'when we are carrying the mails. U the motor timber lorry is allowed to continue on the road it simply means the" whole of the motor car traffic south will he stopped and the busy tourist season is now very near —is this state of affairs to exist, all for the sake of one timber lorry?

We cannot too strongly stress the urgent necessity of immediate action being taken to remedy the above evil, ami respectfully urge your prompt assistance and influence in the matter.— Received. The Chairman said there was no doubt as to the serious condition of the road, and the menace it was to motor traffic.

Dr Teiehelmann said the position foi the district was very serious indeed. He had been deputed to report on the condition of the roads for the Canterbury Automobile Association in view of the prospective motor traffic to Westland in the coming season, and in the present state of the south road the motorists would not come, which would he a heavy loss to the community. It was explained that repairs were in hand and the trips of the motor lorry had been reduced to two per day. Tlie repair work would take some time at the present rate of progress. Alter a general discussion on the matter it was resolved to telegraph the Al ember for tie District and explain that the matter was of great concern and the south road in its present state would prevent all motor traffic in !' season. It was resolved, also to send Air Scddon a copy of the letter of complaint and urge the fullest attention to the matter !>v the authorities. GENERAL.

The Treasurer (Air J. Ritchie) reported a credit balance of £l9. Accounts to the amount of £7 10s were pas-cd for payment. Appreciation was expressed to Dr Teiehelmann for his valuable services in lecturing in Wellington.

After dealing with some local matters, the meeting concluded at 8.30 o'clock.