WESTLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 November 1922, Page 4

WESTLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

ORDINARY MEETING

TUESDAY, NOV EM HER 7

Thu Chamber met at 7.3 d p.m. Present—Messrs IV. .1. Butler (VicePresident) in the chair; .1. Ritchie. T. IV. Duff, S. W- Corel, IV. R. Urquhart, T. IV. Bruce, C. .1. Xigliting< tie, F.' 11. lire die and D. J. Evans.

The minutes of the previous meet- , ing were confirmed. | The outward correspondence was approved. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE. From Minister of Mines, stating. that the geological survey of South j Westland area would be taken in j hand when the present scheme of geological work was through.—Received. It was resolved to reply, thanking the | Minister and urge reasons for the J earliest attention possible to the work. From Minister of Industries, replying that a pressman could best supply a handbook of Westland’s resources, as details were available at Wellington, and offering to supply photographs.—Received. It was decided to reply stating the suggestion was made on the assumption the Departments had the records at hand, and as such the information would be more authentic and carry Government authorship. From Minister of Tourist Resorts, promising to obtain a report in respect to the Hot Springs near the Big Wanganui river.—Received with thanks. It was. stated the Resident Engineer had been deputed to icpolt on the matter.

From T. E. Y. Sodden, M.P., forwarding a reply from the Minister of Public Works that the proposed regu-

lations governing traffic on the main south road would be gone into.—Received. It was stated the point was in connection with the limitation of loading •ver small bridges which

would restrict lorry traffic, ft was desired the bridges should he overhauled to carry heavier traffic than five tons, as there were some 1 ,<>oo lambs to be brought up from South Westland in the new year, and these would be transported mainly by lorry.

The statement was made at the meeting that the repair works to Ferguson's section of the main south road were proeuediog, and good results acre shown.

From Hokitika Borough Council, regretting funds would not he available for the annual grant to tli Otira mail service till next financial year.— Received.

From H. C. H. Hutton. Hawcra. reporting the contemplated visit of Lord Clifford d" Chudleigh, F.G.S., had been postponed owing to his lordship having to return I nun Australia to England.—Received.

From Durcdiu Chamber of Commerce, stating Mr R. C. Jones of Turnbull and Jones Ltd., represented the Westland Chamber at the annual Conference of N.Z. Chambers.— Received, and a vote of thanks passed to Mr Jones.

GENERAL. Mr Bridie re’ferred lo the question of inaugurating a continuous telephone service. It was resolved to defer consideration pending further enquiry being made in the matter. A vote of b 2 2s‘ was made towards the Canterbury Progress League’s publicity movement - for Canterbury and Westland.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting took place at the close of the ordinary business, the same members being present. Mr J. Ritchie, him. Treasurer, presented the annual balance sheet showing a turn over of £OB 12s fid, including subscriptions from 35 members. The year opened with a credit balance ol C2l 13s fid, and closed with a credit balance of C2 7s 9d, with £2O outstanding contribution from the Borough Council. The principal expenditure was £SG 5s towards the maintenance of the Otira motor mail service.— Received and adopted after a brief discussion in which the Chairman expressed satisfaction witli the position, and praised the usefulness of the Otira service, which it was resolved to extend till through railway service was granted.

ANNUAL REPORT. The following report from the Hon. Secretary was read: Tn presenting the annual report of the Chamber for the past year it is very pleasing to state that the period has been one of some material progress in regard to matters in which this body hn.s been closely identified since its inception. This reference is in particular to the near approach of the opcaiing of Arthur’s Pass Tunnel for general traffic, and the marked profitless made with the bridging of the chief river fords on the main south road.

Regarding the early opening of the East and West Coast railway, it is a cause, for very great gratification that the line inside of five or six months will bo in daily operation. The district has been associated with the' agitation for the completion of the railway over a long term of years. There were times when the outlook was not at all encouraging. When influential oppositon in other parts of the Dominion put a break on the works; when Labour difficulties seriously hampered progress; when contractors’ troubles retarded the completion ; and even shipwreck delayed the delivery of essential material. But tho patience the people were called upon to excTci.se is now about to be rewarded. Traffic in a limited manner, is using the line for the transport of material for the works, for the transit of dairy produce, and for passengers and mails in emergency when the coach is blocked. By Christinas ! time it is possible that a more extern- J sive goods service will he established, ! and for a couple of months or so thereafter the electric hauling plant and the general operation of the' tunnel traffic will have an effective trying-out before passenger-traffic is finally catered for about Easter of next year. The outside works, including the sin- ‘ tion yards and staff accommodation, are being pushed ahead very satisfactorily and there is no occasion for complaint in respect to any phase of the work. On tho contrary there is every reason for pleasure and gratification that within a. comparatively brief time now the long waited for facilities for through railway-traffic will ho an accomplished fact. With the dawn of that day the West Coast will witness the beginning of a new era in winch the great stretch of territory, posseas-

ing the finest forest lands in the Do- j tl minion; the greatest extent of fin ex- jcs plorcd Crown Lands giving evidence's! of remarkable mineral wealth in the. is variety and usefulness of its deposits;! st the fine expanse of country capable of j di outrivalling Taranaki region in ifiiryiw products because of the all the year I is round growth of good feed, and tom-! d ing out stock in a condition second to a' none in New Zealand. A territory s( which possesses these latent possihili- ii ties should enjoy great prosperity when fi the portal of Arthur’s Pass tunnel is n available to send the products readily I into the markets of the world. It j can be assumed that the volume of l t traffic will be very large, indicating v both the usefulness of the line as- aj C means to ensure national development, j t and as an important factor serving an . c hitherto isolated district, at last r brought into daily intercourse with 1 1 the outside markets of the Dominion, j , Tim highest hope and as i | to the future prosperity of the II est j ! Coast in general and Westland Conn- j ] I ty in particular may well be centred I ■ in the results to accrue -once regular ( I railway intercourse with the outside j j systems of tho service is brought to ( J pass. | The second matter referred to above, : the bridge-building in South West- ( land. is. Tho year has seen the com pie- , tion of both Little Waitaha and Little j Wanganui river bridges, and the com- | mencemcnt of the IVaitangi river bridge. The two bridges completed are a great boon to traffic, assuring through communication in all weathers. The IVaitangi structure should ’ be available for traffic early in the New Yoa,r. and that will permit through traffic to IVailio Gorge all the year round. Once these larger bridges are all out of band, there is the hope, it not the promise-, that the smaller streams remaining. s "ch as Dry Creek, : Parker's Creek, McCullough’s Creek 1 and McDonald’s Creek, all on the main south road, will be attended to. t A .small vote appears on the 'Estimates this year for Waiho river bridge, which may he taken as an earnest that the structure itself will be in hand some time during next year. Beyond r the Waiho, is Wnikukupa bridge, the 1 timber lor which is all cut, and it is to - La hoped that in the new year, also, i this very necessary structure on the f highway to Fox Glacier, will be erecti ed! s Referring to the matter of Estimates - the votes'hy Parliament this year can , be considered as fairly satisfactory, j The amount being spent o.n the railway works to Otira and at the tunnel. 1 and the provision for road bridges, iu- ’ volves a large sum chargeable against the district. The road votes are nn- - turaliy curtailed to some extent, hut . after next year there should lie greater I elasticity under the heading of roads. In connection with the loading of the district, there is the matter of the Main Highways Act passed hy Parliament. In the first Bill placed before Parliament, the main highway for Westland, according to the schedule, stopped at Hokitika. The main highway should certainly ho denoted as passing Tight through South Westland to the llaa.st Pass. The present main south road as far as serving regular vehicle-traffic, now reaches to Waiho Gorge. Very little comparatively speaking. is required to be done, to convert the Waiho to Bruce Bay section into a road for regular traffic. Vehicles are now covering the routes at times, and a. motor car has been through as far as Karangarua, when Cooks river was low. With the completion of the railway for stock transport to the Canterbury markets, there will he a material expansion in stock raising in tin 1 southern districts, and more and more settlement will result. It is highly essential, and particularly so, .'seeingthat the Government lias stopped shortill the extension of the South II est- j and railway, that the roading of the district in an arterial manner should . have the fullest attention. This Cham- ! her is sure to readily associate- itself ; with the public demands both hy the ] people and the local bodies for the inclusion of the main south roads as a 1 primary highway within tho meaning of the new Act, and no time, should he lost in the effort to accomplish , what is so obviously necessary, and which if done, will he hut a- mere mat- j ter of justice to the district. During the year tlici Chamber took the initial part in organising the conference of Westland Local Bodies to. consider matters of public importance , to further the advancement of the district. and the interest stimulated, and | the work accomplished, will he for the j betterment of the. place. At the same time it must he confessed that the full j measure of public interest was not arous | ed. There might liavo been far great- j or attention paid to the- meetings, and ! ; also a deeper interest in the discussions. The way has been paved at j least for a means whereby the district i rail take concerted notion in regard to j matters of general concern, and the! opportunity for debating and for ' bringing forward matters of a more or j less common interest, should he taken j : the fullest advantage of with the right J i purpose of adding to the general pros- ; peritv of the district. The measure of j success of the Westland Local Body 1

Conferences, suggests that the next move might he an annual conference of West Coast Local Bodies held at moveable centres, whereby matters

pertaining to the general welfare of the people can be considered, and united action resolved upon. With the near approach of the completion of the Midland Railway there is all tho more reason for concerted action to utilise the occasion for the improved benefits of the Coast as a whole. Such matters as hydro-electric development; the application of the Forests Act; the encouragement, of Tourist traffic; the utilising of swamp lands and experimental farm demonstration, as well as prospecting, are all subjects in which a common interest can he fouiid, ane! the ventilation of which and united action would he of no small benefit all round. It is very gratifying indeed to record the splendid progress of the dredging enterprise at Rinui Flat, South Hokitika. While there is a. reticence shown on the part of the management in regard to giving out of returns and values, it is impossible to ignore tho general information which finds its way into public knowledge as to the successful working of the enterprise. Indeed, an inspection of tho operations of the large dredge, supplies visual proof of the huge amount of work done in the last thirteen months or so the dredge has been ill operation. Even supposing the ground was of low value, the quantity treated in tho time must he yielding considerahle aggregate value. But it is believed the value per cubic yard of the ground turned over, is not what would he considered low for so extensive an aren of an alluvial field, and so there is the pleasing conclusion that the gold returns arc satisfactory. There are thn further reports, too, that the power supply is to be augmented by installing a new plant deriving its water supply from Sunny Bight, Lake Knuieri, with the object of placing a larger dredge still on the goldfield. This, together with the report that important engineering plant is to be installed at the workshops capable of handling any ordinary or extraordinary machinery, makes assurance doubly sure that in the dredging of Rimu 'Flat, is a sound commercial proposition, in which by

ho fine plant put on, and the economi- u al and well directed management, nil s uggestion of a mere mining speculation s discounted. This practical demon- 1 tration of the possibilities of • gold r Hedging hy an • effective plant is n vorthy of note, and needless to say it l s very pleasing that the successful i iemon.stration should have be'en made I idjaceni to this centre, where it is al- i so a fact there are other similar dredg- ; ing propositions no less capable of pro- I fi table handling, if the enterprise com- : nuuul.s the capital and ability to simi- 1 larly apply it. 1 Turning to the immediate future there are some half a dozen matters which the district as a whole, and the Chamber in particular, might concentrate its energies with the object of securing material benefits' of a. lasting nature. They may be mentioned briefly ns follows: 1. —Popularising Lake Knniori as an ideal tourist and holiday resort. 2. Drainage of the swam]) lands at Kokatahi, Inter-Wanganui and IVataroa. 3. —Research work and mineral prospecting, including a geological survey of the least-known parts of South Westland. 4. —Hydro-electric Power Development for industrial purposes in northern Westland. o —Reafforestation of the « nste Lands of Westland, the climate of which assures the success of forest growth. In regard to the foregoing, the town in particular and the district at largo commits of an offence against itself, il stops arc not taken to advance the interests of Lake Knnieii as the idea resort it is undoubtedly. This could he done hy judicious advertising and bv catering iu a special way for traffic to the lake. The maintenance of Hie road in the host condition possible is also essential, and this matter should be impressed oil the. local body m the hopei that it will he fully realised that the Lake js an asset which win draw at- all times visitors to the district, and as its fame spreads, the volume *>f traffic will •increase. There should lid some co-operation, too. xvttli the Acclimatisation Society which heals the brunt of the expense in maintaining a launch on the lake, and if public”interest' were manifested to a greater degree, the results would lie more satisfactory all round. In particular tin,re is an undoubted claim on the Tourist Department to centre some o. its interest in T.nke Kanieri. which needs to be better advertised, bettei roaded, and better equipped for publie enjoyment as is done by the Department in other favoured places not posossing the natural charm ol Lake Kanieri arid the noble aspect it presents to every delightful visitor. As regards the drainage of -swamp lands, referred to above, the Government has a scheme for Inter-II anganui district, but it is dilatory in coming into action. It it sumlerstood there is a scheme prepared, also, tor portion of the. Kokatahi district where a considerable area of first-class land adjacent to the dairy factory can bo treated to advantage at u cost which is not at all out of the way. Both these matters might be urged with even- confidence for the coming year. Fortin r south. there is to lie a report oil the drainage of Ijlkonui swam]), and the Wataroa area, which again possesses some'of the finest land on the Coast, should have the earliest attention possible.’ The addition of these swamp lands in the stock-raising and dairying districts is of the greatest importance, and tlu Chamber could take up the .matter with every confidence that the results will justify the attention. In regard to research work and mineral prospecting, as a result of the late session of the Local Bodies in eoufernce, tho Government lias made afi offer with regard to assisting a local prospecting scheme. While it is not as comprehensive as could be hoped for, it is at least a beginning, and the results will it is hoped lead to greater expansion as time got*- one. But in addition, it would be wise to advocate either a. geological survey of the least known parts of Westland, or, to endeavour to interest the proposed British Company which it is intended to introduce into New Zealand for the exploitation of the mineral deposits. This is a matter which might be taken in band by the (’respecting Committee sot up from tin Local Bodies’ Conference, for it is far too important- to lie lost, sight, of. As regards hydro-electric power developent, experience is showing that the* power can ha applied industrially most successfully, and in Canterbury the results whether the power i, applied to manufactures or on iarin works, the advantage's are eif outstanding importance. I lege, the- Power Boarel is geiverncel by possibilities of further power development at Lake Kanieri, and it is at least, satisfacteirv to know that when that takes place in the not distant future, there will be surplus power developed for sale. It is well te> have this promising position in mind, so that the district may prepare for the improving e>f loe-al e-ondi-tieins which will e-ome to pass in tinvarious parts ot tin* district when theapplication of olee-trie- power in the

workshops or about the farms, is possible. Referring to reafforestation, it is to be regretted that tfib Forestry Department has not made a practical cotnmoncecnt with tho work in this district. From time to time a good deal is heard of the subject. Also, much has been done, and is being done, elsewhere, where the conditions are not so naturally favourable as they are here. In his interesting address at the Town Had last week on Forestry matters. Professor Foweraker of Canterbury College made it very plain that here in Westland was the natural home for the forest. This is so for the scientific fact- that here we have the climate and the humid conditions which are essential to the building up of a forest. The several slides which the ProfcKSor displayed indicated the typo and certainly the beauty of our bush very dearly. Yet Westland continues to he ignored in tho work ol practical reafforestation, whilci the authorities misdirect their efforts in planting out dry sand dunes, rolling plain lands, and sheltered places, suci as llamncr for instance, which arc- oi tlu> wrong side: of the ranges for tin copious rainfall to advance fores' growth without stunting it. There f every reason to demand that the for cstry policy of the country will no longer ignore the locality where tin host results arc certainly to bo obtain ed, and so stop tho waste going on ii other places where science has shown trees cannot be produced of economi value. The ostablislimtnt of secondary in dustries in that land might well engng public attention. It would appea that .something to this end could 1; I done by utilising timber products i various Ways. Now that tile means < t railway transport is at band. tl: ; manufacture of sashes and doors. I'm I niture and household supplies, migl 1 be established either in conjunct id : with one of the large sawmills adjacei • to the railway line, or as a separat 1 undertaking drawing its supplied.- i f arw material cheaply from the eas

off product of the milled timber. If a meeting of sawmillers and business people were convened to consider such a project a basis for a practical proposition ight be readied. In the same way if the management of the dairy factoring adjacent to Hokitika were brought together, the subject of a. bacon factory could be usefully discussed, and, by co-operation, it might be pos-

sible to establish one or more industries which would lay tin foundation for an important expansion an time went on. In concluding this report which has grown longer than was first intended, it remains only to state that the (’hambiT throughout the past year, continued it s activities in various directions as usual. The motor mail service to Otira was maintained and proved of great value to travellers and business-people alike. Regular monthly meetings were held and attention paid to numerous matters ol commercial interest. The Chamber supported the Taxpayers’ Association financially, ami it is pleasing to know that the agitation of the hitter lias resulted in both reducing public expenditure and taxation, and there' seems rcaion to believe that further rebel along tlic lilies commenced will he experienced iu the coming year. It only icumins to rotor hrielly l<> the* piopostM- Industrial Exhibition to mark the diamond jubilee of IV<stluml m U’-E anil to state tlmt no doubt the ChamK*r and its members "ill render an possible support in the endeavour to make the event and the occasion ol the greatest possible value, not only l„ Westland, but to the whole ot tl.e West Coast at large.— Received. The Chairman had giont pleisii.o m moving tlic adoption cf the report and recording a vote of thanks to the writer. Mr Ford seconded the nu.tmn which was cairieel by acclamation. ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

I’resident—G. A. Perry Esq., (Mayor of Hokitika). Vie ('-Preside nt- IV. J. B tlw E q. Hon. Treasurer —Mr J. Ritchie. Hon. .Secretary Mr D. J. Lv. n . General Committee dealing 'HU' commereiaL industrial, in n.ng. invo i - ces development, expulsion and publicity matters: —Messrs A. Aitkin. 11. R. Urqulinrt, IV. Ford, J. J. Mclntosh, R.. F. I’crham, R. IVild T. 11. 11l lice T. IV. Duff. M. B. Houston. C. J. Nightingale. F. M. Rroelic. and Dr. Tcichclninmi. Counsiilting Country Representatives :—Otirn. Mr M. Fitzgerald; Christchurch Rouel. Ml .fas. Fitzgerald; Kumani. The Mayor; StafforclGohlsboroimh. Mr Routhnn. Aralniia. Mr B. Ward; Kokatahi, Mr IT. L. Morel; I’inui, Mr A. Clifton; Ross The Mayor; Waitnlin. Mr .las Cropper: Hari Hari. Mr It. Raiiinge: Wataroa. Mr T. Mcßride; IVailio, Mr A. Imm ; IVeheka, Mr M. Sullivan; Bruce Bay, Mr It. Ritchie, Okuru, Mr IV. D. Nolan. LIST OF MEMBERS. IV. E. Williams, IV. Wilson. L. H. Morel, IV. 11. Chinn, ,J. Ritchie, S. E.

Clements, A. Ailken A. AA r . Yarrall, G. A. perry, .7. •(. Mclntosh, R. F, Perliam, 11. 1,. .Midi'.!, G. H. Ghapnun, S. AY. !-<» d, lDhv.'.rd K. Gild), A\'. J. Butler, M. Houston, Atcli. kittle. S. Preston, A. Graham, Dr. J- Ik Baird, T. AY. Bruce. G. Delamaro. T. • W. Duff, J. Fitzgerald D. J. Kvans, , I ]?e ,: ton Bros., H. Jones, R. E. Grans- j ton. Dr. F. Teiehelmann, D. J'. Stuart, ('. .7. Nightingale. AY. H. I'rqn- ! hart, G. Davidson. .7. Ak’.udl an 1 Coy. The meeting rose at 8.-10 p.m. ! UNCEASING MISERY. i There is little sleep, little rest, litt'c | and stabs of pain, annoying urinary peace, for many a sufferer from kidney trouble. LiTe is one continual round : of pain. A'on can’t rest at night when ; there’s baclcnche. A r ou suffer twinges and slabs of pain, annoying urinary I disorders, lameness and nervousness. Yon can’t- bo comfortable at work with darting pains and blinding dizzy spells. NVglert these ailments and serious I trouble may follow. Begin using Doan’s Backache Kidney Fills at the first sign'of disorder. Thousands have testified to their merit. Af rs C. Southern, A nicy Street, Grey mouth, s"ys: “Tn common with ‘many others 7 hav nothing but good \ to say for Doan’s Backache Kidney Pills. S- me months ago T led a lot of trouble with my kidneys, and in consequence my health was in such - pain that T could tint move without r enduring tortuie. On one occasion I c ' was completely crippled with the ailj incut and had to lie up for days. AFy e ankles and feet swelled considerably, ■- and T used to feel so ill at times that t 7 hardly knew what to do and every II i task was a burden to me. One day t| 7 was advised to take a course of j Doan’s Backache 7\ idney 7’ills and ._ this remedy was spoken of so a | highly that I sent for some is at once. By the time I had h used a couple of bottles 1 felt ever so '• : much better, and seven bottles cured 0 1 me completely, and I have had no re- ; e turn of backache and kidney trouble i_ since. 7 earnestly advise other suffer- |. | ors to take this fine remedy, and so *- put an end to their health troubles.” i- Two years later. Mrs Southern says : 11 ‘T have bad no return of my old come plaint since Doan’s Backache Kidney Tills cured me over two years ago.” Doan's Backache Kidney Pills arc ~ sold by all chemists and storekeepers • at 3s per bottle, or will bo posted on - receipt of price bv Foster-AlcClellnn Go.. 15 Hamilton Street. Sydney. ■ But. lie sure you get DOAN'S.