WESTLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 December 1922, Page 4

WESTLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

TUESDAY, DEC. sth. The monthly meeting was held at 7.30 o'clock. Present:—Messrs G. A. Perry (President), W. .1. Butier, C. .T. Nightingale, E. M. Brodies .1. Ritchie. T. W. DufT. S. W. Ford. R. Wild, and D. J. Evans. Tho minutes of the previous meeting were read a,ml confirmed. The outward correspondence was approved. TNWAR D COR RES PON DENCE. From Associated Chambers of Commerce. Wellington, in respect to tho development of New /inland’s resources ns follows: At tho recent Conference held in Dunedin the subject of developing tho resources of the Dominion <nme up for discussion, and tho following resolution was adopted : "That this Conference approves of tho proposal for a comprehensive movement, involving the sending of a Commission to England to secure Bntish capital for tho development of tlio extensive and valuable unto u lnd resources of tho Dominion, such as iron, coal, copper, marble, asbestos, pigments, clays etc; the Mission to he financed by tho parties interested. ' That tho Executive lie requested to circularise* all Chambers of Commerce affording such information as will give tho publicity necessary to ensure that no likely project will ho overlooked.” I was directed to bring this matter before you and to seek the co operation of'vour Chamber in giving eifect to tho * resolution. I am enclosing herewith a circular letter issued by a Conference of representatives < f various interests, held at Wellington .m October 24th.. in which a proposa. is made to select a group of sound commercial projects for submission to British investors with a view of securing tho necessary capital for development. It is not asked that any financial responsibility he incurred; what is desired is that every likely project should have the opportunity of noing submitted to a Committee for investigation, and onlv those projects which are selected will ho asked to participate m tho expense of tho special mission to England. , „ , . Will your Chamber, therefore, take

steps to make this proposal known, and adviso as to any source of undeveloped resources in your territory. These may l>e areas of arid lands awaiting irrigation, swamp lands awaiting drainage, timber, sources of water power, deposits of minerals etc. I am asked if your Chamber will givo practical support to the resolution of the Conference, by bringing, the matter before its next meeting, or in other manner ensuring the widest possible publicity.—Received. I From A. Leigh Hunt, AVellingtou j on the same subject as follows: I I received your letter of the Bth

inst together with report on the Geological Survey of South Westland. J have discussed the matter with the Alines Department which points out that its staff is limited and it is not possiblo to undertake a work ot this 'kind Mt short ‘notice. I gathered, however, that there was every probobilitv of the work being put in band about the middle of next year.

Although this delay would preclude projects ill that area being included in the first group in connection with the Development Company, still it is quite possible that a further group may bo formed of later projects. ’fhe success ol the whole movement very largely depends upon our creating an enthusiastic public opinion which

will influence the authorities to give whole hearted support and remove any difficulties in the way of the scheme being curried out in a. thoroughly successful manner. A’our Chamber can assist by constan t publicity aml also by encouraging those who have likely ’projects to complete their data and submit same to the Committee as quickly as possible. —Received. A general discussion ensued in respect to the foregoing, and the wish was expressed that the information contained in tho letters would he published in the local press for Sonera attention. It was suggest'd ”«!> th:l tho public be invited to submit any suitable propositions «'t respect to local industries, mutters a fleeting wood-pulping, hydro-electric power development. cotton spinning. nnnin_ and dredging were referred to, but i> was pointed out that definite propositions were required to he brought for ward. Tt was resolved to enquire from the Department of Industries what information was available in respect to wood pulping, and also for reports it regard to hydro-electric dovelopmen.. and to again urge tho Alines Department to undertake! a geological survey of South AVcstland.

From Minister of Alines promising that the question of a geological survey in South AVcstland would receive practical attention when an opportune tini" arrives to release one of the- geological surveyors, at present fully employed.—Received, and resolved to draw the Minister’s attention to the proposal to attract British capital to New Zealand and point. out that the mineral resource I. of the Dominion should he fully investigated as a means to attract overseas enterprise. From Associated Chambers of Commerce, Wellington, drawing attention to postal proposal to advertise on letters as a means of raising additional revenue, and asking for an expression of opinion on same.-—Received : and resolved that in the opinion ol the Chamber advertising in the direction suggested should he restricted solely to public services as had been done upto the present. From X.Z. Taxpayers’ Federation. AA’ellington, thanking the Chamber for appreciating tho work ot the federation. and stating the Prime Alinister had asked the question of further reducing taxation he brought up in the New Year, as tho concessions so far made were only an instalment of what ho was prepared to give in the iutiire. Received. From Town Clerk. Ross, regretting as the restrieti d train service was not very convenient, the Council could not see its way* to contribute further to the Oiirn motor mail' service.-—Received. From T. AY. Bruce, resigning from the Chamber. —Received. From Cardiff Development League, forwarding circulars advertising the district.—Received. Reports from various Chambers were received. GENERAL. Air Ritchie reported the credit balance was cs 13s 9d. Accounts to the amount of £o fts wen passed lor payment. Ales-r.s Rrodio and Ford icfomd to the need for installing a continual' telephone service. It was resolved enquiry he made as to the p obable < -: to the subscribers, and it not cxci cd-

ing £1 a year extra, a canvass be | made of tho .subscribers. All* Ford 1 spoke strongly in favour of intro due-. \ ing the continuous service, as it would j lie most useful in cases of illness, accident or fire. Air Butler brought up the subject < i wireless broadcasting, stating lie Inn! during his recent visit to the East Coast gleaned some experience of the wonderful invention, it was now quite beyond the experimental stage, and tho time was arriving that thi Government should stipulate for standard machines and secure a guarantc as to the continuity of matter. The- - aspects were having attention in An - tnrlia. Ho moved that the attention

of the Government be called to the tie- ! xirability of some regulations for cm-! couraging and regulating matters in • respect to the social and commercial * services to he .supplied. Mr Wild s.--conded. Air Ford stated the ferry-boats j in the harbour of Sail Francisco were j equipped with wireless, and passengers j could receive news or entertainment, from the-' licensed broadcasters whL ■ crossing the" harbor. Tho sending apparatus was expensive, hut the leeching apparatus was not costly*. Hie motion was carried. The question of the opening ot the

Arthur’s tunnel for regular traffic was brought up, and Air Butler suggested if possible, a definite date for the o ■ i hug -br.ah! lie fixed. Some reports , were abroad that certain electrical ■ j arts were repaired which we re likely to delay the opening. It was very necessary tor commercial people to have the information as trade was being afi'; .ted. Mr Wild said the people were waiting for the opening of the tunnel, and l ie information should be obtained as soon as possible. People were waiting for thee cheap freights and orders were being delayed in consequence. It was decided to place the matter before the Government. Mr Wild iof erred to people using mutation braver board tor lining purposes. It was pressed pulp, and was readily .subject to the worm. 1 lie public should he cautioned about the matter. The meeting concluded at 8.50.