WESTLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 September 1923, Page 1

WESTLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4th. The monthly meeting of the Chamber was held at the Comity Chambers at 7.35 o'clock. Present :■ -Messrs T. \Y. Huff (in the chair), R. Wild, S. \V. Ford, J. J. Mclntosh, R. Whiley, and T). J. Evans. Apologies were received for the absence of Messrs _\. Ait ken and W. J. Butler. The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed nnu the outward correspondence approved. INWARD CORR ESPOXBEXCR From the Associated Chambers of Commerce, Wellington, notifying the Annual Conference at Auckland on the 21st., and 22nd November, and stating that remits for consideration should bo forwarded not later than the 12tb. pros.—Received and resolved to ask Mr Joseph Butler of Auckland, to represent tho Westland Chamber at the Conference in question. From the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, forwarding copies of a resolution adopted in respect to Preference, Empire Migration and Empire .Shipping, in support of the Prime Minister's representations to he made at the Imperial Economic Conference in London.—Received. From the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce extending an invitation to lie represented at tho Annual Meeting when a toast in respect to tho “Union of Canterbury and Westland”, would bo proposed, and asking the presence of a representative to speak on. the subject.—Received; It was stated that the Hon. Michel had kindly represented the Westland CTr-mber, and a vote of thanks was passed to Air Michel on It is able representation, on the occasion in question.

From the District Telegraph Engineer, Christchurch, supplying particulars of the proposed increase of charges affected by the installation of a continuous telephone service at Hokitika —Received. The Secretary stated that all subscribers on tho telephone list had been notified of the proposal, and of 50 replies received, 15 were not in favour of the continuous service, and 35 were favourable. After discussion it was resolved that those who had not replied be further approached, and in the event of more than half the subscribers favouring the continuous service, that a formal application be circulated for signature, and for representation to the Telephone Department. Messrs Ford and Mclntosh strongly supported the establishment of ;i continuous service as being of great convenience to the townspeople.

From the London Chamber of Commerce supplying particulars of insurance rales as affected by the rates of Britit.h currency in foreign countries with which, the Empire was trading.—

Received with thanks. From the British Chamber of Commerce, New York, enquiring particulars with regard to the operations of tlie Westland Chamber.—Received and supplied. From the London Directory, also, asking for similar particulars of the Westland Chamber.—Received. From the Associated Chambers of Commerce forwarding particulars of turn-over and tax sales taxation operating in the Province of Good Hope (South Afrein) under which system traders required to be licensed and had to pay an annual lee ranging from £5 upwards, as well as a tax on tho selling price or value of goods disposed of .—Received.

Fiotn the same, forwarding copy of minutes of Executive meeting held in respect to a number of New Zealand commercial subjects. --Received and referred to the Chamber's representative at the forthcoming Auckland Con fore nee.

TRAIN SERVICE. A general discussion, ensued in respect to the present unsatisfactory train service and time-table, and it was resolved to ask the delegation of the Exhibition Committee. which was proceeding to Greymouth on Alonday, to wait on the District Traffic Manager and ascertain what reply was likely to be conveyed in respect to the representations made publicly hero to tho Traffic Manager about three weeks ago. The need for a shunting engine at Hokitika in order to avoid the delay occasioned frequently in the despatch of the train for lloss, was telcnetl to, and will be mentioned to the Traffic Alanager. Reference was also made to the rough state of the railway crossings in AYeld Street and Hampden Street now under construction, and it was decided (Air AYild dissenting) to ask the Borough Council to request- the Department to minimise the present inconvenience to traffic as much as possible. The meeting concluded at 8.20 p.m.