WESTLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 April 1924, Page 4

WESTLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

MONDAY, APRIL 14th

The adjourned annual meeting of the above was held at the County Chambers at 7.35 p.m. Present: Messrs Cr. A. Perry (chair), \V. J. Butler, It. Wild, l'. F. Pcrham, J. J. Mclntosh, C. J. Nightingale, D. J. Evans and Dr Teichelniann.

The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed.

Tho outward correspondence was approved. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE, prom Auckland Chamber of Commerce forwarding a photograph of the delegates who attended the annual conference of associated Chambers.— Recei> c-J with thanks.

Prom the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce forwarding a copy of the special committee’s report :u regard to railway freights, and stating representations were being made to the Departirmot on tho matter.—Received.

prom President A. and P. Association intimating that the Association would do all in its power to obtain signatures to a petition having for its object the severance of Westland County from tho Grey Harbor district.—Received. The Chairman made a general statement in which he intimated he did not consider it necessary, at all events

at the present juncture, to go on with the petition. The Board had a substantial sinn to credit, and unless large works we re undertaken there would not be occ.i.aoii to imposo a special rating. There was a proposal to construct a deep sea harbour for inter-colonial shipping, making Greymouth a port of call from and to Australia, hut this was not likely to eventuate. At present a report was awaited from the Marine Engineers, but the Midland traffic was so affecting the position, that previous conclusions on the matter would have to be revised. In the circumstance action could be well deferred, and meantime the position could be watched. Tho meeting agreed to adept the course—suggested. From Wellington Chamber of Commerce reviewing trading relations with tile Coast, and intimating efforts being made 10 secure more regular shipping to meet local needs; also objecting to tile agitation proceeding for preferential votes on goods by the railway through the tunnel, as such competition would not be legitimate trading, and asking in what further way Wellington ci-uld assist the Coastal trade. —Received. The Chairman said with regard to freights whatever concessions there were went to the local advantage. At the same time they all felt they did not wish to lose touch with Wellington, which it must bo remembered was a goad market also for some of their commodities. The Coast required as many tiade routes and markets as possible. ’I lie Coast,trade was now being compet'd for keenly. In fact the competition was intense, la the end those best able to supply the goods will reap the advantage. It was not for them to neglect the offer of assistance from 'Wellington and it should lie availed of to the fullest extent. Mr Wild said it appeared to him that th.i agitation for cheap railway freights by returned empty trucks, arose fioiu a lack of business knowledge ar. l experience. Both ships and trucks often had to travel one way empty. It was not possible to have full ships and trains regularly. Tho quantity of goods likely to he affected F>y the cheap freights asked for was not likely to he large. In any case at the present freight the railway would get its proportion, and for the balance remaining the “cut” asked for would not be of much advantage to the railway. The inward freight by a .steamer from Wellington to Greymouth, tho other day was only threo tons. The Union Cry often declined cargo as enough was not offering, and preferred to send the steamers empty for the full out war ! freight. Tile attitude he thought they should take up was not to take any active part in seeking a revision of tire* railway tariff, but accept passively whatever decision is reached in the matter. Mr liiitler concurred, and said it seemed that the bulkj of the district trade war, now passing through the tunnel. It was resolved to reply to the Wellington Chamber appreciating tire efforts made to improve trading conveniences with the Coast, and offering to reciprocate in the matter 11s far as possible. From Wellington Chamber of Commerce asking support for a direct steam sow ice from Lower Cook Islands to facilitate delivery of tropical fruits to the South Island etc.— Received, and revolved to support the proposal subject to the steamer trips alternating between Wellington mill Lyttelton.

From same stating April 24th. was post card day, and' inviting New Zealanders to forward a post card to friends in England, urging them to visit the New Zealand pavilion at the Empire Exhibition. —Received, the proposal to be given every publicity.

From Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, on tlie subject of immigration and urging the Government to formulate a continuous policy with also :t closer land settlement policy.—Received and resolved to support same generally. From Secretary Educational Institute, enquiring what had been done with regard to the proposed children’s excursion to Lyttelton for licet week, and stating the teachers were in accord with the proposal.—-Received. The Chairman explained the action to date (already published) and stated the Education Hoard at Christchurch had been advised of the position. Mr Evans said for Hokitika and district it had been notified 2(50 children were prepared to travel, 120 of whom had accommodation, and 140 would require accommodation. These figures had been supplied to the Navy League at Christchurch on Saturday, and a further reply was now awaited. It was resolved to ask the District Traffic Manager of Railways at Greymonth, what steps were being taken regarding train arrangements. From London Chamber of Commerce, advising a branch office would he open at the Exhibition and extending an invitation to members of oversea Chambers.—Received and invitations to ho placed at the disposal of Mr A. Aitken and Mr G. A. AVood. ANNUAL MEETING.

The Secretary stated the annual re-

port had been published. The balance sheet showed rceipts £75 2s 9d (including £2 7s 9d carried forward). The expenditure was £O6 4s, leaving a credit balance of £Q 18s 9d. The liabilities were £22 5s with cash assets due to accrue. The statement was received and adopted. With regard to tlie election of officers, the Chairman referred to the proposal to bring about Hu amalgamation with the local branch of the Progress League to avoid overlapping in work. He outlined what had been'said at the previous meetings. Messrs Wild and Butler favored the proposal but thought the identity of the Chamber should be retained,. so that it could deal with dominion wide matters, which cropped up very often. After a general discussion on the lines mentioned, Mr Butler moved that those present attend the meeting of the Progrss League the following evening and put 3 fbrward-si ifoposiif for

the association of fit? .two bodies to work in joint ipjfnngemcnt. The Chairman seconded the motion which was carried. The election of officers was deferred. The meeting concluded at 8.45 p.m.