CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4844, 24 June 1925, Page 2

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MEETING OF PAEROA BODY.

A meeting of the Paeroa Chamber of Commerce was held in the County Chambers on Monday night, the president (Mr P. Williams) presiding. The following were present: Messrs E. W. Porritt, A. F. Steedman, W. Marshall, W. Fleming, E. Edwards, D. Leach, J. T. Wright, R. S. Cardnc, W. G. Ward, L. Cassrels, C. D. Topliss, H. Hare, A. J. Andrews, N. C. Busby, C. H. Pascoe, W. D. Nicholas, and the rotary, Mr, E. A. Porritt.

TELEGRAPH HOURS

A letter wc« read from the secretary of the General Post Office, Wellington, regretting that the chamber’s request to have the Paeroa telegraph office opened between 7 and 8 p.m. could not be acceded to. The letter added that before the curtailment practically no business was done between 7 and 8 p.m., and with the extension of telephone exchange facilities there was little likelihood of any additional business being now transacted in the evenings.

THROUGH EVENING TRAIN.

The secretary of the Te Aroha Chamber of Commerce forwarded the following letter from the Hon. Minister for Railways : —

"With reference to the representations made for a through evening service from the Thames line to Auckland, as discussed at a conference of Chambers of Commerce at Te Aroha in February last, I have to inform you that the matter has not been lost sight of. ‘‘ln view of the fact that the prospective traffic from the Thames and Rbtroua lines would not in itself give sufficient, return for the runnhig of an evening train from Franktno to Auckland, the proposal for an evening connection at Fankton was under consideration in conjunction with the running of an up ‘daylight limited’ express between Wellington and Auckland, with the necessaiy acceleration of the evening trains from Thames and Rotorua to make a connection at Frankton Junction.

“After full consideration of the matter it has been decided that it is Inadvisable to test the running of the daylight express during the winter months, but the matter of trying that service is under consideration in connecion with the re-issue of the Main Trunk time-table for the summer traffic, and when these schedules are under preparation the claims of the Thames and Rotorua branches for a suitable connection at Frankton will not be overlooked.” LICENSING MATTERS.

Mr L. E. Cassrels moved that representations be made by the chamber to the House of Reprosentatives, pointing out the unfairness of local option in the Ohinemuri electorate, and that the members of Parliament be given details of the commercial disadvantages under which Paeroa and Waihi suffer, due to the continuance of nolicense law, and also pointing out the substantial majority in favour of restoration.

hi moving the resolution Mr Cas■srels said that even some of the prohibition men had admitted that no license had been a commercial disadvantage to Paeroa. No license did not mean that there was less spirits drunk, but that liquor could not be sold legally. In addition to what was legally brought into the area there was now what was known as "home brews" or "chain lightning.” There were many in this area who voted for restoration but also voted Dominion prohibition, simply because of tlie unfair commercial position the towns in no license areas were placed in. He advocated the bare majority vote to restore licenses, especially as the electorate had been so extended since the issue had been decided. He thought that we should endeavour to get on even terms commercially with adjacent townships by having licensed houses.

Mr D. Leach, in seconding the. resolution pro forma, said he considered that Paeroa would at least be bettei under license than at present. Mr Marshall moved as an amendment that the matter be referred back to the member. He contended that the motion did not get anywhere, and for the credit of the chamber they should not discuss a resolution which was not properly framed. This was seconded by Mr E. Edwards and carried. Mr Cassrels accepted the amendment, and said that he would bring the matter before the chamber at its next meeting couched in terms that could be more clearly understood. SOCIAL EVENING. Mr E. W. Porritt moved the following resolution standing in Mr G. P. de Castro’s name :— "That a social evening be held, and that representatives of other chambers of commerce be invited to attend.” Continuing, Mr Porritt said that at the annual meeting a suggestion was made that it would be a good idea to have a meeting with other chambers. He thought it would be a good thing if arrangements could be made for a' dinner at which< representatives of other chambers could be present. Mr H. Hare seconded, and said he thought that they should decide upon the form the function would take. Mr Marshall was also of the opinion that before deciding some details should be given of what was proposed te. be done, Mr Edwards suggested that, the dinner should be held on the day that the various local bodies were to meet at Paeroa to discuss the PaeroaPokeno line.

Mr Leach agreed with Mr Edwards’ suggestion, and moved that it be a recommendation to the executive to take the matter of entertaining in hand and confer with the Mayor. Mr Marshall pointed out that the conference was only for local bodies. The motion was seconded by 'Mr Cassrels and carried. MUNICIPAL OFFICES. Mr W. D. Nicholas moved that this chamber endorse the action of the

Borough Council in bringing forward a proposal te- raise a loan of £2OOO for the purpose of erecting municipal offices. He tsaid .that judging by the published remarks of the Mayor it was evident that the work was one of necessity, and also of urgency. In seconding the proposal Mr E. W. Porritt said that the council was to be commended on its decision, and he hoped the loan would meet with a unanimous vote from the chambei.. In speaking to the proposition Mr D. Leach said it was one of the finest advertisements a town could have to see a good municipal building. It showed that the residents at any rate bad faith in their own town. Mr Edwards said that ‘-.here were many things on at present, and as consequence the rates would be advanced. He thought that until a direct. proposal for the loan had been brought down by the council the chamber should not discuss the matter.

Mr Marshall stated that the details of tlie proposal had not been considered by the council. He assured the meeting that the new offices were a necessity, and not .a luxury. The rooms the staff, and he himself, had to work in were a positive disgrace. There _ were valuable records and plans which, if destroyed by fire, would cause a lot ofi trouble and expense. He considered that the work was necessary.

Tlie proposal was carried, Messrs Edwards and Pascoe recording their votes against it.

Mr Pascoe, in explanation of his vote, said -that he was not against the proposal altogether, but was of the opinion that the chamber should not have discussed the matter until tlie council’s proposals had been brought forward.