CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4857, 24 July 1925, Page 1

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MEETING GF PLAINS BODY. The. monthly meeting of the Hauraki Plains Chamber of Commerce was held at Ngatea on Tuesday evening, Mr W. E. McKay presiding over Messrs C. McTaggart, G. Phillips, F. E. Stimpson, L. Buckingham, N. J. Crabbe, and H. Dent BOKENO ROAD. The Minister for Public Works wrote in reply to the chamber’s letter and stated that the section of Wai-takaruru-Pokeno Road which was impassable was unmetalled .and had fol a number of years been blocked against all traffic during the winter months. However, the Main Highways’ Board was taking steps • o remedy the matter, and in fact, had agreed to find a sum of £11,200 out of a total estimated cost of £12,480 for the purpose of metalling this and two other unmetalled sections. Surveys were in hand for the re-formation and metalling, and the earthwork would be started early in the spring. Unfortunately, the position could, nbt be improved this winter, but provided no delays occurred in the boai’d’s programme the present difficulties should not recur after the next working season. WAIHOU RIVER SCHEME. A circular letter was received from the Mayor of W.aihi stating that despite frequent promises by the Government to bring dow.n legislation dealing with the Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers Improvement Scheme, nothing has so far been done in the matter. The letter pointed out that on account of the serious decline in the amount of gold duty, and consequent piling up of interest and sinking fund due on the river loams, the time must come, and probably sooner than would be welcomed, when, if the scheme is not otherwise provided for, payment of charges on the loan must be placed on the lands in the river district. It was idle to suppose that .this matter could remain dormant indefinitely, and the sooner the scheme was nationalised and taken over by the Government the sooner would the settlers and the local bodies in the district be placed on a safe footing. It must not be forgotten that while the matter was allowed to rest the interest and sinking fund charges still accrued, and even if he case was considered at once he amount owing would be surprising. With a view to considering the whole matter .it was suggested that a conference be held. The letter was received. BANKING FACILITIES. The question of the inadequacy, of the banking facilities provided at Ngatea was again brought up. Members advocated making further representations to have the agency opened on two or more days a weeu, and it was suggested that a petition of the bank’s customers be sent forward or a public meeting held. Other members urged inviting another bank to open an agency. It was decided to again write on the matter. TELEPHONES. It was decided that , x .he Chief Telegrap, l Engineer ,be approached through tne local postmaster with reference to the undue delay in the installation of telephones.