CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

King Country Chronicle, Volume IV, Issue 293, 10 September 1910, Page 5

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

I A meeting of Te Kuiti Chamber of i Commerce was held last night at the | "Chronicle" office, a large number of ; members being present. The presij dent (Mr F. H. Sims) took the chair. j Native Townships Bill. —The pre3i- ! dent referred to the recent Native ! Townships Bill protest meeting, and I said copies of the resolutions had been . sent to various members of Parliament ; and telegraphed to the Premier. He had also wired the member for Tau- | marunui, asking whether it was ad- ■ visable for the proposed deputation to I visit Wellington. Mr Jennings had replied: "Bill passed through committee stages; do not think deputation wiii have any effect; Bill has some redeeming features." Sir Joseph Ward had replied: "Yes; will receive deputation, but cannot possibly do so until next Monday week." The Taumarunui Chamber of Commerce had held a meeting on Tuesday night and had resolved to send a telegram to the member for the district asking him to use his endeavours to get the Government to buy the Native townships and give holders of leases the right to buy the freehold. It would be thus seen that Te Kuiti and Taumarunui were not working side by side. We were asking for the right to the freehold direct, and they were supporting Mr Jennings' amendment. A lengthy discussion followed on lines similar to those adopted at the public meeting of last Wednesday, and it was ultimately decided that the secretary should write and ascertain what prospects the deputation had of being received before the Bill is through Parliament. Kaw-hia Railway League. Major Lusk reported that he had received a lengthy communication from the secretary of the league, inviting his cooperation and support and that of Te Kuitians generally. Mr James Boddie made a similar report.—On the motion of the president, seconded by Dr Zobel, it was decided to write and inform the league that, while sympathising with them in their isolation, it would be better to delay the agitation for a branch railway, and press, rather, for good roads. Te Kuiti Railway Station. —Mr Boddie stated that an analysis of the railway returns showed that places not doing a tenth part of the business of Te Kuiti had got up-to-date stations and yards, while Te Kuiti was left in pretty much the same position as it was three or four years ago. They were intensely disgusted with the attitude of the Minister of Railways in regard to the improvements and facilities asked for.- They had done everything possible to bring their requirements before the Minister during the last three years, on every occasion,in and out of season keeping the matter before him. Major Lusk and DrFullerton moved : "That Te Kuiti Chamber of Commerce, having considered the letter of the Minister of Railways to the member for the district, re the required alterations to Te Kuiti railway station, desire to express their extreme disappointment and indignation that the necessary work is to be delayed for a year after the express and repeated promises of Mr Millar that the work would be put in hand at once; and that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Mr Jennings and Mr Millar." Letter Boxes. —It was moved by Mr Floyd and Dr Zobel, that the secretary of Posts and Telegraphs be written to, requesting him to place pillar-boxes for receiving letters, one at the south end of the town and the other across the river. Rangitoto -Te Kuiti Road. « The secretary was instructed to write to Mr Burt, the district roads engineer, with reference to this new road, asking when it is to be commenced. Te Kumi No. 5 Block.—Mr Boddie said there would be some 700 acres of native government land behind Te Kumi which should be cut up for small settlers. —It was decided to make enquiry and to write the Crown Lands Board on the matter. New Members. —Messrs Floyd, Foy, McColl and Rosenberg were elected new members. Accounts. —The secretary and the president were empowered to sign cheques. Monthly Meeting. - The monthly meeting will be held on the first Friday in the month at the "Chronicle" office.