CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3747, 5 February 1907, Page 3

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

A meeting of the Council of the local Chamber of Commerce was held at 5 p.m. yesterday in the Council Chambers. Present: — Messrs Hennessy (chair), Frankland, i'erreau, Moore, Morgan and Rae-Howard (secretary). Correspondence was read from the Marine and Lauds Departments in reference to preventing sand drifting into the river and keeping the channel clear.—lt was decided not to take any action until a report was received from Mr Hay, who is at present engaged in making a survey of the river from the Heads to the Whirokino bridge. It was also explained that the Railway Department had men employed in making preparations for planting willows for bank protection.

A letter was also read from Mr John Stevens, M.H.R., re flax cultivation on the Motoa Estate suggesting that the Chamber should form a company in order to acquire a portion of the estate for flax cultivation. The chairman stated that during the course of an interview with Mr Stevens he (the chairman) never mentioned anything in regard to forming a company as the Chamber had no intention of taking such steps. —Proposed by Mr Moore and seconded by Mr Frankland that Mr Stevens be thanked for his letter and explaining that the Chamber had no intention of forming a company, and that the deputation must have been misunderstood. The Chairman explained that the piece of land referred to by Mr Stevens was at present unfit for flax cultivation, as it was overrun with giant

fescue. A letter was received from the Borough Council asking the Chamber’s co-operation in approaching the Government for a grant of for tree planting at the sanatorium at the beach.—Decided to accede to the request. It was decided to again approach the Borough Council in reference to passing a by-law compelling owners to supply two four-hundred gallon tanks to every house for fire extinguishing purposes, A motion was carried asking the Borough Council to support the Chamber in requesting, the Railway Department to extend the wharf and dredge the sand from the wharf as it is at present interfering with the berthing of boats. Proposed by the Chairman and seconded by Mr Perreau that a request be forwarded to the Marine Department for assistance for the pilot.—Carried, The Secretary was instructed to forward photos showing cramped wharfage facilities. Accounts were passed for payment and the meeting rose.