CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3765, 11 May 1907, Page 2

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

A meeting of the Council of the above was held in Mr Rae-Ho-ward’s rooms last night. Present: Messrs G. W. Morgan (President, in the chair), P. Hennessy, Thos. Rimmer, M. Perreau, M. Walker. F. W. Frankland, Dr Mandl, and P. H, R.ae-Howard (sec).

A letter was read from the Department of Dands, informing the Council that a grant for the planting of lupins, etc., at the sanatorium, would be placed on the Estimates.—Eetter received.

Proposed by Mr Hennessy, and seconded by Mr Frankland, that the Railway Department be approached in reference to extra trains to leave Palmerston for Foxton on Wednesdays and Fridays to correspond with the train now leaving Palmerston at 9 a.m., and leaving Foxton on the return journey at 3.10 p.m. —Carried. The secretary was authorised to pay small accounts out of petty cash. A discussion took place in reference to the encroachment the river had made during the recent flood at Duncan’s Bend, where private property of considerable value has been washed away. The President suggested a concrete wall to protect the bank at this spot. But Mr Hennessy said the water would get behind it. The President said that another part of the river that required immediate attention to ensure safety of navigation was Hartley’s Bend. At this point the river spreads, and the current is very sluggish. Mr Walker suggested dredging at this point.—The President painted a very gloomy picture of the river, which brought Mr Hennessy to his feet with the remark that after nearly a quarter of a century’s observation of the river, he had seen it much worse than now. Things were not so bad as they had been painted. He said the time was opportune, however, for the Marine Department to be deputationised. —MrF. W. Frankland suggested that the Department should erect a groin or two, or pontoon bridge for the protection of the banks at Duncan s Bend.—Mr Hennessy spoke of the excellent results achieved by fascines in controlling the water— The President remarked that the Government were considering the advisability of allowing the river to cut a channel through McGregor’s to Hartley’s Bend, or to undertake the work itself. It was pointed out that if this channel was cut it would release the congested water, but would leave the wharf high and dry !—The President and Mr Frankland were appointed to wait on the Minister for Marine next Wednesday morning, and bring under his notice the necessity for immediate action in reference to river protection at Duncan’s and Hartley’s Bends. — It was stated that Mr Rough was preparing a plan, showing the re. cent damage done at Duncan’s Bend.

Mr Rimmer brought up the question of telephone communication between Foxton, and Moutoa and Shannon. —Dr Mandl strongly supported the suggestion, and pointed out that such a movement would receive the hearty support of Shannon business people who would also prefer to use the port for their imports, when the bridge is erected in preference to railway delivery.—Mr Hennessy said Moutoa was entitled to consideration, re telephone communication. —Discussion then ensued on the long waits imposed upon telephone subscribers, who desired communication with Palmerston and elsewhere.—lt was finally resolved on the motion of Messrs Rimmer and Dr. Mandl that the Department be asked to establish telephone communication between Foxton, Moutoa and Shannon.— A petition is to be forwarded to the Department re same.

Mr Rimmer brought up the subject of a verandah at the railway station but it was decided to hold this matter oyer.

A tramway to the beach also came on for consideration. —It was decided to approach the Palmerston Chamber with a view of ascertaining whether a company could be formed in Palmerston to undertake this work.

Accounts were passed for payment and the meeting rose.