CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2155, 27 July 1920, Page 3

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

The monthly meeting of the Council of the Foxton Chamber of Commerce was held last night, the president (Mr J. M. Barr) presiding. Mr E. Newman, M.P., forwarded a letter received from the Minister of Agriculture in reply to the Chamber’s request that in eases where a local body declines to bring any weed under the provisions; of the Noxious Weeds Act, and where it is proved that such weed is a menace to property owners in that locality, the same shall he declared a noxious weed by Ordcr-in-Council. The Minister promised.to give the Chamber’s suggestion careful consideration, and would forward a further reply later.

The question of the alteration in the Foxton-Paimerston North train time-table by discontinuing the early Monday morning train from Fox ton, and the late Saturday night train from Palmerston North, suggested by the Chamber some months ago, Avas further discussed. A reply had been received from the Minister for Railways, through Mr E. Newman, M.P., about six weeks ago, advising that the Minister Avas obtaining a report froin his responsible officers, and would reply further Avhen same Avas received. Members of the Chamber considered that it- Avas time some further reply avus to hand, and it avus decided to communicate Avi Hi Mr E. NeAvraan, M.P., asking him to again approach the Minister for Railways on this subject.

The following- letter whs read from the Tanmanmui Chamber of Commerce: : “The Taumarunui Chamber of Commerce respeetfujly commend to the careful consideration of your members the resolution embodied herewith, and request Lhaf you endorse the same and forward your decision lo the Secretary of the Associated Chambers of Commerce! of New Zealand, 10() Custom House Quay, Wellington, and also forward a copy to the undersigned. The problem touched upon in the resolution is self-evident. The members of my Chamber feel that it is only through non-political, nonparty and non-religious channels afforded by the different Chambers of Commerce that any progress can be hoped for in the discussion of the causes of the present unrest, and the framing of any working basis for (he improvement of this vexatious state of affairs. The intention of liiy Chamber is to ask the Central Executive of the Associated Chambers of Commerce to undertake the organisation of the proposed Conference provided sufficient support for the idea is forlh,coming from the different individual Chambers. Resolution for endorsement :—“That this Chamber circularise the affiliated Chambers of Commerce with a view to convening a conference of delegates from all Labour, Agriculture, Commercial, Educational and Professional Associations and Unions in he Dominion to determine, if possible, I lie best means of abating the present industrial and social unrest and promoting the welfare of the whole Dominion. The Conference to lie drawn from bodies of\ non-politi-cal and non-religious character. The suggested principal lines of action are as follows: (1) Increased production on co-operative lines; (2) fairer division of profits; (3) recognition of merit and ability in preference to aristocracy, wealth and inherited position.” —Received.

A letter Avas read from the Foxton Borough Council in reply to the Chamber’s recommendation that a garbage cart should be provided for the borough, stating that the Chamber's letter had been “received.” The Chairman said he did not think they should allow this matter to drop. In the interests of the health of the community something should be done. Mr Petrie considered that sonic conveyance of the kind Avas absolutely necessary. ,

Mr Bryant said that he would firing this matter before the Council again at its next meeting.

Hr Christie referred to the attempt being made to export potatoes to Australia, and said the Government was moving to have the Australian embargo removed so that this could be done. He said that if this were done it would mean iliac the price to the consumer in New Zealand would he increased. It was decided to request the Government before allowing potatoes to be exported, to fix a maximum price to be charged consumers in this country, and to see that sufficient stocks are kept in New Zealand to satisfy our requirements. Mr Bryant mentioned that notice of a further rise of.one shilling' per pound in the price of leather had just been issued by the tannery proprietors, and considered that this matter should be brought under the notice of the authorities, in view of the fact that during the past two months there had been a steady decline in the price of hides, which was now practically on the pre-war basis. Instead of the price of leather being increased, it, should be reduced. It was decided to approach the Prime Minister, through Mr E. Newman, M.P., on this matter, with the request that same should be inquired into by the Board of Trade. Mr Nye brought up the question of obtaining some of the captured war trophies for Foxton, to be placed in the Triangle, at the north end of Main Street, and in Easton Park. It was stated that the Borough Council had been advised by the Committee set up to distribute these trophies that one gun had been allotted to Foxton. and this would, be sent on in the near future. Mr Nye also brought up the question of the necessity of having

danger signals for motorists planed at some of the dangerous portions of the roads in this district, espe-* dally at the bend about half a, mile on the Levin side of the Whi■rokino Bridge. —It was decided to ask the Horowhenua County Council to have danger signs erected at botli approaches to this bend.