CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2258, 2 April 1921, Page 3

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

The monthly meeting of the Council of the local Chamber of Commerce was held last night, presided over by the president, Mr Horublow. There were also present the Mayor and Messrs Admore, Barr, Christie, Jno. Ross, A. N. Smith, C. Pearson, F. D. Whibley, and the secretary, Mr R. Roore-. The President’s action in asking the Harbour Board to send u representative to the Conference to be held with the Palmerston Chamber at Palmerston on Monday, in reference to the allegations made against the local port, was endorsed. Correspondence was read from the Harbour Board, inviting the Chamber to send a delegate to a conference of local body representatives to be held at Foxton on April 13th, to discuss matters concerning the welfare of the port. The president was appointed to represent the Chamber. The Board also forwarded an instructive circular showing the comparative railway and sea-borne freights between Wellington and Foxton, to the advantage of the latter. It was resolved to thank the Board for same, and to assure the Board that the Chamber would be pleased to cooperate with it and give hearty support to any movement for the welfare of the port, and the encouragement of shipping. A discussion took place in reference to the forthcoming municipal election, and it was resolved to endeavour to induce prominent business men to offer their services as Councillors, in order to assist in .carrying out the water and drainage loan proposals. In answer to a question, the Mayor said lie would make an announcement, to the Council as to his candidature at the next Borough Council meeting. The names of several prominent citizens were mentioned as suitable candidates for the Council, and it was decided to endeavour to get

them to consent to nomination. Mr Christie said complaints .had been made at the lack of lighting at the local railway station. It was resolved to communicate with the local stationmastcr on the subject. Mr Smith brought up the question of telephonic facilities. It was stated that for some reason Foxton subscribers were cut off between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., and urgent messages with outside districts could .not be sent. There was no blame attachable to the local staff in this connection, as the postmaster acted under instructions from higher authorities. It appeared that the line was used within the hours mentioned for long distance messages. It: was unanimously to enter an emphatic prolost against such isolation, and to forward same to the local postmaster, and to take such other steps to have the present state of things remedied. A copy of the resolution lo be forwarded to the Borough Co--**jineil for their endorsement and cooperation. If was also resolved to write the local postmaster, asking whether there are sufficient subscribers to justify steps being taken

to open a continuous service. Accounts were passed for payment, and the meeting rose.