CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2284, 2 June 1921, Page 2

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

The quarterly meeting of the a- \ bove was held on Tuesday night. The president (Mr Hornblow) presided over a good attendance. Apologies for absence were received from several members. Mr A. X. Smith expressed the opinion members should not be the Council if they were unable to attend the meetings;

Correspondence was read from the District Railway Traffic Manager re heaters for the Foxton-Pnl-merston train, stating that owing to lack of facilities at Foxton, the heaters could not be supplied. It was decided to take no further action under the circumstances.

From the Borough Council re dwellings unfit for habitation in the borough, and asking that specific cases be forwarded to the Health Officer. The President explained what had transpired at the last meeting, and it was decided to hold over further discussion until the mover of the motion dealing with the matter was in attendance. From the Nicholson Engineering Co., Auckland, offering a steamerfor sale. It was decided to forward the letter to the Harbour Board. The Borough Council wrote re the Chamber’s suggested trip to the Mangahao hydro-electric works, stating tliat the letter had been received. —Cr. AYhibley explained that he objected to the proposal of a joyride to Mangahao at the ratepayers’ expense. Mr Christie said as the mover of the motion it was not intended that the Council should defray the cost of locomotion, but each representative should pay his own expenses. The object of the . visit was to get an insight into the “t scheme.

This brought up the question of what steps were being taken by the Council to supply electric power for Foxton. The President said that Foxton, being an industrial centre, was vitally interested in the scheme, and supply of power. The Mayor said that Foxton was included in the Hdrowhenua power district, and so soon as the preliminaries were arranged a petition would be circulated sanctioning its inclusion. Mr Monk was chairman of the Board, and Mr Goldsmith secretary. There would not be any difficulty in getting Foxton and district linked up with the scheme. It was reported that the Foxton railway station was not sufficiently illuminated at night, and that no reply had been received from the local statiomnaster to a letter forwarded in Ibis connection. —Mr Christie said that he had been informed that one lamp was to be lit at the passenger outlet. Mr 11. Osborne said that it was just as important to have the south end of the platform lighted at night—solved to again bring the matter under the notice of the statiomnaster.

A discussion took place in reference to the proposed formation of a company to procure a steamer for regular service to the port. It was resolved to forward a letter tot the promoters ‘of ihe company, wishing them success, and to ask for copies of prospectus for distribution, and to inform them that tho Chamber will do all in its power to assist the flotation. The Mayor referred to the afforestation of sand dunes in this district, and moved that a letter of appreciation be forwarded to the Acting Prime Minister on the steps being taken re afforestation, and hoping that planting operations will In* continued along this coast. The motion was spoken to by several members, and carried unanimously. The President stated that lie had been approached to bring up the question of shortening the main arterial road between Palmerston and Foxton by a cnminuglion of Pykc’s Road, to come out near the race course. This would reduce the distance by live or six miles. On his suggestion, the Mayor promised k> look into the matter and bring it up for discussion at next meeting. Mr Bullard said that there was an area of absentee land between Easton Park and the. Cordial Factory, which, if added to the Park, would prove a valuable asset and improve tho reserve for cricket and football. He moved, and Mr Christie seconded, that it he a recommendation to the Borough Council to investigate the ownership and endeavour to secure same.—Carried.

The following new members were* elected: —Messrs J. A. Nelson, J. A. Coogan, W. Hamer, J. T. Follas, T. Hunt, L. Bradeoek, N. E. Hughes, R. Palmer, and IT. B. Cresswell. '

The President cordially welcomed those of the newly-elected members who were present.