CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2556, 17 March 1923, Page 2

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. The annual general meeting of e Foxton Chamber of Commerce was held last night. Mr A. N. Smith (president) presided over a good attendance of members. The annual report and balancesheet, as previously published, was read and adopted. CORRESPONDENCE From tlie secretary, Mr R. Rangiheuea, tendering his resignation.—Received with regret. From the local postmaster advising the Chamber that direct telephone line communication between Foxton and Palmerston North bad now been established from 7 a.in. to II p.m. which came into operation as from the 7th inst.—The president said this would remove tlje inconvenience of delay and was much appreciated by business people and subscribers generally. It was decided to forward a letter of thanks to the postmaster for the action be had taken in the matter. From the Chief Postmaster, acknowledging the Chamber’s protest against increased telephone charges.—Received. SORTING CHARGES. A‘"letter was received from the Foxton Retailers’ Association asking the Chamber’s co-operation in a protest against the excessive sorting charges imposed by (he Railway Department on goods shipped through the port. —-Decided to support the Association in any action they may take to remedy the matter and to forward a communication to the Harbour Board on the subject. DEFENCE TRAINING.

The Defence authorities wrote a thanking the Chamber for its support and prompt action in assisting with training camp operations. PLUNKET SOCIETY.

A donation of two guineas was voted to the Plunket Society. If was suggested that those who received benefit from the nurse should contribute more liberally to tbo society’s l funds. ELECTION Of OFFICERS. The following officers were unanimously elected for the ensuing year:—President, Mr .T. K. Hornblovv; vice-president, Mr D. Christie; councillors: Messrs Pearson, Follas, Jno. Ross, E. Healey, Perroan, Tlollings, Adraore, Rangiheuea, F. Rimmer, D. W. Robertson, A. N. Smith and Osborne-, with Mr .1. Linldater, M.P., and the Mayor ex officio; secretary, Mr R. McMuriay: treasurer. Mr E. Healey: auditor, Mr S. H. Poole; bon. solicitors, Messrs Moore and’ Bergin. The banking account to be operated on by I lie president or vice-president, and Messrs Ross, Pearson and the I rea surer.

On leaving the chair -Mr Smith re-i ferred to the good work done during the past, year and the s;; lend id cooperation of members. He congratulated the Chamber on having ngniu obtained the services of Mr TTornblow as president and hoped the same enthusiasm would he displayed. He. regretted the resignation of the secretary who had done excellent service for the Chamber. Mr Hornblow said he could ill afford the time for the position hut would do his best. The Chamber had been fortunate in its past presidents and officials and the good work it had accomplished had more than justified its existence. He said a policy would he brought down at next meeting as an objective for the current? year. He advocated a closer touch with tlie Palmerston and Levin Chambers on matters of importance to the whole district. The hydro-electric scheme was a matter of importance to local industries and in this connection lie desired to congratulate the borough upon the appointment of Mr Alex. Ross to the Power Board. It was hoped that the Chamber and Borough Council would heartily cooperate in matters affecting local progress. He paid a tribute to the enthusiasm of the late president and said bo was a man of progressive ideas- and initiative- and lie hoped to see him aspire to a- higher sphere in', local body affairs. The trouble was that business men, for business reasons, did not care to take an active part in public matters. This was to be regretted. He h ’d no doubt that with the hearty co-operation of members, a year’s useful work would be accomplished. Mr McMurray brought up several matters in respect to the port and shipping, which will be dealt with at a. future meeting. In the meantime it was decided to enter a protest against the extra shipping charges to Foxton as against goods consigned to Palmerston North.

The nsu 'i votes of thanks coneluded the meeting.