COMMERCIAL LUNCHEON.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2826, 20 December 1924, Page 3

COMMERCIAL LUNCHEON.

AN ENTERPRISING FIRM. CELEBRATE OPENING OF DISTRIBUTING STORE. To mark the opening of their new benzine stores at Foxton, a luncheon was tendered public men and representatives of commercial firms by Alessrs Goldingham and Beckett, Ltd., in the local Town Hall supperroom on Wednesday. Air F. S. Goldingham presided and among those present were Alessrs J. A. Nash and J. Linklater, Al.’sP., J. Chrystall (Mayor), H. L. Young (president of Palmerston N. Chamber of Commerce), D. W. Christie (president of the Foxton, Chamber of Commerce), E. R. B. H°lhen (Foxton Harbour Board), E. V. West( Palmerston X. Borough Council) and R. J. Thompson, A. N. Smith, AI. H. Walker, R. Bryant, W. Adams and E. Parkin, members of the Foxton Boiough Council. The assemblage numbered upwards of 100 and included many Wellington guests. Following the loyal toast, that of (ii “Petrol Interests” was proposed by Air Holben, who stated that the n orld owed a debt of gratitude to (lie pioneers of that industry, inasmuch as to-day it was so largely dependent on petrol in transit and in the realm of machinery. The response was made by Messrs Alurray, Lang and Galley, representing oil interests. The first named, in refen’ing to the function that day, stated that it marked two" important the advancement of a progressive firm and the opening up of a new sphere for business activity in the distrjbt.' The feast, “Our Hosts,” was proposed by Air Nash, who, in doing so, stated that Air Goldingham had taken a very keen interest in the district for many years past. His business .had been founded in 1903, and its rapid development had shown that he had thoroughly anticipated the commercial requirements of Palmerston North and district. Now the firm had branches in Wellington, Wanganui and Foxton. Air Goldingham commanded the respect of all who knew him, and his business integrity was of the highest. The oil stores showed the faith that that gentleman had in the potentialities of the district. THE PORT OF FOXTON. In proposing the toast of “the Port and Borough of Foxton and Commercial Interests,” Atr F. S. Goldingham said: “I am of the opinion that, owing to the activities of the Wanganui Harbour Board and the concessions given by that body Palmerston N. is in danger of having to look to Wanganui as its port, instead of to either Wellington or Foxton. Foxton, from the shipping point of view,” continued the speaker, “is probably not as good now as it was 20 years ago, when as many as live vessels could often be seen tied up at the wharf. Palmerston N. has never given proper support to Foxton, simply because of the lack of necessary information.” All- Goldingham continued that, because of the concessions given by the Wanganui Harbour Board, goods could be obtained through that port cheaper than through Wellington—a striking commentary, said the speaker, on the high port charges in the latter city. It was quite evident that Foxton could not look forward to direct imports for some considerable time, but rapid advance in trade would be made if the number of vessels on the run was increased and also if more water was given. Patea had cool stores, and Foxton could be exactly in the same position if as much water could be*obtained as at the first-named port. Palmerston N. the fifth town of the Dominion from the point of view of capital value and improvements, needed a port that had connection with the other shipping centres of New Zealand, but, at the present time, Foxton was only linked up with Wellington and . Lyttelton, and this was not adequate for the needs of a prosperous district like the Alanawatu. The information that commercial interests desired was whether Foxton was going to be the port of Palmerston N. or whether the latter town would have to look to Wanganui. A NEW STEAAIER. In responding to the toast on be-

half of the Foxton Boi-ough Council, the Alayor, Air J. Chrystall, stated that, had it not been for the patriotism of a few citizens the port of Foxton would have been shut up some time ago, those people having been willing to put their money in an old steamer rather than see the port closed. The Harbour Board would need to have wider powers than it, possessed at present if the port was to progress. In conclusion, he suggested that, if the busines people of Palmerton North desired to trade through Foxton, they should combine and purchase a new steamer, which would on a reasonable estimate, return aij annual profit of £3,000. LOAN FOR lAIPROVEAIENTS. Air J. Linklater, ALP., chairman oS the Harbour Board, in responding on behalf of that body, stated that last year the business through the port had increased In- 50 per cent.JThe board, with its limited resources, was doing the best that it could to better the facilities for shipping, and it was his opinion that if half the money that had been spent at Wanganui had been spent at, Foxton, the latter town would have been a port second to none on (he West Coast. When one considered the huge volume of water that came down the Alanawatu it seemed patent that the required depth could be obtained and that the bar could be pushed out to sea. To him it appeared that the board would have to go to the ratepayers of the district for a loan. Years ago a promise had been given that this would not be done, but now, the future of the pox-t depended on developmental work beng done. “Foxton will yet become one of the best ports on the West Coast,” said Air Linklater in conclusion.

Mr H. L. Young, president of the Palmerston N. Chamber of Commerce, whose name was coupled with the toast, asked why should Palmerston X. look to Wanganui when it had a port like Foxton at its doors. In the past the service given hv Foxton had not been satisfactory as far as Palmerston N. merchants had been concerned, and the carry- ; ng of fi*eight had also given cause for complaint. However, the board proposed to take charge of the wharves as soon as the new shed was completed and if a better service of vessels could be arranged, the trade of the port would increase greatly. In conclusion, Air Young stressed the need for more conferences between the businessmen of Palmerston N. and Foxton, pointing out that many benefits would accrue therefrom.