CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2858, 14 March 1925, Page 3

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

The monthly meeting of' the Foxton Chamber of Commerce was held on Thursday night, presided over by Mr D. Christie (president). There were also present: Messrs Admore, Perrean, Rinuner, Winstanley, J. K. Hornhlow, Osborne, C. Simmons, and the secretary (Mr McMurray). Apologies for absence .were received from Messrs Moir, F. Woods, J. Chrystall and Pearson. SLOT TELEPHONE.

The secretary reported that the Chamber’s request for the erection of a slot telephone in front of the post office was receiving the attention of the postal department, but so far the local postmaster had not received any official reply. EXPRESS TRAIN SERVICE'S. It was decided to support the Levin Chamber of Commerce’s protest against the proposal to run the New Plymouth and Napier expresses from Palmerston N. to Wellington without stopping at intermediate stations. It was pointed out that suck a proposal would cause great inconvenience and loss to Foxton and district public, particularly in view of the fact that road communication with Shannon had been interfered with through the loss of the bridge. It would also mean that people would be compelled to go to Palmerston N. to catch these trains. The express stops at Le.vin were of the utmost importance to Foxton. SANDON TRAM. Correspondence was read from the Manawatu County Council re the Chamber’s request for an extension of the Sanson tram service. In reply the County pointed out that the amount of both goods and passengers- to and from Foxton at present was very small and did not warrant an extension of the service. The fares collected did not average 10/- per trip. With reference to allowing more time for passengers at Foxton, it had been decided to depart on Fridays at 3.30 p.m. instead of 3 p.m., and this arrangement had been brought into operation.—Decided to thank the County Council for concession granted. DAIRY PRODUCE EXPORT CONTROL. Correspondence was read from the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, and Associated Chambers askino- support and co-operation in opposing absolute control by the Board. —Decided to hold over decision until next meeting, when opportunity would be afforded the Chamber to hear -the other side of the argument. A GENEROUS OFFER. •

A letter was received from Mr Wm. Ross, managing director of the Poplar Flaxmilling Co. Ltd., confirming the verbal offer of £IOOO towards the cost of the erection of a bridge across the'Manawatu river at Poplar and land for the road to connect up with Rangitane Road in lino with Poplar road leading off the Foxton-Shnnnon road. The writer concluded: “We only trust that you may lie successful in being able to call on ns for the money.”

As previously reported at a past meeting, the erection of the bridge and road-to connect with the road through Mr Akers property would provide a quicker route to Palmerston N., avoiding the Himatangi triangle and would give access to land eminently suited for closer settlement and thus add to the general prosperity of the district. It was decided that the offer he communicated to Mr Akers and to await his reply before further action is taken in this important matter. PROPOSED DAIRY FACTORY. A letter was received from Mr J. H. Pedersen stating that his firm had abandoned the idea of starting a butter factory in Foxton and expressing the hope that some other firm would take up the projoosal.

Air Perrean stated that the representatives of another firm had made enquiries and were prepared to commence .operations locally provided Mr Pedersen’s firm abandoned ■ the idea. He said a site had been inspected in a central position, and further steps would be taken at an early date. —The Chamber decided to afford the company any support which lay in its power and hoped that a butter factory would be established in Foxton at an early date. PORT IMPROVEMENTS. Correspondence was read from the Chairman of the Foxton Harbour Boards acknowledging the Chamber’s suggestions for improved shipping facilities and thanking the Chamber for its co-operation. A letter was also read from the Palmerston N. Chamber, endorsing the Chamber’s recommendations, which. have been communicated to the Harbour Board.’ DOMINION TRADE MARK. It was decided to support the Associated Chambers re Dominion trade mark for exports. MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS. Ala tiers in connection with the forthcoming municipal elections were discussed and it was decided to urge upon members to offer their services and draw up a policy in connection with their candidature. NEW MEMBER. Mr D. R. Barron was elected a member of the Chamber. VALEDICTORY. Air J. K. Hornblow was the recipient of felicitations and good v/ishes' upon his proposed trip to Great Britain and America and the hope expressed that lie and Mi’s Hornblow would have an enjoyable

lime and a safe return, and that his experiences would be of use to the town and district upon his return and that ho be given an open letter from the Chamber. Mr Hornblow thanked members for their good wishes. Accounts were passed for payment and the meeting terminated.