CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2908, 11 July 1925, Page 3

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

MONTHLY MEETING. : The monthly meeting of the Foxton Chamber of Commerce was held in the Town Hall rest-room last night, presided over by the President (Mr A. E. Admore). Also present were Messrs D. Christie, R. MeMurray, F. G. Smith, D. R. Barron, and the secretary (Mr F. Rimmer). CORRESPONDENCE was read and dealt with as ■ follows : From Mr D. W. Robertson, resigning from the Chamber.—Received. From the Foxton Harbour Board, agreeing to co-operate with the Chamber in getting the main highways started from Foxton; also agreeing to co-operate with the Chamber in asking the Railway Department to have railway coal shipped through the port of Foxton.— Received. From the Foxton Borough Council, agreeing to co-operate on above suggestions.—Received. From the ITorowhenua Power Board, forwarding copy of the Board’s charges for electricity. — Received with thanks, the Secretary being instructed to obtain a copy of tin? Manawatu Power Board’s charges for comparison. From the Wellington Automobile Association, asking co-operation in obtaining a Royal Commission for enquiry into the expenses of County Council administration; and also support to amend the Main Highways Act, to give absolute power to the Main Highways Board to enforce the maintenance of county roads: also enclosing a copy of a letter forwarded to the Prime Minister on the above questions. —Supported.

From the Napier Chamber, asking for support in requesting the Minister of Labour to give attention to a serious anomaly in the Wages Protection and Contractors’ Liens Act, whereby owing to the non-ful-filment of a contract by the contractor, the lien holders lose the protection to be afforded by the Act. —Received, members being of the opinion that the Act is quite in order.

From the Secretary of the Associated N.Z. Chambers of Commerce, as follows: —“I have to advise having received from fhc Secretary of the Railway Board a copy of the new Railway Tariff and Regulations which it is proposed to bring into operation on or about the 12th prox. The Board cannot see its way to distribute copies to individual Chambers, hut I should be pleased to answer to the best of my ability any enquiries regarding new classifications and rates. “Dominion Trade Mark. —Consequent on the advices received from various Chambers of Commerce, representations have been made to the Minister of Industries and Commerce (Board of Trade) that it is desirable to identify New Zealand produce whenever possible. To that end, my executive recommend that . the letters N.Z. could in safety be added in all cases, and that where practicable, the design of the fernleaf should also be included. The Minister and the Department favourably view the suggestion, but desire to know the opinion of the chief exporters of products on this matter. In particular, it is desired to know whether or not such exporters would agree to the addition suggested. Will you please obtain the opinions of those affected in your city, and forward a statement to me, for submission to the Minister. “Date of Annual Conference. —• Several Chambers of Conunerce have intimated that the end of November would be a suitable time for their delegates. Chambers which have not replied are requested to intimate their wishes hi the matter as early as possible.”—Received. From the Canterbury Progress League, advocating the completion of the South Island Main Trunk y line, and asking for support in this matter.—Decided to support the request. Mr Christie moved that the Harbour Board be written to suggesting the arranging of a conference of all local bodies within the rating area to consider the question of improving the port, increasing shipping and any other matters of general interest to the welfare of the port, such conference to be held at Foxton.—-Carried. Mr Christie further moved: “That this Chamber view with alarm the number of accidents to the shunting staff since .the speeding-up of the expresses. In view of this, will the Minister of Railways proceed at once with the construction of the link line between Levin and Marton, which would enable trains, to revert to their former speed and still do the journey in scheduled time. After considerable discussion the motion was carried. It was resolved that the Justice

Department be written to suggesting that the Courthouse, which at present is an eyesore, he painted. It was decided to request the Postal Department to erect- a. new clock in the Post- Office, and to point out that the present, one is continually going out of order; also that the postmaster he written lor asking whether he would circularise subscribers to ascertain how many are agreeable to pay the increased fees for a continuous telephone service.

It was further .resolved to request the Postal Department- to erect a penny stamp machine in the vestibule of the Post Office. The. Chamber unanimously de-

rided to go into ways and means of securing a new boat for the Foxton trade.

The following new members were elected: —Messrs Harris (2), R. N. Spcirs.