FOXTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3810, 26 June 1928, Page 3

FOXTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Foxton Chamber of Commerce was field in Ross’ rooms last night, presided over by Mr J. K. Ilornblow (president). Also present were Messrs J. S. Moir, J. Ross, D. Chritie, TI. Osborne, G. F. Smith, F. A. Mason, Simonds, Hewitt, Garhett, I. Corn, J. Newton, F. C. Raikcs and the secretary (Mr R. Hornblow). NEW MEMBERS.

The President accorded a welcome to Messrs Garbett, Simonds (stationmastcr), and Hewitt (manager Commercial Bank), and referred to the necessity for co-opera-tion between local business men. THE POTATO GRADE.

The Ashburton Chamber wrote in reference to the potato grade, suggesting that the Government be requested to institute an intermediate grade for potatoes between seed and F.A.Q. table. By so doing the Ashburton Chamber considered that the sale of these intermediate potatoes, which are quite suitable for culinary purposes, would tend to decrease the cost of living. Mr Garbett said the potatoes mentioned were barred from export because of size, but were quite as good eating as the export ones.'He did not think the institution of an intermediate grade would affect the price of potatoes in this Island.

Mr Moir said the matter was one between the Grain Association and the Department. The letter was received. NATIVE BUSH RESERVE.

Tjhe Hastings Chamber wrote asking co-operation in urging upon the Government the necessity of securing native forest on both sides of the proposed new road from Te Waiti to Waikaremoana in areas sufficient to create a scenic reserve. The reommendation was supported. CORRESPONDENCE was read and dealt with as follows : From Messrs Wilson and Horton, Ltd., re advertising in the Christmas Number of the Auckland Weekly.—Received. From the Associated Chambers, enclosing a copy of a letter from the Minister of Finance relative to that body’s 2>rotest on various aspects of taxation. —Received. From the Railway Department, stating that it was unable to accede to the Chamber’s request for assistance in payment of the nightwatchman’s salary.—Received.

From same, enclosing “Where to Go” folders. —Received.

ACQUISITION OF SWAMP LANDS. ,

Mr D. Christie reported on the public meeting com*ened by the Flaxworkers’ Union with the object of asking the Government to acquire the Moutoa swamp for flax planting purposes. The matter Avas discussed by members, but no action was taken. A SOCIAL HOUR. At the .conclusion of business, members were entertained to supper at Walls’ by the President. Toasts Avere honoured, and Mi’ G. F. Smith contributed a recitation. Mr. D. Christie (vice-president) presided.

The Loyal toast Avas first honoured, after which that of “The new members” was proposed by Mr F. A. Mason.

Mr Garbett expressed his pleasure and honour at being elected a member of the Chamber. He had never had very much previous experience on local bodies, but was glad of the opportunity of being of any assistance if he could. He hoped that his attendance at Chamber meetings would be of some use and that he would be of service to the town.

Mr Simmonds said he was also pleased to be associated with the Chamber, and although he could not speak oflicially on matters in connection with Ids Department which came before that body, he hoped he could be of service, and was only too pleased to assist in any way possible. Mr Hewitt expressed pleasure at being asssociated with the Chamber of Commerce which he. understood was a live body, if not the livest in Foxton. He was also only too pleased to help in any way possible.

The toast of “The Borough Council’’ was proposed by Mr Raikes, who referred to the progress Foxton was making under the able guidance of the Council and the Mayor (Mr M. E. Perreau). He was pleased to note the line way in which the Borough Council and Chamber co-op-erated on matters of welfare to tho town and people. When two such bodies so readily co-operated only good could result. Cr. John Ross replied and said, like the Manawatu County Council the Borough Council was also governed by finance. They would like to be even more progressive but had to live within their means. “Our Chairman” was proposed by Mr. Christie and replied to by Mr. J. K. Hornblow who referred to many matters of vital importance

to the town and district and the progress made locally in various channels. The toast of the “Vice President” was ]>roposed by Mr. J. K. Hornblow and responded to by Mr. D. Christie.

Mr. G. F. Smith proposed the toast of “the hem]) industry” and in reply Mr. J. S. Moir referred to Foxton’s dependency on the hemp industry, the future of which largely depended on the cultivation of the green leaf. He was of opinion that it would only be a short time before the wild leaf died out altogether and it - was very encouraging to know that this was realised and cultivation was being taken up. It showed that the industry was here to stay and he prophesied that when flax was grown, and harvested here that prosperity would return to Foxton. Mr. Moir referred to the near completion of the Shannon Bridge and said that with road communication again established both towns would derive benefit.