CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4421, 1 March 1930, Page 2

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

MONTHLY MEETING. The monthlf meeting of the Foxton Chamber of Commerce was Held on Thursday evening, presided over by Mr. J. K. Hornblow (president). Also present were Messrs F. C. Raikes, T. McGee, I. Corn, R. N. Spoirs, 11. Osborne, John Ross, and tho secretary (Ah - . R. O. Hornblow). Apologies for absence were received from Messrs D. U. Barron, D. Christie, A. Alsop and J. Newton.

INCREASE IN NOXIOUS WEEDS. Mr. F. C. Raikes reported on a discussion which had taken place at the. Manawatu Rabbit Board meeting that day relative to the increase in noxious growths throughout the Dominion of recent years and referred to the necessity for some strigent action to combat this trouble. A round table discussion followed and it was decided to support ttie Rabbit Board in any move it might, lake to bring about some control of tlie weeds. * FLOOD AIENtAIUE. The question of the necessity for the carrying out of some portion of the Alana vvatu-Oroua River Board’s scheme of Hood protection was again discussed. Members predic- . led that Hoods of a far more serious nature than ever experienced before would accompany the winter months this year to the great detriment of Foxton and immediate district. The fact that t-he main Foxton-Levin road was blocked for some weeks by Hood waters in the -middle of summer was regarded as a very bad omen. Mr. John Ross said that if the main cut from Dr. Walls’ corner at Alouton to the outlet of the Government Drain at Whirokino were put through the relief in flood time would he very great. He opposed the cut between there and the sea as he thought this would lie very detrimental to the port. Speaking of his ten years’ experience of working the port, Mr. Ross said that a Hood accompanied by a westerly wind did scarcly any damage to the bar and channel as the water was kept agitated and the silt carried far out and. along the coast. An easterly on the other hand had the effect of causing the bar and river to silt up. if the cut was put through at Aloutoa and the river left as it was below Foxton he thought that the channel and bar would become quite good. It was decided not to take any action at the present juncture. LIGHT ON WATER TOWER. Mr. H. Osborne advanced a suggestion that a tight should be erected on top of the Foxton water tower as a means of advertising the town. The matter had previously been discussed, he said, when it had

been mentioned that the Marine Department- would object to such a'-' beacon, but he now had it on good authority that the Department would not raise any objection in this connection. The tower was visible from Shannon and Levin in day tune and a light on il at night would be a great advertisement for the town.

Air. J. Ross cliil not think that the .Marine Department would allow the light to be erected as in thick weather mariners would easily confuse it with the Heads light which was on a much lower level. Air. Osborne said the cost of installing a light on the tower would be £11) for a 3(J(J c.p. lamp.

Mr. Raikes said that with the permission of t-he Borough Council perhaps some company would erect the light as a means of advertising. It was decided to leave the matter in the hands of Messrs Osborne and Corn for further investigation. THE BEAIOH ROAD. The question of better access to the beach again came up for discussion anil it was decided that a strong deputation to bo representative of local and Palmerston North residents interested in the seaside, wait on the Harbour Board at its April meeting with a request that s-.mc immediate steps be taken to have a proper and safe access provided. ROAD SIGNS.

Mr. R. X. Speirs mentioned that strangers to Foxton often found it difficult to find the road to the seaside and suggested that sign posts directing visitors to the seaside be i i rated at suitable stops. it was decided to get in touch with the Manawatu Automobile Association on the matter and ask that body to erect notice boards suitable t<» the purpose in the borough. TELEPONE FOR JUNIOR POLUOEAIAN VETOED. A reply was received from the Commissioner of Police relative to the Chamber’s request that a telephone be installed in the residence oi the junior Constable locally, to the effect that the request could not be given effect to. 1 lie communication was received.