Foxton

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 27, 2 February 1937, Page 9

Foxton

From Our Own Correspondent Chamber of Commerco Mr C. R. Tutty (president) presided over the monthly meeting- of the Foxtor Chamber of Commerce. Mr G. F. Smith referred to the age of the present fire engine in Foxton and suggested that it was time that a new engine was purchased by the Board. He pointed out that the machine at present in use had occasioned delays in attendance at recent fires and this he did not consider was in the besti nterests of the community. Foxton possessed a most energetic and enthusiastic volunteer brigade which was deserving of the very best equipment it was possible to give them. Mr M. E. Ferreau (Board member) said that the Fire Board had not overlooked the fact that the engine was somewhat antiquated. The position was, however, that many people were complaining about high rates. The Fire Board levy on the Foxton on Tuesday tor Wellington where erable one and one which tended to keep the borough rates up. If the ratepayers werep repared to sanction a further increase in rates to povide for a new fire engine, he had no hesitation in saying that his associates on the Board would gladly go in for a more up-to-date engino. As far as the existing engine was concerneed, the Board had arranged with an expert to make a weekly inspection of the machine and keep it in good running order. He did not think that under the circumstances there was any great risk of a break-down. Mr J. Ross (Board member) endorsed Mr Perreau’s remarks and pointed out that no complaint about the state of the existing engine had been made by the superintendent. Mr Dawson suggested that the money necessary for the purchase of a new engine could be raised by carnival effort. The president commented on the delay sometimes occasioned in getting the machine away, due to a number of,men being engaged in industries where the factory noise prevented them from hearing the siren. He suggested that some steps be taken to arrange for the warning to be communicated, to thc«e men. Mr Ross said that no doubt some delay was also occasioned by different men trying to start the engine. Mr Osborne suggested that an arrangemer.t.with Mr Booth’s garage to start the engin*e immediately on the siren sounding 1 would be veery effective. The machine would then bo already running when the brigadesmen arrived. Mr Ferreau promised to communicate tho suggestions to the Board. General A vote of thanks was accorded the Postmaster (Mr W. R. McKenzie) for improved lighting- in te vestibule and lobby at the Post Office, members remarking that Lbe concession was much appreciated. Correspondence was received from the Manawatu Automobile Association agreeing to erect warning notices at Manawatu Heads and from the Foxton Beach Improvement Society expressing its thanks for the efforts of the Chamber in this connection. It was decided to thank the Association for acceding to the request. The delay in' the sealing of the Foxton Beach road was discussed at length and it was decided to approach the Foxton Harbour Board and various local bodies conceerned with a view to obtaining .some finality in tho matter. Mr J. Ross formally tendered his resignation as treasurer in view of his pending removal from the district. Mr Ferreau refered to Mr Ross’s long association with the Chamber and various activities of the town. He said that, Mr lloss was the third president to be elected by the Chamber and during his sojourn locally he had taken a keen and active interest in its welfare, and he would bo much missed in the community. These remarks were endorsed by the- president, who extended good wishes to Mr Ross for his future health and prosperity. In acknowledging the remarks and good wishes, Mr Ross said that he had; resided in Foxton for the past 28 years and he would find it hard to sever his many local ties. As far as his service In the community was concerned, he felt that it was the duty of every citizen to do his best in the interests of the town in which he resided. If his services on the Chamber of Commerce had been appreciated he was more than satisfied. Mr Osborne was elected to. fill the vacancy as treasurer. Persona; Mrs J. . Ferguson and- her son an,d daughter, who have been visiting Mr and Mrs A. Lee, of Avenue road, Foxton, left Foxton on uesday for Wellington where they will spend a few days prior to returning to their home in Auckland. Mrs N. RobinsOn, of Lady’s Mile, has returned from a brief visit to her parents, Mr and Mrs W. S. Maunder, l/'ern Glen, Ashnurst. Mrs E. Healed, of Sydney, is on a holiday visit to New Zealand and at present is the guest of Mrs J. Llnklater, at Manawatu Heads. Mr A. Walsh has returned to Invercargill after' spending a visit in Foxton. Miss N. Bolaroff, a pupil of the Foxton District High School was one of the successful applicants in the selection of candidates for entrance to Training College approved at a recent meeting of the Wanganui Education Board. Miss A. Brown, who has just returned from Christchurch, is spending a few days with relatives in Foxton before leaving for Auckland. Miss B Hayman has been appointed by the Wanganui Education Board as assistant teacher at the Foxton District High School.