Palmerston North Railway Deviation

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 34, 10 February 1937, Page 6

Palmerston North Railway Deviation

MINISTER’S REPLY TO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. The executive of tho Palmerston North Chamber of Commerce held a brief meeting yesterday afternoon Present were Messrs. A. J. Graham (in the chair), A. P. Stuart, K. A. Henderson, U. B. Free, U. L. Cunninghamc, J. Selwyn, C. N. Kabone, F. G. Opie. There were several apologies. Officers elected were: President, Mr. A. J. Graham; vice president, Mr. K. A. Henderson; linance committee, Messrs. Henderson (convenor), J. A. Nash, M. IL Oram, H. E. Edmunds, A. P. Stuart; membership, Messrs, btevens, Wallace, Lunninghame, Cousins, belwyu; legisla lion, Messrs. Oram, Nash, Opie, Clark, Lunninghame; trade and commerce, Messrs. Free, Towshend, Opie, ltaooae. Tributes were paid to Mr. Graham's good services as president in tho past year. Ho urged business men to givt cordial support to the work of the Chamber. Tho city was making good progress, with every prospect of a rosy future, but there was need for increased co-operation to advance commerci.il interests. The Minister of Railways (Hon. 1). Cl. builivan) noted with thanks an offer from tho Chamber to . co-operate with the Department in an investigation into tho Palmerston North railway deviation. —Received. Correspondence was received from the City Council formally advising the Chamber of the success of the deputation to the Minister of Public Works, asking that tho Makerua road bo made a btate highway. “It is of great importance to this city. There is no doubt that the Minister reached a just decision. The effect will bo that three arterial roads will now lead from Wellington to Palmerston North," commented Mr. Graham. The Associated Chambers of Commerce of New Zealand invited opinions as to directions in which tho present legislation covering land and income tax might bo improved. Tho Government contemplated a legislative revision, and any suggestions will bo coordinated by the associated body for reference to the correct quarters. Sugar Beet Industry. Mr. L. G. Schmitt, secretary of tho Department of Industries and Commerce, advised that the question of developing the sugar beet industry in New Zealand had already received Government consideration, and tho Bureau of Industry was now working in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture on initial investigations. As a lirst step, various areas had been selected as possibly useful for the production of sugur beet. Experiment was being carried out in regard to growing trial crops. When results are available, the possibility of the economic establishment of the industry will be fully examined by the Bureau. The chairman said the letter did not advise whether or not tho Manuwuiu district was one selected for expenmen tatiou. Future meetings will be held in tho evening on tho lirst Tuesday of each month. It was decided to make representations to tho Foxton Harbour Board asaing if improvement of the bar was i .>»- aiuie to give better access to the port. Comment was made that many merchants iu the city would import through i-oxton if a regular service could be assured. As it was, recent experiences showed how unreliable the port was. Recently one boat was stranded for 15 days, while another waited outside the bar for live days. Whipping companies considered the port unprolitabie if boats could carry iu only a 75 per cent. load.