CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Otaki Mail, 9 November 1923, Page 2

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the above was held at the theatre sample-room last night. Mr. L. G. Lowry, President, presiding. Correspondence. Correspondence was read from the Plunket. Society acknowledging the Council ’s application for a nurse, and in reply stated the letter had been forwarded to the Dunedin centre I‘or consideration.—Matter to be discussed later. From the Department of Health stating it could not grant the Chamber’s application for a Maori nurse and adding that Natives could be treated at the hospital, further that the arrangement liad been in fonce for a year and that there had been no complaints.— Decided to enquire if Natives were satisfied with the present arrangement.

From tire Foxton Chamber of Commerce relative to the allocation of rep. football matches and stating the Chamber’s letter had been forwarded to the sports’ bodies for consideration. —Received. New Members. Messrs Witcbell, Barlow, and Hosking were elected new members. Power for Otaki. Mr. Morse, whs was appointed by the Chamber, reported having waited on Mr. Kilsbv relative to the reticulation scheme for Otaki, and was assured that Otaki would not be left out, but that it would be ready three months before power was available. The Board had, stated Mr. Kilsbv, received one or two set backs, especially a< Manakau. but nevertheless work would soon be in hand at Otaki, and by February poles would be erected here. Mr. Kilsby also considered power would be available in Otaki about June or July. It was stated that Mr. Overton considered power would not be available till August, and that. Otaki would be one of the first towns lighted. Shannon. however, would have an auxiliary plant, therefore would have surplus current first. It was also stated that

nu installation officer was going found the district, and that no one was turning the power down. Contracts for work would also be let hi groups so as quicker anu better jobs would he secured. It was pointed out that owners of premises could do wiring, provided a license was first obtained. A vote of thanks was accorded' Mr. Morse for the interest he had displayed in the matter. Boosting Otaki. The Chairman brought fo.rward a matter, held over from the last meeting, relative to boosting Otaki by means of the cinema. He pointed out that the project would take a deal of money and that a certain sum would have to be guaranteed. It would not be a large amount and should be easily obtained. Mr. Heald said cinema advertising was the best- way of boosting a town, and thought that during Christmas a gala day- could be held and views taken. To get films well circulated would cost about £45, £ls additional for expenses, or four copies could be circulated at the one time for £9O.

Mr. Morse said there were 310 picture shows in New Zealand at present, and thought 1000 ft of film could be secured for £25. Mr. Heald mentioned that Mr. Byron Brown had offered £ls towards the scheme.

The question of raising the necessary money was discussed, and 'eventually left in the hands of the Executive Committee, while it was agreed that £SO be spent, more if money was collected. Mr. Morse offered to give a proportion of the money raised by the exhibition of the pictures. The question of holding a-children’s ball was discussed but was'deemed inadvisable, but it was agreed to hold a “flower day" in Wellington, arrangements for this being left in the hands of Messrs Heald and Percival. It was also decided to ask Mrs. Knight to assist by holding a children’s entertainment. TJnfinancial Members. Reference was made to unflnancial members' and regret expressed that those who made such a flourish at the start should have dropped out, and left legacies bv way of unpaid subs. ; Miscellaneous. Mr. Williams drew attention to a dangerous'place at Otaki Railway, apd it was agreed to write to the ‘ Horowhenua County Council on the matterMr. Williams also took exception to what he considered exorbitant charges, levied by the Borough. Council, for toby boxes. This matter will be fits-! cussed later. i

Mr. Bax. -who occupied the chairearly in the evening, apologised for his non-attendance at meetings on account of ill-health, but assured all he had by no means forgotten the Chamber of Commerce. The Chairman expressed pleasure that Mr. Bax had been restored to good health, and hoped he would live long to enjoy the best of health. The subject, brick area ▼. wood, was held in bbeyanc«.