MEMBER'S VISIT.

Putaruru Press, Volume II, Issue 29, 1 May 1924, Page 3

MEMBER'S VISIT.

MR. HOCKLY AT PUTARURU Local Requirements. The projected visit by Mr. F. F. Hoekly, M.P. for the district, to Putaruru took place on Monday and Tuesday, Mr. Hoekly arriving by car from Rotorua via Atiamuri at midday on the Monday and leaving for His home at Parawera on Tuesday afternoon. On Monday afternoon he was met by representative residents and the gathering was entertained to afternoon tea by Miss Alcorn at her residence. Here matters of local concern were discussed with the member. LOCAL POLICE" STATION. The question of the erection of the police station at Putaruru was brought forward, members pointing out that with the near approach of the main Arapuni works, proper police accommodation and supervision wag becoming an urgent matter. The need for a lock-up and a mortuary was also mentioned. Mr. Hoekly said that he had recently interviewed the cfiief clerk of the Police Department to impress the matter on him, and apparently the police were now moving to have it put in hand. He would inquire further when next in Wellington. THE QUESTION OF PROTECTION. Mr. R. Alcorn introduced the subject of protective tariff, stating that any industry required a duty of more than thirty-three and one-third per cent was not worth fostering, in his opinion, as it meant too big a burden on the people who bought the goods, and thus tended to keep the cost of living at a high level. Mr. Alcorn particularly quoted the Boot-manu-facturing industry as requiring, he thought, too big a protective duty. Mr. Hoekly replied that he thought the thirty-three and a-third per cent should be the maximum protection accorded to any new industry starting in the future, but in the case of the boot-manufacturing industry a protection so small would at present mean the ruining of the industry, and the loss of the large amount of capital invested in it here, besides throwing the operatives out of work. Again, this industry formed a competitor to the overseas exporters of boots as far as trade in this country was concerned, and if it were killed the overseas people could charge New Zealand what they liked for boots. WAR MEMORIAL SCHEME. As chairman of the Bowling, Croquet and Tennis Club, Mr. G. P. Portas asked for Mr. Hockly’s support in obtaining the necessary consent for the art union which the club purposes holding to raise funds to complete the War Memorial Park scheme. Mr. Hoekly promised to give all assistance in his power in this matter. On Tuesday morning the member received private deputations, and accompanied members of the Development Board on a tour of inspection of town streets with Mr. T. Rabone, Public Works engineer, who had been deputed to report in regard to the board’s application for a Government subsidy towards the formation of the streets.