CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Putaruru Press, Volume II, Issue 41, 31 July 1924, Page 3

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

LOCAL RAILWAY PROJECT. Town Streets. The July meeting of the Putaruru Chamber of Commerce was held last week. There were present:—Messrs. F. C. Barnett (president), J. H. Morris, F. Snell, J. M. Spear, Johnson, H. McDonald, J. Smith, A. R. Vosper, C. G. Alcorn, Coslett, sen. and jun., H. J. W. Scott, G. E. Martin and A. H. Duke sen, jun. PUTARURU-TAUPO LINE. In reply to the chamber the chairman of the Tokoroa Progress League wrote explaining that in stating to Mr. F. G. Dalziell, chairman of the Taupo Totara Timber Company, that no good could be done by discussing the local railway project with the settlers, etc., at a public meeting at Putaruru, the league had no wish in any way to ignore what had been done by Futaruru people for the project. Its intention was simply to emphasise that this matter was being dealt with by the Putaruru-Taupo Railway Board on behalf of the settlers, and the company therefore should deal with the board only in the matter. The league and the Tokoroa people generally appreciated what had been done in more ways than one by the Putaruru people to assist the progress of Tokoroa, and if the chairman of the Railway Board considered it advisable They were certainly willing to co-operate with the chamber to invite Mr. Dalziell to address a public meeting, but they were strongly of opinion that the chairman would not consent.

Mr. Dalziell and Mr. Bailey, another director of the company, being in Putaruru, it was resolved to invite them to attend the meeting at 9 p.m. In company with the general manager, Mr. Coupe, they accepted the invitation, and a general discussTcn took place on the local railway Mr. Dalziell stated his opinion that in basing any scheme on the prospect of overseas firms carrying it out and financing it the Railway Board was only wasting time, as the profit required by such firms, he w T as informed by responsible Government officials, was as much again in some cases for financing the work as the value of the work. Tt was a different proposition if the employers found their own capital. The president emphasised that the main concern of the chamber was VL to see a suitable railway from Putaruru to Taupo at the earliest date. Mr. Dalziell replied that he doubted whether the board would obtain an Order-in-Council for the construction of a railway to Taupo over any new route, as political opinion favoured the Rotorua-Waiotapu route for a railway to Taupo. The company held an Order-in-Council permitting it to extend its Tine to Taupo, and if the line were acquired by the bo arc? ' this permission would be transferred - to the board too, but at present the '.traffic offering would not warrant the embarking capital in the extension. The company contended that the cheapest outlet for the timber in * the Upper Waikato would be over its line, though, of course, if the other timber owners could find a cheaper way they were entitled to do so. In reply to Mr. Alcorn Mr. Dalziell said the company was certainly wilTing to sell to the board its interest in the first 19 miles of its line. In acknowledging a vote of thanks for the information he had given, Mr. Dalziell said the company wished always to be frank and he would at all times be pleased to give information desired. GRANT FOR TOWN STREETS.

reply having been received the engineer-in-chief of the Public Works Department to the _ chamber's request for advice as to the of the report being obtained by the department on the question of a grant for the streets through the Government subdivision at Putaruru, it was resolved to send a telegram inquiring the position. The secretary was deputed to prepare three petitions for the betterment of Kensington street for signature by the users of the street. THE ARAPUNI CONTRACTORS. It was resolved to write Colonel Greenhough, New Zealand representative for Sir W. G. Armstrong, Whitworth and Company, congratulating his firm on securing the Arapuni contracts and offering any assistance the chamber could render. TRAINS TO AUCKLAND. The proposal by the Matamata and Te Aroha Chambers of Commerce for a train from Frankton about 9.30 each evening to Auckland was supported, it being decided to write the Minister on the matter. SECRETARYSHIP. Mr. Dukeson was appointed secrethe chamber, vice Mr. Martin, resigned.