PUTARURU CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 242, 21 June 1928, Page 4

PUTARURU CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

MONTHLY MEETING. The usual monthly meeting of the above Cnamber was held on Monday, when Mr. J. W. Barr Brown presided over a fair attendance. Apologies were received from Messrs. C. C. Neal and H. J. W. Scott. Tirau Crossing. Mr. F. F. Hockly wrote, in reply to a letter from the Chamber, stating that he knew the Tirau railway crossing to be a very dangerous one, and that he would do all in his power to get an overhead bridge. Mr. Dukeson thought the Chamber should follow the matter up with the Railway Department. Mr. Spear said that it generally took an accident or two to make them move.

Mr. Barr Brown pointed out that apparently the Highways Board and the Railway Department were unable to agree as to who should bear the cost. On the motion of Messrs. Spear and Vosper it was decided to again write to the Railway Department on the matter. Putaruru-Mamaku Road. The chairman stated that he wished to bring the matter of the Puta-ruru-Mamaku road before the Chamber again. The Mamaku settlers were very keen, and if they got the support of the motorists also, they could exert more pressure.

Mr. Alcorn thought that if the land were in the Putaruru riding they would stand more chance. There was no doubt that it should be in this riding. There was a legal road right through the afforestation block. Mr. Spear stated there was another road as well.

Mr. Benton: That one is past Lichfield.

Mr. Alcorn thought they might make a move to get the area into the Putaruru riding, as there was no community of interest with Tirau. Mr. Dukeson: It was to get to the bottom of these details that we decided to ask Mr. Darby to address

the meeting, but unfortunately he has always been otherwise engaged on meeting nights. Mr. Spear then outlined, by means of a diagram, the route of the proposed road, with various alternatives. Mr. Barr Brown: I understand ! there is a road suitable for cars between Selwyn siding and Ngatira. It seems to me the Highways Board would save the cost of the road by keeping stock off the Mamaku road. Mr. Griffiths stated the position was somewhat involved, and there were wheels within wheels. Cr. Darby had all the points at his fingers’ ends, and he urged that he be again invited to meet the Chamber. Mr. Spear agreed, and thought it would be as well to have a delegate from Selwyn and Mamaku present at the meeting. On the motion of Messrs. Vosper and Simpson it was decided to again approach Mr. Darby to address the Chi mber on the subject. Or. the motion of Messrs. Alcorn and Spear it was decided to also invite delegates from Mamaku and Selwyn. . - Deputation. On the motion of Messrs. Vosper and Spear it was decided that the committee to meet Mr. Hockly consist of Messrs. J. W. Barr Brown, A. C. Vosper, H. J. W. Scott, J. R. O. Lochhead and G. G. Griffiths, with two from Tokoroa. A Natural Centre. Mr. Alcorn suggested the Chamber should pass a resolution stating the members’ confidence in the district as a field for investment. After some discussion the follow-

ing resolution was unanimously adopted: “That this Chamber of Commerce strongly resents the attitude of Government departments when considering loans and other matters in connection with Putaruru and district, and having a local knowledge of the facts appertaining thereto, affirms that the town of Putaruru on account of its unique geographical position in relation to roads and railways, and being a natural trading centre for a large area associated with dairying, timber milling, afforestation and other industries which are steadily developing and increasing affords a sound field for investment of capital under such safeguards as are usually adopted therewith throughout the Dominion,”