WELLINGTON DELEGATION.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 257, 11 October 1928, Page 5

WELLINGTON DELEGATION.

REPORT TO CHAMBER. At Monday’s meeting of the Putaruru Chamber of Commerce, Messrs. J. Campbell (Tokoroa) and G. G. Griffiths (Putaruru), members of the deputation which interviewed the Prime Minister in Wellington with reference to the T.T.T. railway and I other matters, reported on'the visit. Mr. Campbell stated that Mr. Hockly had not appeared to give much encouragement, but they were j satisfied with the visit. The Prime j Minister had given every encourage- | ment and seemed to Have a thorough ■ grip of the question. Mr. Dalziel had given every support, and had told Mr. Coates that it was purely a settlers’ scheme. They had asked for through freights and standard rolling stock, and had every reason to believe that something would be done for them. The deputation had been unanimous in their request, and in their impressions. Mr. Hockly also thought they had made a favourable impression. A meeting would be called at Tokoroa at an early date, though matters appeared to be very favourable, he felt they should not relax their efforts until something definite had been decided.

Mr. Griffiths dealt with the visit in full detail, much of his report being taken in committee. He agreed that the reception had been distinctly favourable and forecasted something definite at an early date. He explained that members of the delegation were in entire agreement as to their impressions, and pointed out that Mr. Hockly had put in a strenuous allnight sitting on the day of their arrival. He anticipated something definite in regard to freight at an early date, and thought that there were wonderful possibilities ahead of the district if an officer of the Department of Industries was appointed as an efficiency expert to visit the district and collect evidence in regard to the efficient organisation of the district as a whole (1) by the amalgamation of timber interests and the efficient use of the T.T.T. line; (2) by utilising the area for experiments ir. settlement, etc. All that was required was the will to succeed. No effort should be spared till the matter was finally settled, and all parties should keep in the closest touch with one another and with Mr. Hockly. Mr. Alcorn thought the appointment of an efficiency expert might delay matters. He was not sure what the 50-50 reduction meant.

Mr. Neal thought they should particularly concentrate on the reduction in freights. Cheap manure was wanted as early as possible. Mr. Griffiths replied that in the opinion of the delegates the two matters did not conflict. He quite expected a reply in regard to freights at an early date, but held that much the bigger possibility lay in the proposal to amalgamate all interests under the guidance of an officer from the Department of Industries. All parties should stick together. Mr. ■ Campbell concurred with this view. Mr. Alcorn again emphasised that the 50-50 suggestion in regard to freights was not very clear. The delegates thought it was as clear as it was possible to get matters at the moment. It was the basis for through freights. On the motion of Messrs. T. F. Snell and J. M. Spear, it was decided to forward the following motion to the Prime Minister: “ That the Putaruru Chamber of Commerce, after hearing the report of the deputation to Wellington, records its pleasure a~ the favourable and considerate reception accorded to its members.” On the motion of Messrs. Neal and T. F. Snell a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the deputation for the time and trouble they had taken over the matter.

Mr. Griffiths suggested that a similar vote of thanks be accorded Mr. Hockly, and this was agreed to on the motion of Messrs. Alcorn and Scott.