CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 270, 10 January 1929, Page 4

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Putaruru Chamber of Commerce was held in the Oddfellows’ Hall on Monday night, when there was a fair attendance. Apologies for unavoidable absence were received from Messrs, A. Simpson and J. M. Spear. Parliamentary Party.

Mr. Griffiths reported that Mr. Hewitt had advised him that he expected the Auckland members would be down early in February. The speaker suggested that as the visit would involve the party staying at least one night there would be some financial obligations. To meet these he suggested that the Putaruru Town Board, Matamata County Council and Taupo Totara Timber Company be approached in the matter. The speaker stated that the chamber’s work had attracted attention in other districts, and it was of great interest to the parties mentioned. One prominent outside observer had gone so far as to state that the chamber’s efforts might result in a movement which would spread throughout New Zealand.

Mr. Neale supported the suggestion, which was adopted. Railway Time-table. Mr. J. R. O. Lochhead wrote complaining that the 6.20 p.m. express had been brought forward during the holidays without any public notification. He and others had been most seriously inconvenienced, and he suggested that the chamber make strong representations to the Department on the matter. Mr. Griffiths stated that many people had missed the train each evening. Putaruru was an important junction, people connecting with the railways from Mokai, Arapuni, Te Whetu and other places, and such alterations should be advertised. It was a fact that even the post office received no advice on the matter, and he believed the train was only caught with the mails by pure chance on the first night. He suggested a letter be forwarded to the Department and also to Mr. Clinkard, who had promised to assist. Mr. Alcorn also stated that he had been seriously inconvenienced, and he knew of others similarly caught. On the motion of Messrs. Alcorn and Benton, it was decided to make strong representations to the Railway Department and to Mr. Clinkard on the matter. Minister for Lands. The Hon. G. W. Forbes, Minister for Lands, wrote stating that he hoped to visit Putaruru, and though he might not be able to fit in with the Parliamentary visit, he would be glad to be notified of the arrangements made and also the time of the /isit. Mr. Griffiths suggested that the Hon. E. A. Ransom, who he understood was a keen advocate of the pumice lands, should also be invited to visit Putaruru. On the motion of Messrs. Barr Brown and Neal this was agreed to. Telephone Service. Mr. Dukeson and other members commented on the courteous and quick service provided by the exchange clerk that evening, which service was not always so prompt. It was decided to write to the postmaster complimenting the attendant on duty.