NEWS FROM WAIUKU

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 3, Issue 245, 6 November 1914, Page 1

NEWS FROM WAIUKU

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Formed in Waiuku.

Some Local Requirements

A public meeting convened for the purpose of forming a Chamber of Commerce for Waiuku district was held in the Parish Hall last Wednesday evening. Ths Town Board chairman (Mr R. T. Reid) presided. In attendance were Messrs Harry King, W. L. Henton, W. S. McConnell, J. Mearns, L. F. Shakspear, C. B. Herrold, E. J. Green, W. Adamson, S. R. Mason, T. Rowe, J. McGavin, J. S. de Montalk, S. T. Rossiter, H. B. Armitage, H. White, W. McEwan, W. Hutchinson, and Dr. Howden. A number of others who had signified their intention of becoming members were unable to be present. Mr Mag on explained that he had convened the meeting in response to requests for the formation of an institution to look after the district's interests. He read correspondence in regard to the proposed Chamber of Commerce, addressed to Mr Hutchinson, from Pukekohe, Hamilton and Waitemata Chambers, promising to assist in any way a similar organisation at Waiuku. The two latter bodies forwarded copies of rules. Mr Hutchinson briefly outlined the need for establishing a live Chamber of Commerce for the district, which was the most influential body that could be set up to deal with public affairs. He described the interest that had been taken in the question during the past few months, and explained that the matter had been held over until the Town Board election was settled, as some public men did not wish to hold office in both bodies ; another reason for waiting was that it was very desirable that a secretary of ability should be secured. After indicating the functions of such an institution, Mr Hutchinson moved a resolution to the effect that the time had arrived for the establishment of a Chamber of Commerce to protect and promote the district's interests. Mr S. T. Rossiter, who seconded, said he thought that pretty well all progressive people in the district were agreed that a Chamber of Commerce was desirable. It was certainly a move in the right direction. In approaching the Government and in all other local requirements an organisation of this' sort was very serviceable. He referred to a proposal to form a progressive league a few years ago, but considered the Chamber of Commerce would be much better.

Mr Shakspear said he had much pleasure in supporting the resolution. Thero wero a hundred and ono matters which a Chamber of Commerce could take up in the interests of the district. Thero were many matters to put before Parliament, such as the desired improvement in tho telephone service, which the Minister promised some time ago should be done, but had not yet eventuated. Then thero was the question of Pukekohe trying to get the shunting-station for Waiuku railway. A Chamber of Commerce could back up the local railway league on this matter. Mr Mason spoke in appreciative terms of the indications of having a good fighting organisation. lie explained that the proposed body would deal with matters generally beyond the range of a Town Board, and had a wide sphere of usefulness. He thought that great credit was due to Mr Hutchinson for bringing the matter to a head. Suggestions had been made that there were many questions cropped up of concern to the district and the farming community, which there was no body at present to deal with, but the formation of a Chamber of Commerce would enable action to be taken. He showed the

advantage of a Chambor of Cora

| merce, as again-t a progressive 'eague, iu llio association witb similar powerful organisations in other districts. There was plenty of scope for effort in regard to telephone service improvement. Another matter brought to his notice was tho need for a public weigh-bridge. He also mentioned tbat when discussing the proposal with business people all had iu mind some grievance to bo rectified. If a really representative body were formed then they would get really representative grievances to redress The chairman also supported the motion, and considered it a step in tho right direction. Mr Herrold approved of the resolution, and said that from what he had heard a Chamber of Commerce was what the district had been wanting for a long time.

Mr McConnell considered tho time had arrived when public interests should have more attention. He instanced the unsatisfactory telephone service, which sometimes took three or four hours to get communication with Auckland. He also referred to the need for a weigh bridge, which was wanted badly. There were many matters such a body could see to; and they could also keep a check on the Town Board. Dr Howden said it seemed to him one of the great benefits would be that the grievance of the individual could be taken up by a body of representative public men and then dealt with.

In replying to the discussion the mover pointed out that a Chamber of Commerce would have no such objective as harassing the Town Board in its affairs; on the contrary the two bodies would generally be found working in harmony to achieve the same purpose. Its functions would be to keep a watchful eye on all district affairs and maintain the commercial and general interests. The common experience of business people in regard to the telephone service showed the outstanding need for some action being taken to remedy grievances and secure justice. The notion was unanimously adopted.

Further resolutions were carried fixing the title of Waiuku District Chamber of Commerce, and enrolling all present as members.

ELECTION uF OFFICERS. Tho following officials were elected : President, Mr S. T. Eossiter; vicepresidents, Dr C. E. Howden and Mr W. A damson ; lion, secretary and treasurer, Mr S. R. Mason; council, Messrs Harry King, W. L. Ilenton, W. S. McConnell, J. Mearns, L. F. Shakspear, C. 13. Herrold, E. J. Green, J. S. de Montalk and T. liowe for Waiuku and immediate district, and six members to bo elected at next meeting for the districts of Otaua, Aka Aka, Keriotahi, Waipipi, Glenbrook and Waitangi. During the election of officers Dr Howden and Mr H. King raised a question of procedure, and suggested that further business be left over for another and more representative meeting. Others present considered the meeting fully representative, the purpose for which it was called was made known by advertisement, and they considered the business should go ahead. Mr de Montalk it was the most representative meeting he had seen in Waiuku during the past two years. The business of electing a council was then proceeded with. In taking tho chair Mr Eossiter returned thanks for his election as president. He had been desirous < ' seeing a Chamber of Commerce formed for some time, but he was one of those who favoured leaving the question in abeyance until the Town Board election was decided. At that election he was ono of the non-successful, but was prepared to work for the district's good in the Chamber of Commerce. He felt sure the institution would npt be antagonistic to the Town Board. As Mr Shakspear had said there were ICI things that could be improved in Waiuku affairs, and tho Chamber could deal with these much better than any other body. Anything the Town Board could suggest would have support by the Chamber if considered right.

THE OBJECTS. The following objects of the Chamber wore deliiied and adopted ; "To watch over aud protect tho general interests of commerce; to collect information on all matters of interest to the mercautilo and farming community ; to use every means in its power for the removal and redress of grievances; aud for the promotion of tho trade, agricultural and pastoral interests of the town district aud Dominion, and generally to protect public interests."

TELEPHONE AND KAIL WAY MATTERS. Mr Shakspear thought that some action should be taken right away in reference to tho unsatisfactory telephone servico and bringing same to the notice of tho Hou. Ministor ; also in regard tu supporting tho Railway League iu protesting against a proposal to have the shunting-station or terminus of the Waiuku railway at Pukekohe. It was agroed to leave the telephone (piestion in abeyanco ; but ou he latter it was decided to forward a resolution of emphatic protest to the I'rimo Minister, member for tho district, against such a scheme being j>ivcji effect.

SUBSCRIPTION, 'ihe annual member's subscription j was fixed at os, :ib it was considered j tho small sub. would onducetoa largo lnembe s'.iip.

THE RULES

The president, secretary and Mr I Adamson were appoiutcd' a sub-com- j uiittee to draw up rules and submit j same to next meeting for approval, j VOTES OE THANKS.

On the motion of Mr Shakspeav a i hearty voto of thanks was accorded I Mr Hutchinson for his efforts in I formiug tho Chamber. A vote of thanks to tho chairman | concluded the business.