CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Southland Times, Volume I, Issue 49, 28 April 1863, Page 2

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

The adjourned % meeting of gentlemen. Interested in the? formation of a Chamber of Commerce was held on Saturday afternoon, in Messrs Dalgety, Rattray and Co.'s store. Mr Calder, of Messrs Calder, Blacklock and Co., was unanimously called to the chair.

The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed.

Mr Whitton then read the rules drawn up by the committee appointed for that purpose.

The rules were read and passed seriatim without discussion.

Mr Whittoo stated that the sub-cor n: niittee appointed to wait on the Town Board, with the view of arranging for a piece of ground on- which to build a proper Chamber, had done so. At the appointed hour there was not a quorum of members of the Board present, and. consequently no formal business was done. The members present heard what the deputation had to say on the subject, and it was promised that every attention woold be given to the application. At the previous meeting he (Mr Whittan) had expressed an opinion that application should be made to Government, but it was generally thought that Government had no land to dispose of. Since then he had seen the Provincial Treasurer, and from information obtained from him, he (Mr Whitton) would advise going no further in the matter till they had seen the Government. He had little doubt but that they would be able to get a section at a nominal rent.

After a lengthened conversation on the subject, a vote of thanks was awarded the committee, and they were requested to continue their labors for securing a site. Mr Macdonald moved that they proceed to the election of office-bearers on Wednesday, 7th May. The motion was agreed to. I Mr Carey moved the appointment of a provisional committee to receive subscriptions, and that no member be entitled to vote who had not paid his subscription. Agreed (o. Mr Homer brought forward a memorial on the state of the A3atauraroad. Though the Chamber was not yet properly formed, he thought this was a matter they should take up at once. It was one of those things where immediate action was required. A general conversation on the state of the Mataura and North Roads followed.

The Chairman was of opinion ihat as the G-overnmsut were devoting all their energies to the North Road, they should not be embarrassed by any other work at present.

This idea was opposed by several gentlemen, who instanced enormous rises in cartage in consequence of ilie state of the Mhtnura road. Ultimately, the provisional committee were appointed a deputation to wait on His Honor the Superintendent on the subject.

The meetiiiir then broke up