LAND SETTLEMENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 896, 13 February 1930, Page 8

LAND SETTLEMENT

MANUKAU CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RESOLUTION

MAIN HIGHWAYS DISCUSSED The purchase of large estates by the Government was discussed at a meetk ing of the Onehunga, Manukau Chamber of Commerce last evening, when the following resolution was carried unanimously: ‘•That the policy of pledging the country’s credit for the purchase of large estates is not in the best interests of the State, this chamber being of opinion that a graduated land tax, especially on unimproved holdings, would lead more speedily to closer settlement and enable the Government to reduce other classes of taxation, thereby lowering the cost of living, and giving relief to the community generally without incurring any financial risk.** Strong support was also given to a resolution condemning the tardy operation of the Main Highways Act. the failure of the Franklin County Council in co-operating with the Main Highways Board for the permanent reconstruction of the main South Road being quoted as a reason why the Act should be amended. The chamber decided to urge upon the Minister of Public Works the advisability of amending the Main Highways Act in order to secure greater expedition in surfacing, with permanent material, the main arterial roads of the Dominion and to provide useful work for the unemployed. This resolution is to be submitted to all Chambers of Commerce in New Zealand, with a request for their support. Mr. H. de Wolfe, on behalf of the Onehunga School Committee, addressed the chamber, soliciting its assistance and support for the school grounds improvement scheme. The president, Mr. D. H. Kirk-Jone.s. reminded the chamber that it held in trust a balance of the fund contributed toward a business men’s carnival in Onehunga some two years ago. which might be handed over to the school committee. The amount would then be subsidised by the Education Department. Mr. J. E. Green consequently gave notice of motion for consideration at the next meeting that this course be adopted. A was received from Mr. W. ,T. Jordan, M.P., announcing- that owing to illness the Postmaste*-General Sir Joseph Ward, had been unable to visit the Royal Oak Post Office to see for himself the inadequate accommodation provided there for the public. it was decided to request the secretary of the General Post Office, Wellington. to instruct Mr. H. P. Donald, Chief Postmaster, Auckland, to report on the suitability of the premises. It was also decided to request the postal authorities to have all pillar boxes on the main street cleared at 3 0 p.nii daily so that letters posted for the South after o p.m. could catch the daylight limited express. Also that an additional pillar box be placed in Queen Street, midway between Grey Street and the Onehunga Post Office'. Mr. C. F. Milnes drew attention to the unsatisfactory mail services between Onehunga and Huia. Orua Bay, Whatipu and Cornwallis and it was resolved to request the chief postmaster to endeavour to institute a more reliable system.