The Daily News MONDAY, MAY 19, 1902. THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIV, Issue 12, 19 May 1902, Page 2

The Daily News MONDAY, MAY 19, 1902. THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Thb energy which the New Plymouth Chamber of Commerce has displayed in holding three meetings within the last few weeks is very gratifying. At the meeting to be heid this evening several important matters are down for discussion. One of these, the proposed extension of the Taranaki L-md' District, need not take up much tim% as the reasons for the extension are rather sentimental than practical; and as Mr Samuel pointed out at the last meeting, there is a good deal under present mail and train arrangements to be said on the other side. The mattor which is perhaps the most pressing importance is the notice of motion in Mr Samuel's name, i.e., the construction of groins on the sea beach at the east end of the town to prevent tho erosion of the cliffs and the destruction of much valuable property. There is no doubt but that this erosion is going on at an increasingly rapid ra'e, and of the advisability ef taking steps to prevent it there can be no two opinions. If the Chamber ef Commerce c\n solve the difficulties of cost, how, and by whom the work is to be carried out it will be a benefit to all concerned. It appears to us that all the Chamber of Commerce can do is to appoint a committee to go into these questions. Considering every aspect of the question, the most desirable w-iy out of the difficulty is for the Railway Department, the Harbour Board, and the Borough Council to unite in taking action for the protection of the foreshore. We do not know if it is infended to have any ceremony at the opening of the new railway station ; i but it seems to us that it would be a wise tbing to ask Sir Joseph Ward, oe Minister for Kaflways, to officially opon the new station, and ask him at the eame time to discuss with representatives of the Chamber cf Commerce, the Harbour Board, and the Borough Council this and other questions wherein tho Railway Department affects the welfare of the town and district. The question of road construction is also to be di&cussed by the Chamber of Commerce. We trust the members will realise that if New Plymouth is to be a port for ocean-going steamers, it must have railway communication with everv part of Taranak', and that a forward movement in railway construction is the great need of the back Eettlers.