TARANAKI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8131, 11 June 1906, Page 3

TARANAKI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

The annual meeting of the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce was held on Friday evening. Mr W. Ambury (President) ooeupied the ehair. NEW MEMBERS. Messrs J. McArthur, D. Berry, and Joseph were elected inemcers. BALANCE BHSBT. The annual balance sheet, showing a credit of £3B 17s 9d was read and adopted PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL REPORT. The President delivered his annual report, as follows In presenting the annual report of the Chamber, it will be gratifying to all to notice the steady progress of the district during the year. The opening up of the back country, the unsatisfied demand for land, the very high price of wool, the steady increase in the quantity of dairy produce (together With the improved quality and a good demand at high prices), the gradual improvement in methods and treatment of t lie land, the increased care given to breeding and feeding stock, and the extensions and developments going on in the towns of the province, including several public buildings, are strong indications of progress.

HBMBBBBHIP. The membership is about the same ai last year, some few gentlemen having retired, and others having joined the Chamber, with three new members to propose to-night. BAXiUfCB-SHIBT, The balance-sheet is before yon, and shows the Chamber to be in a healthy financial position, with a credit balance of £3B 17s 9d, as against £24 2s Id last year. - EXFOBTS. Dairy produce.—ln dairy produce there has been a slight increase in total value. While butter shows a slight decrease, cheese shows a considerable increase in quantity, the total increase in dairy produce being £2397. The reason for the smallness of the increase may be accounted for partly through the very high prices ruling for a.'l classes of wool and sheep, and the low price of store cattle, and an inclination on the part of some settlers (who afe suffering great inconvenience through bad roads), to go m for sheep; and partly by the sudden fall in the price of butter in England in the flush of the season, which, fortunately, only lasted a few weeks. The conferences of experts, managers, and producers inaugurated by the Dairy Commissioners were very successful, and should tend to place our dairy produce in a still higher position in the Home market. Frozen meats.—The export of mutton and lamb shows a slight decrease of £751)0, b°ef showing an increase of about £20,000. Other meats show an increase in value and bulk, giving a net increase on all meats of £23.351. Wool shows a considerable increase in bulk and value, last year's value being £42,J74, this year totalling £57,991.

Hides and skins last year amounted to £3240, this year £10,397, giving a total increase of over £7OOO. Some smaller items appearing on the printed report, but not enumerated here, show an increase, and others a slight decrease. The grand total exports for the province amounted to £870,962, as against £835,255 for the preyiouf year, giving a net increase of £35,707. A complete table of imports and exports you will find in the tabulated rejwrt.

LABCB. You will notice by the printed table that the lands selected under the " occupation with light of purchase" and " for cash" systems is more than double that of last year, being 20,553 acres, while lands selected under lease in perpetuity, was less than half that of last year, thus showing the strong preference] on the part of selectors for the freehold. The total lands taken np during the year under the various tenures amounted to 50,690 acres, considerably less than the proceeding year. The extraordinary number of applications at 6Y9ty ballot indicates that the lands of the district are not being opened up fast enongh, and a more vigourous policy should be urged on the part of the Government to meet the demands ot bona fide settlers.

B-UDS. The roading of the back blocks is by fur the most important question affecting the future progress of the district. Give tne settlers roads, and the back country will quickly become revenueproducing, but without reasonable access to the interior, we shall find honest settlers, with empty pockets and broken hearts, leaving their sections non-productive. Admitting that the Government has spent a considerable amount of money on roads during the year, that sum habeen altogether inadequate to the needs of the province, and many settlers artyet struggling over unformed roads and bridle tracks, carrying provisions in, and produce out (through miles of mnd) on pack-saddle. These are the' people that need the sympathy and determined effort of this Chamber.

A pleasing feature in the expenditure of the last season is the more permanent n&ture of much *f the work done, the widening, forming, and metalling of some portions of the roads, this being especially noticeable on the main north road to Auckland, and the splendid results of the burnt papa on the Whan-gamomona-Stratford road. This Chamber should make the greatest effort to induce the Government to complete the metalling of the Stratford-Whangamomona road during the coming summer, also the completioi of the 6ft track through theTongarakau to Mangaroa, which will give access U and from the Waikato with stock, together with the opening up of the Tongaporutu-Mangaroa road, thereby giving the settlers of that district (many of whom are already producing fat stock of very* superior quality) access to the coast and Waitara Freezing works.

The metalling of the main north road to Mokau should be urged, also the completion of the Moki road. The metalling of the Pohokura road to Puragi (thus providing a metal road from Wbangamomona to New Plymouth, and shortening the distance by 14 miles as compared with the Stratford route) also needs to bo pushed on. One other important road that should be completed as speedily as possible is tin Carrington-Opunake road, which will give access to a lot of new country, near to the port, already taken up and becoming productive, and would shorten the distance from Opunake to New Plymouth by several miles, RAILWAYS.

It is much to bo regretted that greater progress has not been made with the Toko-Whangamomona line. As the country becomes productive, the need becomes more pressing for railway communication with the port and freezing works. This question should receive the Jullest corsidcraiion of the Chamber, and representat'ons should be made to the Government daring the coming session, with a view to securing greater progress this year. It is satisfactory to note that a survey is being made of the various routes to connect Opunake with the main line, let us hope tho work may be speedily put in hand. The railway crossings through the town with such risk to life and limb Will Boon be a thing of |thc past, the work of deviation being now in hand.

ihb poet. The port is increasing in popularity as tho conveniences for shipping are improved, dairy produce alone amounting to nearly half a million sterling, being shipped from Moturoa. e must again congratulate tho New Plymouth Harbour Board upon the sound judgment shown in the management of tho port. The finances of the Board are in a highly satisfactory state, and the shipping companies are giving proof of their appreciation of the improved accommodation by continuing the daily service, Auckland anl New yij woiuxi, during this winter.

BllFi.Ktti.rEß EXTENSION. The action of the Bo.iril in pushing on tlie Breakwater extension out of revenue, deserves our heartiest approval, and demonstrates the fact to a'l who see it that a permanent and safe harbour can be completed at very much lois cost tlian originally estimated, and we should look forward to —in a very few years— having the best West Coast port for direct shipping 100 and from England and Australia, and a very large Australian passenger traffic, offering as it does the shortest and safest route between Australia and New Zealand.

WHARF EXTENSION. In conjunction with breakwater improvements the wharf extension is being pushed on, the extending and wideniug of which will give ample accommodation to shippers and passengers. SOHTING SHEDS. We hopo vory soon to see sheds erected on the wharf for the sorting of goods for the roast, and tho protection of passengers on landing FBBRO-CONCRETE. I consider all future wharf extension should be carried out in ferro-concrete, and would suggest that any members of the Harbour Board who have not seen the work, should go to Auckland and examine the whole process for themselves. I feel certain the result would be the carrying out of all future work as suggested, seeing that the cost ; s practically the same for work that will last for many generations. The present wharf could be renewed when required in the new work. SUMMARY OF WORK.

During the year there has been three general quarterly meeting and ono special general meeting, seven Council meetings and two special sub-commit-tee meetings. Various questions considered include the administration of Native lands (remit from the Wanganui Chamber) Factories Act, Imperial Congress of Chamber of Commerce, butter adulteration, arterial roads and the claims of the back block settlers, and deputations to Wellington to interview Ministers on roads and railways, technical education, railway communication with Opunake, continuation of Carrington-Opunako road, exports to West coast of England, breakwater extension, tariff reform, urging the suspension of duty on potatoes, protesting against the proposed reduction of duty on tobacco while necessaries of life remain taxed, excessive railway charges, Parapara iron ore leases as afFecting the development of the iron industry in the colony, with a request to His Worship the Mayor to call a public meeting in New Plymouth inviting representation from all parts of the province. The meeting was held last week and resolutions passed, also arrangements for provincial representation at the forthcoming exhibition.

The Chamber is indebted to the following gentlemen, Messrs O. Samncl, Newton King, J. B. Connett, who formed the deputation to Wellington at their own expense and devoted considerable time and attention to the work set out by the Chamber.

SPECIAL WORK FOE THE COMING YEAR. Moving the Government to acquire the Mokau lease for settlement, held by Mr Joshua Jones, which is retarding the progress of that district j contemplated legislation, increased grants for roads and railways, the salting of all export butter to prevent adulteration; thorough representation of our products and manufactures at the International Exhibition at Christchureh; urging the Goyernment to attach the Mount Egmont reserve and traffic to the Tourist Department, and provide suitable accommodation.

THANKS. In conclusion, I have to thank the Commissioner ot Crown Lands, secretaries of New Plymouth nnd Waitara Harbor Boards, customs and other officers at New Plymouth and Patea for the various statistics supplied as shown in the prin.ed report, also til 1 members of the Council and our very efficient and energetic secretary, Mr Bedford, for willing assistance at all I times.

I trust that sucli developments in the oil field, and the exploitation o£ the ironsand may take place, that the comiDg year may be historical in the adyancement of Taranaki."

THE CABBINGTON EOAD. Mr Penn questioned the accuracy of the President's statement that the Carrington road, if completed, would shorten the journey to Opunake by twelve miles. Two would be nearer the mark. He was personally averse to pressing this road on the notice of the Government, as its construction was lilely to be costly, the road rising 1500 ft in places.

Mr John Skinner corroborated these remarks, and stated the Carrington road could never be a main road.

Mr Davies complained of the want of roading facilities in the district 'trough which the O.irpiqgton road was surveyed. This scared settlerss away, and prevented the opening of 1500 acres of fine budi country close to Kesv Plymouth. —No action was taken,

Mr Govett moved the adoption of the report, and that a hearty vote of thanks be passed io the President for bis careful and interesting report. It was grati'ying to note the evident prospc. i y, despite the recent temporary shortage of hard cash. Mr Govett remarked on the evident unsatisfied demand for land. It. was a melancholy thing to see men conic to the land ballot, and go away fied. It was a melancholy thing t > see land put on the market and sold, without roads. It was a deplorable thing that the only men who could not see that the people wanted the freehold were the members of Parliament, and it was melancholy to behold the indisposition of the Government to provide roads.

Mr Kerr, in seconding, pointed out that few applicants could buy freehold right out. The majority favored the occupation - with-right-of - purchase, as proved by the number of applications under that tenure when lands were submitted here the other day, giving applicants their choice. Mr J. B. Connctt was not a firm believer in the "unsatislfed craving for land," and mentioned the "family" system of applying for sections at ballot, :,hc bona fide applicants being outnumbered by the aunts and uncles of men who had no intention ot settling m the land. The Land Boards should be allowed to weed them out. Mr Hughes, in passing, condemned the co-operative labor system employed by the Government in road and railway construction, alleging that it was fraudulent, costly and extravagantMr Connct, referring to the report, said the New Plymouth Harbor Board had been advised that ferro-coucretc would not bo suitable for harbor works here. The report was adopted. ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

Mr Ambury moved and Mr Connet seconded, that J. C. George be Pres: dent.

Mr Kerr declined nomination, as also did Mr F. S Johns. Mr George was unanimously elected Mr M. Fraser nominated Mr Newton King as vice-president. Seconded by Mr Johns. Mr King was elected. Other officers were elected:—Audi-

tor, Mr Hugh Bully, at same fee as last I year; Council: Messrs 0. Samuel, M. Fraser, Ab. Goldwater, F, S. Johns, J. | B. Connett, C. W. Govett, W. J. Penn, G. H. Morgan, W. Ambury. Messrs W. F. Brooking, C. E. Baker, W. Kerr, and J. B. Roy were also nominated. A letter was read from the Earl of Mcath in connection with Empire Day observance.

On the motion of Mr Govett, seconded by Mr C. E. Baker, the Coum-il v as recommended to endeavor to have a holiday on Empire Day, instead of on tho Prince of Wales' Birthday. The resolution forwarded by the Napier Chamber of Commerce, urging that trades bo given reasonable notice of reduction of duties, to ennblo them to dispose of their stocks in free warehouses, was referred to the favorable notice o£ tlie committee,

TIIE 01'UNAKE RAILWAY. It was decided to co-o|)erate with the Stratford Chamber in any unvenienl, to have the Opunakc railway constructed so as to junction with the present system at Stratford. THE KOADING PROBLEM. Mr W, J. Penn submitted the report of the roads eominiiloe, as follows : I'he order of reference submitted to your c-o '.uiiiltre embraces a very wide subj.ct, t) do justice to which would need a report covering many sheets of foolsc ip. It would, however, 1) > almost a waste of time for this Chamber to go into and discuss a comprehensive scheme of reading for Taranaki. The subject may bo more profitably attacked in detail, with a greater chance of the efforts of tbo Chamber bearint; some fruit.

[ From this standpoint, wlnt your committeo have considered and have endeavoured to ascertain is Ibis, I whit are the most iinpirtant roads requiring attention at th- hiimls of the Government P Of course the ultimate aim should be the couipleto reticulation of the profinco by means of mam and bye roads, snd by railways, when the traffic has grown sufficiently to justify choir construction. Of first importance is the formation and metalling of th.c main arteries, aud it is to that your committee recommend the attention of the Chamber should be first devoted.

The most important main roads are undoubtedly the Oliura road and main North Road to Te Kuiti, and second to them may be placed the Tongaporutu, Mangaroa road and the Moki road. Following these is the Mangaehu road, which will in course of time be a very important artery, giving communication between Taranaki and Hawke's Bay. The Government is proceeding with the road at a rate which may be considered satisfactory. Messrs R. C. Hughes and John Skinner, through whose properties it passes, have given land totalling sixty acres (GO) for the purposes of the road, and the settlers have taken steps to raise a substantial loan, which the Government has promised to subsidise. A large block of native land, the Taumatamahoe, which has just been acquired and will shortly be cut up for settlement, will also be tapped by the road. '! hen there are numerous other rbads, such as the Okoke, Okau, and the Junction, which already servo settlement, but which require improving. In your committee's opinion, however, the chamber should concentrate present efEorts on two or three of the most important works, and first of all we would place the Ohura road. Beyond the Whangamomona Saddle, from forty to fifty miles from the railway at Stratford, there are probably fully 100 settlers, many with families, whose supplies and produce have to be carried over an average of thirty-fivo miles by road, nearly all of it unnietallcd and almost impassable for wheel traffic for half the year. The settlers themsolvcs are divided in opinion as to whether the road or railway will best relieve the situation. In our opinion the Chamber should advocate: —(l) The completion of the metalling to Whangamomona, until which is done the settlement must always bo to some extent isolated in tho winter months, and (2) the pushing on of the railway as rapidly as possible until it touches the Oliura road again at Huiakama. About 10 miles of metal, at £BOO a mile, and a railway terminus as Huiakama will be an immense boon to the whole of the Ohura road settlers. No apology is needed for placing the Main North road in tho second place, foi it will serve settlement on cither side the whole, distance, and will provide an overland route to Auckland ; probably £30,000 would metal it throughout. Then we have the Tongaporutu-Manga-roa and Moki roads, both connecting the Main North road with the Ohura road, the first below, the other above the Tangarakau Gorge, which will for some years be an insuperable bar to wheel traffic along the Ohura road. Either of these roads already serves some 25 settlers and thoir families, and when they arc formed and metalled throughout settlement will proceed apace, and the roads will also serve

.■■elllers on the Oiiura road, who will finis have direct communication with the coast and the Freezing Works at Waitara.

Uodi these roads and others of less importance arc being proceeded with slowly, and your committee suggests that the Government be requested to, if possible, deyole larger votes to them, especially to tiie Tongaporutu-Manga-roa road, which connects this port on of the province with the rich Ohura district, w <!>, though belonging to Taranaki, is prose it served by Auck- ■ bind, and ,y continue so until the road is meUlu .1.

Looking, however, at the question in the broadest possible light, we si rongly recommend that the chamber use its utmost endeavors to induce the Government to provide during the coming season (I) for completing (he metalling of the Olrara road to Whaugamomona, (2) for continuing the railway to Muiakainii at the fastest possible rate, and (3) for completing the metalling of the Main north road is far as the i boundary of the province it Mokau. When those are accomplished the Chamber can devote i!s further attention to other roads. Regarding (team communication betweeq the breakwater and Raglan, Kawhia, and other small ports on the Coist your commi'tee has no recommend ition to make at present beyond urging upon the Chamber and thj business community the importance of the matter, in view of the great development of the country served by those harbours now taking place, and the fact that Auckland and Wellington arc hampered, in catering for the trade, by the transhipments required :ifc Oneliuna, thus affording New Plymouth a good chance of securing a port'on of the trad?. Since, however, breakwater extension must come before New Plymouth can command the trade, your committee considers the time has not arrived for definite action."

Mr Penn moved the adoption of the report, and stated his opinion that the Chamber should confine its efforts and concentrate its energies on one road, the Ohura ro.id, and take up another road when this one had been nropcrly completed. Mr K. C. Hughes seconded. Several speakers, in discussing this | question, referred to the masterly manner in which the report had been ' drawn, and congratulated Mi' Penn on the result of the labours of himself and his colleagues. Mr Fraser moved that the report be printed, and that copies be forwarded to the Premier and Ministry, In Members of Parliament, and to intlncntial men in the district. There was a long dneussion on the point of whether of not the Chamber should deal with one or two principal works, or deal with the whole roading question of Taranaki. Eventually a motion proposed by Mr W. ICerr and seconded by Mr Connet, was car-

ried to this effect:— That, in advancement of Mr- Roads nnd Public Works Committee's report, this Chamber earnestly urges upon the Government to make during the coining session, ample provision for completing and metalling of the Ohura road to Whangamomona, for continuing the railway to lluiakama nt the fastest possible rale, for completing and metalling tho Main North road as far as Mokau ; and baking at the backward state of roads generally, which grievously retard (!>e exlention of the volume of dairy produce 111 this district, a much more vigorous roading policy is a prune necessity ; that the report, be printed and forwarded to the Government and Hie members for the district. Till". MOKAI' 111j■ The President's suggestion to ask the fi'ovcrnnient to acquire the Moliaullohakatina block ("Mokau .Tones' Estate ") was deferred.

Mr Conuctt explained that some of the land was leased, anil was being profitnblv worked. The Government would probably acquire oIJOU or HOOD acres to wipe oil' their liens an the estate,