CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8336, 19 January 1907, Page 5

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

MEETING OP COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of the Council of the Masterton Chamber of Commerce was held yesterday afternoon. There were present —Messrs J. D. Cruickshank (chairman), C. E. Daniell.iE. E. Chamberlain, M.Caselberg, H: C. Robinson, D. Donald, J. B. Moodie and B. J. Dolan. Apologies ■ for absence were received from Messrs W. B, Chennells, J. C. Ewington, C. Graham and J. B. Keith. The Treasurer reported a credit balance of £l2 18s lid. With regard to the Chamber's complaint that it was possible to overhear other conversations on the Masterton telephones, the Masterton Postmaster wrote acknowledging the Chamber's letter on the subject, and asking the Chamber to state the particular telephone and the time that the conversations of other people were overheard. The members present decided to take a note of the defect whenever it occurred on their . own telephones. A letter was received from the Minister of Railways stating that the alterations and improvements required at the Masterton railway station were recognised as necessary, but could not be proceeded with for the want of authorised funds. The work would be noted among the most urgent works for inclusion on next year's estimates. The letter also [ stated that, with regard to the complaints concerning the crane, there was a crane at the Masterton railway station capable of lifting two tons, and a five ton travelling I crane was obtainable at short notice. It was pointed out that the crane at the Masterton station was only capable of lifting 30cwt, and it was of the most obsolete pattern. Mr Daniell moved "that the crane from its construction is inefficient in that it will not lift packages high enough to clear the railway trucks, in which case, though cases be less than two tons in weight, difficulty, delay and loss is often occasioned, hence this Chamber urges that the Department fails in its- duty to the commercial, public," The . motion was carried. On the motion of Mr Robinson, it was decided to forward a letter to Mr W. H. S. Nicholls, Masterton postmaster, congratulating him on his promotion to Gisborne, regretting his departure, and wishing him every success in his future career. Mr Robinson mentioned that Mr Nicholls had received numerous and various applications from the Masterton Chamber, and he had always given them courteous treatment. Mr Donald brought up the question of starting the manufacture of concrete building blocks in Masterton. He stated f that the material to be found in the rivers around Masterton was excellently suited for the purpose, and there was no reaosn why an endeavour should not be made to I commence the manufacture of the blocks in Masterton. ' It was decided to ask Mr Donald to obtain further information regarding the manufacture of concrete blocks, and to bringing forward his information at a future date, so that the advisableness of forming a company for the manufacture of concrete blocks in Masterton might be considered. Mr Dolan moved, "That this Chamber condemns the recent action of the Masterton Borough Council in placing ah order for a gas plant outside this district when there was merely a nominal difference between the outside tender and that of a local firm for machinery costing £640." Mr Robinson thought that the Chamber should not take such a step as that contained in the resolution, without being approached by the firm whose tender had been rejected. Mr,Daniell thought the Council had acted rightly in the matter.. If the Council had accepted the local firm's tender when it was the higher of the two they would probably have been declared guilty of "jobbery." Mr Dolati was asked to withdraw his resolution, and this he reluctantly did. Mr Daniell, who will leave shortly for a trip to the Old Country, was given leave of absence until his return. On behalf of the Chamber, the Chairman wished Mr Daniell a pleasant voyage Home and a safe return.