MASTERTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8538, 19 September 1907, Page 3

MASTERTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

ANNUAL REPORT.

The following is a copy of the annual report of the Council of the Masterton Chamber of Commerce:— During the past year the prosperity of the town and district has continued, and signs of progress are aDparent in all directions. Several large brick buildings have been completed, and others are in course of erection, thus giving a solid appearance to the town. The continuation of good times depends mostly upon the prices of our produce, which have been well maintained during the year, and the prospects for the coming season are very healthy. ;; Telephone communication with Wellington has been established, which has proved of immense convenience to subscribers. A coach service has been established to the East Coast, via Te Wharau, also to Longbush. With regard to local industries, little has been done with the exception of an increased trade (owing to improved machinery) for brickmaking being established at Lansdowne. . The Chamber should keep in view the great importance and necessity for establishing local industries and manufactories if possible, in order to find employment for the rising generation and the investment of surplus capital. Railway Department.—lt is satisfactory <-o find that the Railway Department has at last recognised the necessity of increasing the yarding accommodation at the Masterton Station, and it is hoped the work will bejcompleted in time for the coming busy season. Northern Approach.—The Cham-I ber's continued agitation for an im-/ provement to the northern approach has, it is to be regretted, been of little avail, the local bodies interested being quite apathetic in the matter. Tariff.—The proposed duty on iron pipes for drainage purposes has been withdrawn, owing in some measure to the action taken by this Chamber, This means a very large saving to the Borough of Masterton. New Zealand International Exhibi • tion. —It is satisfactory to report that the district received three gold and four silver medals in the Home Industries section at the late Exhibition held in Christchurch. Courthouse. —It is anticipated that during the coming year the Government will commence the erection of a new Courthouse at Masterton, as the present building is ackowledged to be quite inadequate for the increased business. Teh Chamber contiibuted the sum of £5 5s to the proposed Seddon Memorial Technical School, and £3 towards completing the tourist track to Mount Holdsworth. In conclusion, thanks are due to Mr A. W. Hogg, M.H.R., for his valuable assistance in support of all matters submitted through him to the Government for the welfare of the town and district.