MASTERTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 2997, 21 September 1908, Page 6

MASTERTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

ANNUAL REPORT, The following is the eighth annual report of the Masterton Chamber of Commerce Various matters have had the attention of the Chamber during the past year. Among the most important are:—Continuous telephone service, which may at any tima pove of incalculable benefit, not only to individual subscribers, but to the district generally, and it may be reasonably anticipated that many who have not assisted in acquiring the privilege will in course of time acknowledge its success. In this connection thanks are due to Mr J. D. Cruickshank, ex-president, through whose energy the necessary signatures to the undertaking were obtained. Northern approach— It is satisfactory to know that after years of agitation initiated by and continued by the Chamber, there is at last # probability of this important matter receiving the required attention from the local bodies responsible. Masterton - Waipukurau railway via Pongaroa—This question is still engaging the attention of the Chamber, which was represented on the deputation that recently waited on the Minister for Public Works, who promised to place the matter before Cabinet, and if possible get one of his Engineers to make a mere detailed report; and also stated that if the proposed line would serve large estates suitable for settlement, that aspect of the case would be taken into consideration by the Government. Whareama River Reserve — As a seaside summer resort, is, at the instigation of the Chamber, receiving the attention of the Government, being strongly supported by the members of Parliament for Masterton and Wairarapa. Telephone service, Te Wharau and Masterton — At the request of settlers adjacent' to the Wharau, application has been made to the Postmster-General for a direct service which can be obtained by connecting Te Whiti with Gladscone. Government buildings—The inconvenience of the various Government departments being scattered about the town was brought under the notice of the Minister for Public Works in January last, with a request that the question of bringing them under one roof should bs considered; to w.hich a reply was received in March that the matter would receive earnest consideration. A further reply is now awaited. Cxirt House —It is to be regretted that although a sum has been placed on the estimates for building a new Court House, which is recognised as being urgently required, nothing further is at present in sight. The thanks of the Chamber as heretofore are due to Mr A. W. Hogg, M.P., for.the valuable assistance ao readily given at all times to matters submitted to the Government for the welfare of the district, and also to Messrs Abraham and Williams, Ltd., fur the continued use of their Farmera' Room in which the meetings of the Chamber have been held.