MASTERTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9599, 20 September 1909, Page 6

MASTERTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

The following is the ninth annual report of the Masterton Chamber of Commerce, beinc for the year ending August 31st:--The past year has been one of considerable anxiety to the trading community, the strin gency of the money market and general depression in trade being very marked in this district. There are, however, indications that the depression is lifting and the prospacts for the coming year are more hopeful. During the year various matters of interest to the town and district have occupied the attention of the Chamber the most important of which are referred to below. Northern Approach—The County and Borough have at last agreed on a basis of con- ! tribution towards th widening and 'improvement of the Northern Approach, and it is to be.hoped that I within a short time the works will be pu*; in hand. Masterton-Wai--1 pukurau railway.-~This matter is ! being kept in view by the Railway ! League, and an endeavour will be made this session to get the railways placed on the "Railways Authorisation Bill." Martinborough Branch Line.—This matter has been I before the Chamber, and your 1 Council are watching tho interests 'of this end of the valley in connection with the proposed route. Masterton Railway Station.—During the year considerable improvement has been effected at the Masterton Station and yards, the extra yarding accommodation, weighbridge, and crane being of great benefit. Main Trunk Express Mail Train - Satisfactory alterations in Railway Time Table have been made, enabling connection between Main Trunk Line and Wairarapa to be made with hUle loss of time. The Annual Conference of Chambers in New Zealand was held in Wellington. As an outcome of the Conference it has been decided to form a Federation of Chambers. Draft Constitution and Rules have been "submitted and approved by your Chamber. The Congress of Chambers of the British Empire is being held in Sydney this year and Mr Donald Donald has been appointed to represent this Chamber. The thanks of the Chamber are due to Mr A. W. Hogg, M.P., who has been of great assistance in bringing matters affecting the district before the Government, and also to Messrs Abraham and Williams, Ltd., for the use of their Farmers' iioom for meeting purposes. Owing to rebuilding operations, this room is no lunger available, but satisfactory arrangements are being made for the use of another room.—G. C. SHMMERELL, President. l The financial statement shows:— Credit balance from 1908, £6l 15s 9d; receipts, £4l 18s; expenditure, £3yioslod; credit balance August 31st, 1909, £64 2s lid.