MASTERTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9604, 25 September 1909, Page 5

MASTERTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MONTHLY AND ANNUAL MEETINGS. The monthly meeting of the Masterton Chamber of Commerce was held in the A. and P. Rooms, yesterday afternoon. There were present:—Messrs G. C. Summerell (chairman), J. D. Cruickshank, A. Henderson, V. Donald and J. B. Keith. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs F. W. Carey, M. Caselberg, J. C. Ewington, J. B. Moodie. H. P. Wynn-Wiiliams, H. C. Robinson. Mr Dona'd Donald wrote statinc that the President of the London Chamber of Commerce had accepted his nomination as a delegate at the Conference of Chambers of Commerce at Sydney. He also enclosed a copy of a resolution regarding wireless telegraphy, which he intended to make at the Conference. The resolution read as follow:—"That this Conference uses its influence to have legislation introduced throughout the British Empire, making it compulsory for ocean-going vessels to be fitted with wireless telegraph apparatus. Also, that in the opinion of the Conference the various Governments interested should erect and maintain" receiving stations where necessary. On the motion of Mr J. B. Keith, the Chairman's action in torwarding the resolution to the Conference was endorsed.

The Treasurer reported receipts £26 3s, expenditure £l3 2s Id, balance at last meeting £4 5s 9d, and at date £l7 6s Bd. On the motion of the Chairman it was decided that the Chief Postmaster be written to asking him to support the petition sent in by Te Wharau settlers regarding the mail service to Masterton.

ANNUAL MEETING. Ihe annual meeting of members was then held. There were present:-—Messrs (J. C. Summerell (Chairman). T. J. Thompson, J. Hunter, E. H. Waddington, J. D. Cruickshank, A. Henderson, F, W. Whitton, C. E. Daniell, J. B. Keith. V. Donald, W. Chamberlain. Mr R. Brown was dented a m em ber of the Chamber. The annual report and balancesheet which have already baen published in these columns, weie then dealt with. The Chairman, in moving, the adoption of the report and balancesheet thanked members for the great assistance given to him durirg the past year as President The year had been, one of comparative depres* sion, when compared to the flourishing times experienced a short time back. Trade had been quiet during the twelve months, and there had been a stringency in the money market. But it was hopaful ti note the decided improvement in trade gener allyl The outlook as regards their i staple product—wool—was most healthy, and it could be safely pre dieted that there would be good prices dur ng the coming season. The mutton market was slightly depressed, but there was a tendency to improve. The winter had been a mild one, and there was a pbnitude of pasturage everywhere. The dairiyng industry was good, and had not suffered so much as the shaep. Wheat was exceptionally good, and in f ict London values were higher than New Zealand; but oats and chaff were not j so good, but were at a payable price. Trade generally in the town was not good, but it was the result of the stringency, in the money market, although there were those who argued that it was due to prohibition. It was too early to say what effect pro* hibition had had on the town. Those who were interested In hotels naturally said that it would have a bad effect and prohibitionists also argued from their point ef view. Various mdtters of local interest had been brought before the Chamber during the year. The Chamber could fairly claim that they had been instrumental in bringing about the promised improvements to the northern approach. They were often twitted with interfering with everybody's business, and not minding their own enough. The speaker contended that this was what the Chamber was for, and although they could not provide funds for accomplishing progressive measures still they could see that such measures were carried out. Regarding the Masterton-Wai-pukurau railway, it would probably be years before thi3 desirable work was put in hand, but when it did come it would be the means of throwing open a very tine tract of country. There was also the Martinborough line being agitated for in the right way, and it remained to be seen which town would be selected as a centre for running to that townehipp. The speaker tDuched on the good that had been effected in regard to *,he weighing bridge and the crane. The railway yards would require further attention before they were satisfactory. A satisfactory alteration had been effected i.i the Main Trunk mail train time-table as a result of a conference of Chambers. Another matter that had worried them was the abolition of the District Court, but as a result of representations made from Masterton, Supreme Court sittings had been promised, which was a satisfactory solution of the problem under the cir-

cumstances. There was still the vexed question of the Courthouse buildings to be settled, but he was not sure how matters stood in regard tc the new buildings. The matter was urgent, and they ought to keep it well before them. The Congress of Chambers of the British Empire was being held in Sydney this year. They would nu doubt get a report from their representative. Mr Donald Donald, at a latter date. A resolution regarding the meat monopoly had been forwarded by the Chamber, and they had also been instrumental in haviner a quantity of useful information on this subject forwarded to the • Congress. A resolution dealing with the installation of wireless had also received attention from their representative at the meeting. The speaker also touched lighly on what had been done at the Congress regarding preferential trade

Mr J. D. Cruickshank said he had great pleasure in seconding the motion. Touching on the question of wool he would like to add that it was very gratifying to learn from one of the Home wool brokers that Wairarapa wool compared more than favourably with any other in the Dominion. In other piacea wodl was showing a tendency to deteriorate, but this did not apply to Wairarapa wool, which had commanded remarkably high prices. Mr J. Hunter considered that among othur things, the Chamber had interested itself In, it might have allied itself more to the freezing works scheme, which had been agitated for in the town. He thought more vigorous steps should be taken in getting closer settlement, and they should try and ascertain whether there was any particularly suitable land available for the purpose. Mr C. E. Daniell was of the opinion that the Chamber was not a live one, and they could do far more for the town if they took a keener and progressive interest in matters. The freezing works industry was natural tu the district, and this was what he liked to see. He was a little bit dissatisfied with the demand for preference shares by the people in subscribing the £5,000. It was not good business. The Waipukurau line required pushing, as it was a progressive scheme. When he was in Rotorua recently the Rolorua Chamber held a social gathering. About fifty members were present, and the capital speeches delivered showed that that body were alive to the interests of their town. He would like to tee the Masteron Chamber have a similar gathering, as he believed it would be the means of creating re newed interest in its duings. Mr Cruickshank proposed at vote of thanks to the retiring President (Mr Summerell) for the able manner in which he had looked after the affairs of the past year. Mr Keith aIBO supported, this, and the motion was carried unanimously. Mr Summerell suitably responded, and in the course of his remarks eulogised Messrs Donald Donald and C. E. Darnell for the keen interest thej manifested in the welfare of the Chamber at all times. The Chairman moved a vote of thanks to the Secretary (Mr J. C. Boddington) for the able and efficient manner he had carried out his duties. Other members spoke in similar terms, dnd the motion was carried unanimously. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follow:—President, Mr J. B. Moodle; Vice President, Mr F. W. Caiey; Council, Messrs G. C. Summerell, J. Hunter M. Caselberg, W. B. Channells, J. D. Cruickshank, C. E. Daniell, Donald Donald, J. C. Ewington, Clarence Graham, A. Henderson, J. B. Keith, H. C. Robinson, E. H. Waddington, W. Chamberlain, V. E. Donald; Auditor, Mr W. B. Chennells; Secretary, J. C. Boddington.