WAIKATO ITEMS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIII, Issue 181, 30 July 1912, Page 2

WAIKATO ITEMS.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) HAMILTON, this day. Tlie annual meeting of the Chamber of Commerce was held to-day, when the president (Mr. J. W. Ellis) 'was unable to attend, being in a private hospital in Auckland. He forwarded a message, stating that he had hoped 'to prepare a i report on unoccupied lands in the North | Island, showing that the bulk is not in the hands of natives, as is generally stated, but in the hands of speculators. He urged that this could be overcome by rating unimproved values. Mr. Mason (vice-president) reviewed the woTk of the year, which he said had been successful in many ways, more especially with reference to the railway and postal facilities. A desire was expressed that Mr-. Ellis should supply his Teport as soon as possible. The year's working showed a deficit of £1 17/11, which is covered by unpaid subscriptions. Officers were re-elected as follows: President, Mr. Mason ; vice-president, Mr. Sandes; committee, Messrs. Ellis, Dey, (Jwynne, Howden, Tristram; auditor, Mr. • liavey. A suggestion that the Business Men's League and the Chamber of Com- | merce should combine under one secretary, met an unfavourable reception by the League members present, and the appointment of a secretary was left to tihe executive. The question of the Campbell bequest for a Chair of Agriculture was discussed, the meeting favouring, if possible, the establishment of a professorship in connection with Ruakura Farm of Instruction. A public meeting is to be called by the executive at an early date to | furtiher the proposal. I The establishment of a motor trans- 1 i port service was discussed, opinion being favourable to self-eon motors as against trams. Nothing definite was arrived at. The meeting expressed ap- { proval of the proposed borough loan of j £30,000. | ___.