NAPIER CHAMBER OF COMMERCIAL

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3706, 1 June 1883, Page 2

NAPIER CHAMBER OF COMMERCIAL

f Continued from lost Issue.) In moving- the adoption of tho report the Chairman (Mr 'J. G. Kinross) congratulated the Chamber on tho position to which it hud attained, find .spoke in warm terms of praifio of the energy displayed by the secretary, Mr Meuzios. The continued and increasing prosperity of the 'provincial district or Hawko's Bay was, he said, also a matter for congratulation. Other points in the committee's report were then adverted to, tho Chairman speaking in very hopeful terms of the future of the province. Mr W. C. Smith, M.H.R., seconded the adoption of tho report, and spoko of the need that existed for furthering agricultural interests in the district. The development of agriculture would bo materially assisted by the construction of a good harboe, and ho hoped tho Chamber would continue) to bear in mind tha.t fuct. With respect to the proposed North Island main trunk railway he thought a public meeting should bo called, and an expression of opinion obtained as to the route it should take. Mr P. S. M'Lean said' there was a ixirasrraph in tho report that required amendment. It was the one having referenco to tho Native llesorves Act. As the paragraph stood it read as if the Act had not yet passed, whereas it was passed last session, and in a shape which gave effect to (lie recommendations of the committee of ( the Chamber. He would suggest' that the v~ paragraph should be amended to read as . follows:—"Native ."Reserves Bill.'—This was one of the most import-ant measures affecting the North Island brought before the House last session. The principle [of the bill was lo put all native roserves into the hands of the Public Trustee, and so

lock up very extensive tracts of country, especially in Hivwke's Bay and Poverty Bay, from settlement. The extent of its operations appeared uncertain, and certainly did not appear on the face of the bill. Your committee accordingly passed resolutions affirming the principle that it was inexpedient to pass any bill tending to lock lip land in this district, and requiring that a topographical statement of lands to be tiu'cctod by the bill should be submitted to Parliament before tho bill was further advanced. When the bill became law it ■was found that effect had practically been given to the recommendations of your committee" Tho amended paragraph was included in the report, which was then adopted. Tho Secretary read a statement of the receipts and disbursements for the year, which was adopted. After some discussion as to whether or not new members should be elected prior to the election of the committee, it was resolved to proceed with the election of officebearers first. The following was the result of the election :—President, Mr J. Kinross ; Vice-President, Mr E. Lyndon ; Committee, Messss E. W. Knowles, P. S. McLean, M. R. Miller, J. W. Nenl, and J. J. Torre. New members were elected as follow: — Messrs J N. Williams, Wm. Nelson, Douglas MTjonn, V. Dinwiclrfie, J. C. M'Vay, T. Tanner, 0. C. Murray, J. W. Craig,' R. Harding, Hy. Williams, C. B. Winter, W. T. Irvine, IT. C. Eobjohns, F. W. Williams, and J. Orr. Mr Neal moved, and Mr Knowles seconded, that rule No. 7 be amended to read as follows .—"A committee to consist of a chairman, deputy-chairman, and nine members shall be appointed, five of whom shall form a quorum." In accordance with this resolution a, ballot Avas taken for four new members of committee, when Messrs 0. C. Murray, J. McVay, 11. Williams, and T. Tanner wore elected. A votes of thanks was passed to tho honorary auditor, Mr Banner, and to the retiring office-bearers. Some discussion took place as to the advisability of obtaining an expression of public opinion on the route for tho North Island trunk railway. It was finally agreed to relegate the matter to the committee to bo considered by them at a meeting to bo called on Friday afternoon. On the motion of Mr Neal leave was granted for the use of the rooms of the Chamber for the Harbor Board to meet his Excellency this morning. The meeting then closed with a vote of thanks to the chairman.