CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Franklin Times, Volume XXI, Issue 68, 12 June 1931, Page 8 (Supplement)

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

THE REGULAR MEETING. GENERAL BUSINESS. The Papakura Chamber of Commerce held its monthly meeting on Wednesday when the president, Mr W. A. Pavitt, presided over a fair attendance. Seevral apologies for absence were received. One new member was elected. The treasurer declared a credit balance of £8 9s Id. , The meeting discussed matters of mutual interest which the Chamber desired to bring up at the joint meeting with the town board. The president said their main platform would be the ladies' rest room, which, of course, was a matter of finance. A plan was passed round of a rest room erected in another part of the Dominion and a letter read giving particulars. A vote of thanks proposed by Mr Spinley was accorded the donor.

The question of the site was discussed, the one most favoured being in Cole's Crescent on the board's property. Mr A. Willis said when the question of street names came up for discussion, that he would like to see East street given its original name, Princess street, which was on the old maps.

Not Allowed Outside Work.

Mr McEntee brought to light a peculiar feature of the No. 5 scheme under the Unemployment Act. He stated that if a man working under this scheme did half a day's casual work privately then he had to "stand off" work for a fortnight. . Mr McEntee mentioned that married men working four days a week under the act should not be penalised for. accepting a little casual labour. If they worked two days' casual labour they should still be allowed two more days under the No. 5 scheme. "A man's either got to conceal the fact or if he reveals it, he loses his job for a fortnight. It's going on in Papakura and not being disclosed and you can't blame them," said the speaker. Mr F. Lound: "If a man is on the unemploymenl scheme he is debarred other employment. It seems very unfortunate."

It was decided to call the attention of the Unemployment Commissioner and Minister for Labour to this hardship and to suggest that provision be made to allow a man to take a certain amount of work outside No. 5 scheme Without its affecting his right to work under the scheme.

The question of reducing the train fares was raised by Mr A. Willis, who instanced the Sunday Hamilton trains as an argument in favour of the proposals. These trains, he said, were packed by people paying cheap fares, and no doubt people would travel on the railways if fares were reduced.

Mr Spinley said the fare was 5/1o Hamilton on Sundays and 2/- to Auckland. "If they can run a train on Sundays to Auckland for 2/- why not other days?" he asked. Mr Willis said 2/- was the original

faro. A member: They walk off the concrete. Mr Beechey: Yes they will. Mr Willis said that railway workers themselves travelled on buses. Mr Pavitt suggested a cheap return fare which would eventually run the 'buses off the road. Mr Spinlcy: Now the new railway board has been set up some resolution should be moved. Reduced Rail Fares Wanted. Mr Willis moved that the railway authorities be asked to reduce all railway fares as far as Papakura was concorned and consult with Mr Tasker, 1 lie slotionmasler, first. Mr Spinley complained that on Friday mornings children had to leave Papakura at 17 minutes to eight for Otahuhu. This meant that many children hart to leave home in the dark. Mr Beechey: How many?

Mr Spinley: I am not sure, but T refer to those coming from Opaheke and Hunua —7.45 a.m. is most decidedly early and 1 suggest Ihe 9.5 a.m. train be put back to 8.45 a.m.

Mr Beechey: It would be better if they wont to Pukekohe. He maintained Ilia I children nowadays were somewhat pampered. It was no uncommon tiling years ago for them to walk five nnrl seven miles 1o school. "We rtnn'l need so ninny education frills, as morn arithmetic." he add3d. Mr MeEnlee suggested aprpoaching Mr .7. E. Elliott concerning Mr Spinley's complainl and that the matter bo brought, up al iifxt meeting. Mr Spinley mentioned thai, the

j aboul Ihe speed of vehicles passing Chamber of Commerce complained j through Papakura some time ago. willi I the resull Iluil lasl Courl da> Inspco- ! lor Rarrell go I quite a. list.