A BUSY YEAR.

Franklin Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 100, 28 August 1933, Page 4

A BUSY YEAR.

CHAMBER’S ACTIVITIES. HE VIEW BY THE PRESIDENT. In a comprehensive review of the activities of the Pukekohe Chamber of Commerce at Wednesday evening’s annual meeting, the president, Mr W. M. S. Hood, stated that the membership stood at 59, an increase of one during the year ended July ill. Itonorarx members included the Pukekohe Borough Council, the Pukekohe and Mauku branches of the New Zealand Farmers' Cnion, the statiomnaster and Postmaster at Pukekohe. "The chamber had met on six occasions and it was pleasing to report End the average attendance had shown a small increase over last year’s figures. The executive was of the opinion however, that the attendance at bi-monthly meetings left much to be desired. It must not be overlooked that these meetings were perhaps the only means of ventilating new suggestions and improvements, and members were strongly urged to attend and lend the weight of their influence to the work of the chamber. In addition to the bi-monthly meetings your executive has met on eight occasions. The average attendance was six and although as good as last year, is not good enough. Members should not accept nomination unless they are prepared to attend executive meetings.

Train Connection. “Whangarci express (Connection with Mercer-Auckland morning train) : The Railways Department has been approached with a view to facilitating the above connection, but has so far refused to speed up the present Mer-cer-Auckland train the necessary two minutes required. “Whangarata-Pokeno road: In conjunction with others interested, your chamber has urged the early completion of this road. Through summer communication with Pokeno has now' been established. There remains the metalling, and completion' of one small bridge to bring this much needed roadway to completion. “Street lighting: Your executive wish to congratulate the Pukekohe Borough Council and the Franklin Electric-power Board upon the considerable improvement in this direction. This matter has had the constant attention of the chamber. “Pukekohe borough drainage loan: It is regretted that the efforts of the chamber supporting the carrying out of this project were nullified by the effect of the present depression. Your executive urges that continued efforts be made towards the carrying out of this most necessary improvement. “Uniformity in charges for bulk supply of electricity: Your president attended the annual meeting of the Opahekc-Bombay-Karaka Ratepayers’ Association as a result of which your chamber has asked the Franklin Elec-tric-power Board to convene a meeting of all interested parties lo discuss Ibis very important question. Considerable correspondence has already been forwarded by your chamber lo the Minister of Public Works urging Ihe desirability of a uniform charge. Up to the present, the request has not been granted.

Roading and development of North Raglan district: As a result of the agitation by your chamber and the Franklin Combined Chambers, the sum a!’ £15.750 was made available .for roading purposes. Settlers, have . expressed gratification for the help rendered by the chamber. . This development will naturally assist the Pukekohe business men. “Telephone rentals and charges for telegrams: Notwithstanding continued efforis in the direction of reducing the telephone rentals, and telegram charges your executive has to report, little, nr nn results. However, it is felt that the questions arc of such importance as to warrant further pressure.

Exchange on Cheques. “Tiie following matters have also been considered and have been the subject of representations by the chamber. Reduction of wages tax: late night Christmas shopping: irnprov; men I in railway facilities to and from Pukekohe: improved public library hours: exchange on Pukekohe cheques tendered at Mercer and Pokeno post offices. The post, office authorities have now decided to make no exchange charge on Pukekohe cheques tendered to the Poekno post office, lml nothing has yet been decided in I lie case of Mercer. “fn addition to the foregoing - the following is a short resume of the more important improvements with which the chamber has recently been associated and will emphasise the necessity of its existence and its claim for support: Happy Valley-Paparata road melaliing. Now nearing completion: reduction of fire insurance rates in Pukekohe: this saving alone would more than pay Hie chamber’s subscription of every business man in the main street: establishment of ledger office post office savings hank: rubbish baskets erected in' main street. During Ihe year addresses worn given by Mr G. E. Martin on National Finance: Mr A. S. Tctzner on Foreign markets fnr our produce: Mr TT. TE Patfte on Impressions gained on a tour of the North Island: the president on Impressions gained by a local resident on a world tour. . A lecture was also given (under the auspices of the Pukekohe Women’s Institute. The Far- j triers’ Union and the chamber) by Col-

“Unity ; s Strength.” onel-S. J.. E. Closey- oh the Douglas credit system and a reply thereto- by Professor Belshaw and Mr E. D. Wilkinson. “In conclusion, your--.executive wishes to" thank the' chamber for the support extended. But if the efforts of the Chamber are to hear fruit, it is apparent, that results will he proportionate to the extent of such support. The old motto. “Unity is strength” was never more appropriately used than in ibis instance. The executive desires to place on record its appreciation of the-work of the secretary, Mr TI. E. Kissling. The volume of work passing through' his hands is consid-' enable and its best thanks are due to Air Kissling for his good work. We take the opportunity to thank Mr E. G. Foster for his services as honorary auditor. Mr ,T. N. Massey, M.P'., the postmaster and the stationmaster .for valuable co-operation and assistance in dealing with matters' concerning Government Departments and to the Press for full and accurate reports of our activities.”