RAILWAY MATTERS

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 May 1927, Page 4

RAILWAY MATTERS

PROPOSED. ADVISORY BOARD

When, as the result of the proposed formation of an Advisory Board in connection with the New Zealand railways, the Greymouth Chamber of Commerce appointed a Railway Committee in December last, the West Coast Farmers’ Union apparently conceived the idea that the Chamber was appointing its own members, and ignoring the “men on the land.” As a result of the feeling aroused, the Chairman of the Chamber (Mr J. McLean) decided that it was advisable to convene a public meeting to discuss the position. That meeting was held yesterday afternoon, but the attendance was disappointing. The Chairman presided, and there were also present Messrs J. P. Irvine (a member of the Chamber), H. G. Carter, W. Clayton and F. W. Baillie (representatives of the Farmers’ Union). The Chairman regretted the very small attendance, but said he had expected such a state of affairs. At its meeting on December 10 last, the Chamber appointed the following members as a Railway Committee. Messrs P. C. Heaphy and W. B. Cunningham (shipping), J. Leitch (coal), F. Dodds (commerce). M. J. Fogarty (sports bodies), J. W. Calwell (timber), and the Mayor (at that time Mr W. 11. Parfitt). The Farmers’ Union was requested to nominate a member to represent it on the committee, but the Union replied that it thought the committee was rather large, and that it was entitled to equal representation.. Since then several public letters had appeared, so it was thought best to convene a public meeting. The Chamber was only too pleased to assist the farming community, but at the same time the Chamber thought each industry should be represented. As a matter' of fact, nothing further had yet been done in connection with the Advisory Board, but he understood a conference was to be held at Wellington. The Chamber desired to work in conjunction with the whole of the local bodies on the West Coast, for the general benefit. The Chamber would have to bear all expenses in connection with representation on the Advisory Board, not even receiving a railway pass, so that the position would be no sinecure. However, the opportunity of having a representative had been offered to the Coast, aiid the Chamber thought, it would be as well to take advantage of it. The Westland people were working in conjunction with Christchurch, but Reefton was willing to co-operate with Greymouth. Mr Carter apologised for the unavoidable absence of Mr J. Mulcare, who had taken a prominent part in the controversy. He was very sorry to see such a poor attendance. Was it intended, he asked, to appoint the Coast representative at that meeting? The Chairman said, that the meeting was convened merely to hear the views of the Farmers, and not to make an appointment. Mr Clayton considered that the Chamber had got a little ahead of itself in appointing the Committee. The Chairman agreed, but said that the Chamber acted as it did because sufficient interest was not being taken in the matter by other people. The Chamber did not think the matter was of vital importance, but at the same time wanted the Coast to be represented if possible. The other industries were all satisfied with the Chamber's action, and that was proved by such a small attendance. The meeting had been advertised for a week, and he had no time to go around personally, chasing people to get them to attend.

Mr Clayton said he did not see anything wrong with the committee appointed by the Chamber. The Cartners’ Union recognised it was quite right, that, a committee should bo set us. Personally, he thought that the Advisory Board would do quite a lo.t of good. Farming was one of the most, important industries on the West Coast. He looked upon the railway as (he best, friend he had. and thought other farmers felt the same. Therefore. they wanted Io be in touch with railwav matters, ami to be reproseiitcd on the Board. The Minister had provided for the representation of the Farmers’ Union.

The Chairman: Do you consider that the representative of this district should be a farmer? Mr Clayton: Not necessarily. All we want, is representation, and the representative can lie appointed by the Committee.

The Chairman siiggostml that Iwo representatives of the farmers might be appointed on the committee, instead of one. He was sure the Chamber would not, object.

Mr Clayton. said that would meet the case, so far as he was concerned. The Chairman said he would like to see Mr Allan McDonald appointed to represent the farmers. He was an exrailwayman, and was now a farmer. He knew all about railway matters, and would be au acquisition to the Chamber.

Mr Carter said that Mr McDonald was the man the Farmers’ Union had in mind.

Recently, said (he Chairman, there had not been much trouble with regard to railway matters. The commercial agents were travelling around, and the Department endeavoured to meet people satisfactorily whenever possible. Mr Carter agreed that the Railway Department, was doing its best for its clients.

Mr Baillie ri'marked that the. Farmers’ Union had gained the. impression that the Chamber was appointing its own members to the committee, and that the latter would be a one-sided affair.

Mr Clayton suggested that the nomination of two representatives be left to the Farmers’ Union. He took it that Mr. McDonald would be one of them.

Mr Carter said that the Union’s annual meeting- would be bold in a fortnight. and (he nominations could then bo made.

Mr Clayion moved: “That the members of the Railway Committee appointed by the Chamber of Commerce be approved by this meeting, ami that the Farmers' Union be requested to appoint, two representatives on the Committee.” The resolution was seconded by Mr Carter, and carried. The Chairman remarked that, ho would be pleased to attend the annual meeting of the Farmers’ Union, and to give any assistance desired. He was a farmer himself and was considerably interested in the farming industry.

Mr’ Carter assured the Chairman that he would be welcomed at the meeting. He thanked the Chamber for the hearing given to the farmers, and expressed pleasure that the little difficulty had been surmounted.