DISTRICT AFFAIRS

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 May 1927, Page 2

DISTRICT AFFAIRS

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEETS Interest in the business of the Greymouth Chamber of Commerce, judging by the attendance, was apparently at a low ebb yesterday. Out of a financial membership of approximately 80, only eight were present at the monthly meeting, despite the fact that it had been well advertised. The Chairman (Mr. J. McLean) presided, and the others present were: Messrs J. W. Greenslade, A. Naylor, J. P. Irvine, F. A. Kitchingham, W. R. Kettle, D. M. Robertson, and R. B. Miller. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs N. B. McCallum, T. Topliss, and W. B. Cunningham. The Chairman expressed regret that the attendance was not larger. In connection with the Chamber’s representations regarding the need for additional staff at the Otira tea-rooms, and additional .accommodation at the Springfield tea rooms, the Chairman reported that they were supported by the Canterbury Industrial Association. A formal acknowledgment of the Chamber’s letter was received from the District Traffic Manager.

In reply to the Chamber’s request, that he represent it at the coming conference on overseas publicity, Mr. P. R. Climie, organiser of the Canterbury Progress League, wrote stating that, if the League was represented at the conference, the interfits of Greymouth would not be overlooked.

The Chairman said that, so far as he knew, nothing definite had yet been done regarding the publicity scheme, although there had been considerable discussion at Wellington.

The business agent of the Railway Department forwarded details of concessions in the rates on pressed hay in bales and straw chaff. —Received. Mr. A. S. L. Armstrong, Greymouth, requested the assistance of the Chamber in his claim against the Railway Department. He alleged that a consignment of samples sent by him to Inangahua Junction were dropped off the train at Ikamatua by the Railway Department, in order to make room for a motor-car belonging to a GreymOUtll resilient, which, was unable to get through by road owing to floods. The samples had either been left behind owing to the size of the train, or had been forgotten. Considerable expenditure and inconvenience had been caused by their non-arrival, and Mr. Armstrong therefore claimed £6 odd from the Department. He enclosed the District Traffic Manager’s reply, to the effect that the samples were given the best possible despatch. The delay was regretted, but it was out of the control of the Department, and the claim was therefore declined.

Mr. Miller said he understood that the samples were left off the train in order to make room for the motorcar. He thought Mr. Armstrong had a very strong case, and that the Chamber should assist him. The fact that the trains got through, and the samples were left at Ikamatua for two days, proved negligence. The Chairman said it seemed- very unfair that Mr. Armstrong should receive such treatment. He moved that the letter be referred to the Railway Committee, to go into the matter and communicate with the Department.

The resolution was seconded by Mr. Miller, and carried. Reporting upon his visit with local body representatives to the scene of the encroachment by the Orangipuku River, the Chairman said it looked as if it required attention, and the Grey County Council was to be congratulated upon taking the steps it had done. Personally, he would like to see a joint report made by the three Engineers, instead of separate reports, and a combined meeting could then be convened. The erosion might affect the town considerably, and a little prevention was better than tons of cure. Mr. Greenslade also favoured the making of a joint report, and a combined meeting. The Engineers’ report was awaited with interest. If the County Council did not convene a meeting, he, as Mayor, would do so. Mr. Kitchingham said he did not think the public had actually realised that the waters of the Teremakau had come down the Grey River in the recent floods. The Teremakau waters (lowed right over into the Orangipuku, and thus via the Arnold into the Grey River. If they came down in a big body of water, the danger might be serious.

It was agreed to suggest to the Grey Country Council that a joint report from the Engineers would be appreciated. In connection with the WestportGreymouth Coast road, the Chairman said that tenders for the Bluff section closed on April 5, but no advice had yet been received as to what had been done. He moved that the Minister of Public Works be asked what steps were being taken in connection with the tenders recently advertised in connection with the Bluff section of the road. The resolution was carried. Mr. Kitchingham said members might have noticed a paragraph in the “Star,” to the effect that an application had been mad,e to the Commissioner of Crown Lands for a lease of the scenic reserve at Point Elizabeth. Strenuous ‘ efforts were apparently being made to have the reservation for scenic purposes lifted. If a lease were granted, it would deprive the public of a very valuable picnicking place. The Government had no right to part with such a reserve without proper consideration. He moved that the Scenery Preservation Board be asked not to lease any reserve without full consideration and public notification.

The resolution was seconded by Mr. Kettle and carried. After a discussion in committee, the Chairman moved: That the Chamber call the attention of the Magistrate and the Justices of the Peace to the increase of burglaries and vandalism in the town recently; that it be suggested to the Inspector that a constable be stationed in the southern portion of the town.

In seconding the resolution, Mr. Kitchingham said he knew there had been a number of petty thefts in the southern portion of the town that had not been brought to the attention of the police, as people did not want to be mixed up in such affairs. The resolution was carried. WOOD PULP INDUSTRY. At the conclusion of the meeting of the Chamber of Commerce, the members present were addressed by Mr J. Guy, representing the proposed Westland Wood Pulp and Paper Syndicate Ltd. He explained the advantges that would accrue to the district by the establishment of such an industry, and submitted samples of paper that had been manufactured in Switzerland from the West Coast woods. The members were impressed with the possibilities of the industry. On the motion of the President (Mr J. Mc-

Lean) seconded by Mr W. R. Kettle, it was resolved: “That this Chamber appreciates the efforts being made to establish the paper making industry on the West Coast.”