CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 September 1928, Page 11

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

annual meeting

The adjourned annual meeting of the Greymouth Chamber of Commerce was held yesterday afternoon; present^: Messrs'P. J- McLean (chaftman), A. Naylor, D. M. Mclntosh, J. M. Bunt,' J. W. Greenslade, T. Jones, W. B. Cunningham, J. S. Robertson, E. McDonnell; F. A. Kitchingham, J. W. Caldwell, J. D. Lynch. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs T. R. Saywell and T. Topliss. The Chairman, in reviewing the work accomplished by the Chamber during the past year, stated that every effort had been made by the Chamber to assist in the advancement of the town and district. Since the report for the year had been prepared, the Public Works Estimates had been published,

and the proportion allotted to the West Coast, including £7OOO for alterations and additions to the Greymouth Post Office, was satisfactory. He considered the Chamber had justified its position. The annual report, during the period under review, gave a full traverse of the activities of the Chamber during the year. Regret was expressed that though the Grey-Westport coast road formation is completed, the bridging of the rivers has still to be done. The work has been authorised by the Government. The Chamber has the assurance of

responsible officers of the Department, that tenders for additions to the Greymouth Post Office will be invited as soon as the necessary plans are ready. The Chamber has drawn the attention of the Government to the necessity for securing suitable offices for centralising their departments. The Prime Minister has replied that the question is receiving the consideration of the Departmental head. As a result of the continued activities of the Chamber, a speeding up of the East and West Coast expresses has materialised, and is being much appreciated by the travelling public. The activities of the railways indicate a noteworthy expansion in the volume of business being done bn the West Coast. In farming matters, the Chamber desired to see the farmer working more ( in co-operation with the Chamber, it being felt that co-operation

between town and country would ensure greater development in farming matters generally. Prices, of stock and dairy products were proving remunerative and considerable farming activity was expected hext season. The Chamber was strongly supporting the projected cattle sale yards at Karoro, and had approached the various auctioneers and stock agents regarding the re-establishment of stock sales. It was regretted that the Timber industry was not flourishing at the present time, the legislation enacted last session not having accomplished what was anticipated. A new system of classification of timber is in progress, but so far, it lias not done a gr’eat deal to improve trade conditions. The industry is one of paramount importance, in particular to the West Coast, and is worthy of thd utmost consideration of the Government, as the importation of timber into' this Dominion means money going out of the

country, and an increase to our imports. The position is one that warrants expert investigation to find a satisfactory solution for the benefit of the Dominion as a whole. It was pleasing to note the extension of the coal industry on the West Coast. During the last twelve months there had been a marked development, in particular from Rapahoe to the TenMile. A number of small co-operative mines were in operation, also several proprietary companies. It is anticipated that the old Wallsend mine will resume operations shortly. As the industry was one of great importance to the West Coast, it should be thoroughly'investigated by the Government on a scientific basis. Extensive experiments were being conducted in other countries in this direction, and it was considered that the bye-products would possibly lead to further development in connection with our various industries.

The Chamber had taken a keen interest in the opossum industry, which was becoming a most valuable asset to the Coast. Representations had been made to the Minister of Agriculture urging the necessity of improving the breed of opossums as it was considered that if this industry was dealt with on proper line's, it would become most successful on the West Coast. The Chamber had endeavoured to assist the honey producers in securingvisits from the Head Apiarist and an inspector to advise apiarists. The honey produced during last season, £4,500 in value, indicates the possibilities following the expansion of beekeeping.

The work effected by the various local bodies in Greymouth was reviewed, and its assistance to the general advancement of the district ’commended.

The tourist traffic, which shows a steady expansion through the West Coast, was commented on, the necessity for preserving the scenic beauties of the West Coast, and of maintaining good roads to open up every possible tourist resort in the district being fully stressed.

The report concludes with a reference to the finances of the Chamber, whith had been put on a sound basis, disclosing a credit balance, after all liabilities, including those of some years standing, had been liquidated. Mr Greenslade proposed and Mr Naylor seconded, that the annual report be taken as read, and the balance sheet be received and adopted. Both speakers complimented Mr McLean on the excellent work he had done as Chairman of the Chamber during the period under review. Mr McLean moved and Mr Kitchingham seconded, that the Secretary be accorded a bonus of £5 for the extra services he had performed during the year.—Carried. Mr McLean, before vacating the chair, extended his thanks to the Committee, who had assisted him during the year.

Mr P. J. McLean was nominated for the office of President by Mr J. AV. Greenslade, seconded by Mr F. A. Kitchingham. Mr F. A. Kitchingham was nominated by Mr Bunt, seconded by Mr McDonnell. Mr Kitchingham declined nomination.

Mr Bunt nominated Mr E. McDonnell, who declined nomination. In making his nomination, Mr Bunt stated that it was his opinion that the .office should go round. At the same time he realised Mr McLean bad done fine work. In his opinion “new blood” was a good thing. Mr McLean returned thanks for bis re-election and for the continued confidence reposed .in him.

The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows : — President: P. J. McLeau. Vice-Presidents: A. Naylor, J. W. Greenslade, F. A. Kitchingham; Ex-

ecutive committee: E. McDonnell, J W. Calwell, L. B. Miller, J. M. Bunt, J. Ring, J. D. Lynch, D. Tennent, W. B. Cunningham, (W. Norton. Auditor: J. S. Robertson. ’

ORDINARY MEETING. At the conclusion of the annual meeting, the ordinary business of the Chamber was dealt with. It was resolved to thank the Minister of Railways, for his letter promising consideration to the Chamber’s reminder regarding a new railway station, at Greymouth, and to again, urge the; early erection of a new station. It waS decided to send a copy of the correspondence to Mr Seddon, M.P., for his information. The Railway Department wrote that it had not details available of the number of cattle, sheep, etc. railed to Canterbury from the West Coast. Mr Greenslade said that records of the exports from the West Coast, including butter, cheese and wool as well as cattle and other stock should be kept, to illustrate the increase of primary production generally in the West Coast District. He moved that the Chamber communicate with the factories arid other available sources, and endeavour to collate a veracious re-

cord, for future information, 'on the primary production of the West Coast. Seconded by Mr McLean and carried. The Town Clerk and Messrs Dalgety arid Co., Ltd., wrote regarding the proposal to endeavour to establish stock sales at Karoro. ’ Mr McLean remarked that the yards would be of little use, except the Railway Department placed a siding at Karoro. If the siding were put in,- and stock sales instituted, he thought a good number. of cattle would be handled at Karoro. Mr Lyn oh said he approved of the idea, it would be a good thing for the district if the market day could be reinstated, as hi past years—fortnightly. He had seen cattle from Westland railed to Addington, and bought there by Greymouth butchers, and railed back to Greymouth. Mr Kitchingham said he thought a deal of good would result if the Chamber called a meeting of the local stock dealers and the Borough Council, and formulated a sdheme for establishing ■ the yards at Karoro, -to plgce before the General Manager of Railways (Mill. H. .Sterling) on his forthcoming visit to the West Coast. He moved accordingly. Mr Lynch seconded the motion,

which was carried. Mr Greenslade moved and Mr McLean seconded, that a telegram be sent, to the Minister) of Railways asking him

to bring the question of the siding at Karoro before Parliament, before the close of the present season. They also moved that a copy of the telegram be sent to Mr Seddon r M.P. —Carried. Messrs Cotter and McKenzie wrote, pointing out that the fact that “Brunnerton” or “Brunner” was the name used for one and the same town, the Railway station sign read “Brunner.” Confusion was caused through the ambiguity. Mr Kitchingham moved and Mr McLean seconded, that the Brunner Borough Council and the Government Department in charge of geographical names, be communicated with, and either one pf the names be adopted, to do away with the trouble being caused continually through the use of the two names to designate the one town. —Carried.

Mr Lynch moved the following resolutinon“That this Chamber communicate with the Canterbury and Wellington Chambers of Commerce, giving facts elicited in the recent Supreme Court action, Mrs Pugh versus Royal Exchange Corporation, claim £lOOO, and that the Ascciated Chambers place full particulars be foie the Underwriters’ Association. Mr Naylor seconded the motion pro forma. He did not think any loose methods in insurance business should be permitted. Mr Bunt said he understood that the case referred to might not be yet finished with, and it would not be right to discuss it 'in any phase just now. Mr Lynch said he was not thinking

of the particular case he mentioned, but wished to get a general ruling from.

the underwriters, which would not leave people with insurances in uoubt as to where they stood. thought Mr Lynch was taking a proper view of the matter. He considered it a right one for reference to the Chambers of Commerce Conference.

Mr Greenslade said he had read the particular evidence referred to, and felt that agents should be quite sure of their ground in holding their clients covered, in cases where the premium was outstanding. Mr McDonnell asked what the position would be if the premium had been paid two months after it was due, had no accident happened? Would the risk carry right through from the original date on which renewals should have been effected ?

Mr Naylor suggested that Mr Lynch should alter his motion to read “That the Chamber communicate Aitlh the Underwriters for a ruling as to the general, practice with regard to outstanding premiums, and policies being kept covered by their authorised agents.” He would then be pleased to second it. Mr Lynch agreed to this, and withdrew his previous motion, the substituted motion then being' carried.

The Chamber of Commerce Association wrote regarding the annual conference and asking for any remits to be sent in early. The Chairman said he hoped to be present at the Conference, and hoped another member of the Chamber would also be able to make the trip. It was a case of paying one’s own expenses, as the Chamber could not make a vote for the purpose. Mt Greenslade, on behalf of the Chamber, expressed regret at the misfortune which had occurred to Duncan McLean Ltd. through their premises being destroyed by fire recently. All regretted to see an old landmark destroyed and sympathised sincerely with Mr McLean in his loss. Mr McLean thanked the Chambetr for its kind expression of sympathy. The long association with the premises had a strong family sentiment behind it, and lhe naturally felt the loss •keenly. He. however realised he owed a duty to his public offices, and had to carry that out, whatever his misfortunes were privately.