CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 3828, 10 May 1913, Page 8

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

MONTHLY MEETING. Tlio monthly meeting of the Gisborne Chamber of Commerce was held yesterday afternoon. There were present: Messrs J. R. Kirk (in the chair), S. S. Dean, T., Thorne George, T. E. Toneyeliffe, O. G. Bloore, M. 'Foster, F. F. J. Andersen, D. J. Barry, F. Parker, J. B. Kells and W. Hamilton Irvine (secretary).

AUCKLAND EXHIBITION. A letter was received‘from tlio date Mayor (Mr W. Pettie), stating that, as the Chamber had requested, he had called a public, meeting to deal with the question of the representation of Poverty Bay at tho Auckland Exhibition. Ho had received promises' of support from the following:.—Gisborne Borough Council £SO, Harbor Board £ls,- Williams and Kettle, Ltd., £ls, Dalgety and Co., Ltd., £lO, Common, Shelton and Co. Ltd., £25, D. J. Barry £25, J. Townley £5, W. Pettie £5, and W. R. Barker £l. He now banded the matter, over to the Chamber to deal with.

Mr Kirk said they all knew the good work Mr Pettio had done in the matter. In this lie had the strong backing of the Chamber. Unfortunately many of tho local bodies had not seen fib to support the proposition financially. Ho understood it had been decided to let the matter drop. He had received a letter from the Mayor of Auckland, stating that it was hoped Poverty Bay would see its way to bo represented bv a court; though the writer stated that it would be better to have no court than a halfhearted- affair. It was resolved to go no further with the matter. On the motion of the Chairman a hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr Pettie for the trouble he bad gone to in tho matter.

SCENIC RESERVES. A letter was received from the Forestry Commission, stating that in drawing up their itinerary they.would endeavor to include Gisborne in the list of towns to ho visited Tho Chairman mentioned that the object of the Chamber in endeavoring to get the Commission here was in order to deal with. Lake Waikaremoana. As tho Commissioners had visited the Lake from Napier their object had been achieved. Mr Kells said that the Motu .Settlers were, very anxious to have the strip of bush along Neal road between Motu and Matawai preserved, and had asked him to endeavor to secure the support of the Chamber in tho matter. Mr Dean said this matter had been brought under the notice of the Hon. Thomas Mackenzie when in Gisborne, and lie had promised to have a surveyor sent up to Motu to report on the matter. The Chairman stated that the Hon. Thomas Mackenzie’s broiher, who was Surveyor-General, would be in Gisborne shortly, and the matter could be brought under his notice. Mr Barry stated that he knew tbc bush well, and it was well worthy of beings preserved for its scenic beauty.

A PLEA FOR CLOSER SETTLE MENT.

Mr J. B. Clark, lion, secretary of the Matawai Settlers’ Association, wrote: —At a mewing of the Matawai Settlors’ Association, held on April 24, tho following resolution was passed: That the Chamber of Commerce be written to, asking them to use their influence and urge the Government to throw open tlio Tahora block, containing £4* Out) acres, situated fifteen and a-balf .miles from Matawai. I might point out that this land is good country, low lying, and suited for grazing; further that tho dray road is actually formed to within three and a-lialf miles ol it, and two miles of 8-foot- track, leaving only 133 chains to be fanned.” Mr Bloore said if it were Government country this land should certainly be opened as soon aspossible. At Mr Kirk’s suggestion, it was decided to bring tho matter before the Commissioner of Crown Lands on his next- visit to Gisborne.

THAT BUILDING AGAIN. Mr Doan brought up tho question of tho unsightly -wooden building which tho Government had erected at tho corner of Custom Street and Childers Road. He considered that the Government should not be allowed to keep such an eyesore in the centre of the town. Other towns had successfully protested against the Government contravening the building by-laws,, and he considered the Chamber should pursue the matter further. He moved that a strong letter to the Minister be forwarded on the subject. This was agreed to. THE CHAIRMANS!-!!P.

.Mr Kirk stated that before MiBright, the President, had left Gisborne. he had spoken to him, and mentioned that he thought it was Jiis duty to resign. Mr Kirk, however, had combated this proposal, pointing out to Mr Bright that they would grant him unlimited leave of absence, but wished to retain him as President. Mr Bright, lie pointed out, had made a splendid President, and it would be a pity to lose his services. Other members concurred in this view, and Mr Bright was granted indefinite leave of absence. It was agreed' that Mr Kirk, as vice-president, should preside in Mr Bright’s absence.

NEW MEMBER. Mr J. Mirfield was unanimously elected a member of the Chamber.

OFFICE ASSISTANT FOR AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT.

Mr Barry stated that an office assistant was required for the Agricultural Department’s office. When the principals we.ro absent no one was at the office, which was an inconvenience to the public. On the motion of Mr Dean, seconded by Mr Barry, it was decided to write to the Department of Agriculture, pointing out that an office assistant was required at Gisborne.