PROGRESS OF TARANAKI.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 2 December 1924, Page 4

PROGRESS OF TARANAKI.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. MEETS AT ELTHAM. Matters of vital importance to Taranaki, and Eltha-m in particular, were discussed at the annual meeting of the Eltham Chamber of Commerce last night, which was attended by about thirty members and was presided over uy Mr. 0. J. Hawken, M.P. An apology was received for the unavoidable absence of the president, Mr. Ira J. Bridger, who had been called to Auckland on account of the illness of a relative. The chairman said he was sorry that Mr. Bridger had not been able to attend, and on his motion a vote of sympathy was recorded. The meeting then adjourned for an hour to allow members to attend at the Town Hall and hear Mr. Bellringer outline the scheme for harbour improvements at New Plymouth. When the meeting resumed, the following annual report was submitted : “We have pleasure in presenting this the first annual report of the work of the Chamber under the amalgamation agreement brought into being last year, when the Retailers’ Association, Progress Committee, and Chamber of Commerce were brought together and became one association, controlled by representatives of the various interests on the council of the Chamber of Commerce. Some difficulty has been experienced with regard to the services of a secretary at the salary offered. Mr. C. L. Wilson was appointed and held the position for six months, giving very satisfactory work generally, but his removal from Eltham necessitated his resignation being accepted. Some further difficulty was experienced in securing a successor. Mr. H. D. McDonald gratuitously carried on the work for three months, and then, finding the duties too heavy, reluctantly resigned the position. Since then the work has fallen to the lot of the president, who has carried out the multifarious duties of both offices. The amalgamation has uhdoubtedly proved a great success, and very little, if any, friction has taken place during the year regarding matters appertaining to shops. It will generally be agreed that this is ground for sincere pleasure, and if only a permanent secretary could be obtained to carry out the many and varied duties connected with the Chamber, greater success could reasonably be expected. Unfortunately, many who were expected to join the amalgamated body have not so far intimated their willingness to do so. The work of the Chamber has been of an active. nature during the year and many matters of interest to the town and district have received attention. The various sub-committees have functioned energetically, and have done very excellent work. “Your executive have co-operated with all other local bodies in Taranaki in urging the completion of the Tara-naki-Auckland railway. The president was appointed to represent the Chamber of Commerce and the Borough Council at a united deputation to the Government concerning this matter. The deputation was the largest that had ever left Taranaki on any subject, with the result that the Ministers were generally impressed with the unity shown by the deputation and the desire to have the line urgently completed. “Your executive have consistently supported the Railway Department’s attitude in eliminating all unnecessary stops on the New Plymouth-Marton section with regard to the mail train, and a great saving of time has been effected.

The matter of- the night-watchman continues to give your executive some concern, and difficulty is experienced with regard to the payment of subscriptions. In a few cases subscribers have resigned from the fund, and it has become necessary to issue an appeal to all subscribers asking for a slight increase in the subscriptions. This has met with fairly good success, and the e^ eclI il ve have been enabled to increase the salary of the night-watchman from £3 10s to £4 weekly. There is an urgent need for a more equitable arrangement with regard to the matter, and the president has made a proposal which in* the opinion of your, executive would provide a more satisfactory system of payment for the nightwatchman’s salary, viz., that the Rating Act be amended to provide power for the boruogh councils to create an inner area- (or business section) of the borough and to collect therefrom by way of special rate sufficient to cover the cost of-the services of the night-watchman. This proposal has been unanimously' approved by the Borough Council, and steps are being taken to secure "the support of other Chambers in New Zealand, who assume the responsibility of providing a nightwatchman for the borough. “The membership roll is very satisfactory. Most business and professional men recognise the absolute need for a controlling body to function in the general interests of the town and district- A circular appeal for membership has been directed to non-members, and it is sincerely hoped that eventually every business man will become an active member of the Chamber of Commerce.”

Officers for the ensuing year were elected as follow: President, Mr Ira J. Bridger; vice-president, Mr S. E Carson; committee, Messrs J. S. Wilson, W. H. Young, and W. Ricketts; progress committee, Messrs J. Peters, C Henty, F. Vincent, C. Harrison, and secretary, Mr. S. Prosser. Mr. C. A. Wilkinson gave a most interesting discourse on his impressions received during his recent work! tour, the subjects dealt with being all suggested by his audience. A report or his remarks will appear later.