CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 152, 13 June 1911, Page 7

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

HASTINGS. ANNUAL MEETINC. The annual meeting of the Hastings Chamber of Commerce was held last evening. Present : Mr. E. H. Williams (President)) in the chair. Messrs. E. Basil-Jones. G. Ebbett. H. lan Siinson. W. McCulloch. W. A. Kiely. J. A. Fraser, G. F. Roach, W. A. Carter, W. C. Whitlock, David Whyte, J. A. Miller, W .Hart, W. Turner, and W. J. Robertson. The balar.ee-sheet showed that the year commenced with a balance of £4/8/4, and ended with a balance of £l5 138. PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL ADDRESS AND REPORT. The President (Mr. E. H. Willianm) read his annual report as follows:—

Membership.

We have at the present time 59 financial members. During the year an effort was made to increase the interest of the citizens in the Chamber with the result that 32 new members were elected. Though I am satisfied with the effort that was made to increase the membership at the time, nevertheless. I think that we ought to strive to obtain more members, as it seems to me that all those who are in business in the town who have an interest in its welfare should poin the Chamber. Finance., The balance-sheet, which will be placed before you .discloses a credit balance of £l5/13 8, as against £7 11/4 for the previous year. North Island Railway League. During the year a meeting of delegates from the various Chambers of Commerce for the North Island was held at Palmerston North, and, as a result this league was formed. Messrs. Ebbett and Mossman acted as our delegates, with great satisfaction to the Chamber. We also sent delegates to Wellington to join in a deputation from the league to the Prime Minister and to the Minister of Public Works. Those who attended as delegates from the various Chambers of Commerce held a preliminary meeting at which it was unanimously decided that the first object of the league would be to urge upon the Minister the necessity of constructing the East Coast Railway as being the most urgent: of the works required. East Coast Railway. The above-mentioned deputation was well received by the Prime Minister and by his Colleague, the Minister for Publie Works, all the speakers giving good reasons why the East Coast Railway should be constructed by the Government, and it is some satisfaction to this Chamber that a sum of £5OOO was placed on the Estimates of last session for the purpose of commencing the line. It is clear, however, that, if any substantial progress is to be made with the work so that it may be completed within a reasonable time, large sums will have to be placed on the Estimates in the future, or the Government must borrow in the open market for the purposes of the work. This Chamber must do its best to see that the work is proceeded with expeditiously. and I feel sure that in this the Chamber may rely on the cordial support of the Napier and Gisborne Chambers. It is to be hoped, however, that we shall not witness serious differences of opinion on the question where the Hawke’s Bay terminus is to be, for, if we become a divided community on that point, I fear that the Government may take advantage of our attitude to delay the construction of the work. Beet Sugar Industries. The feasibility of establishing this industry in Hawke’s Bay was enquired into by the Chamber, and, as a result, it was decided not to go any further with the matter at present. Central Rivers Board.

It is a matter of satisfaction that the Central Rivers Board has been elected, an dit is to be hoped that no time will be lost in coping with the rivers question, for it is essential in the interests of the progress of the district that the danger of heavy floods such as we have experienced in the past should be minimised.

Bills Before Parliament. It has been arranged that all Bills affecting subjects in which the Chamber takes an interest shall be sent to the secretary, and they can from time to time be seen at the secretary’s office. Telephone Debit Notes. This matter was enquired into by tne Chamber and we have had a great deal of correspondence on the subject; but up to the present we have been unable to persuade the Post and Telegraph Department to change their present system.

Waikare-Moana Hydro Electrical Scheme. On December i2, 1910. Mr. George Nelson gave us an able address on this subject, and we have issued a pamphlet containing the address. In the course of his in teresting address Mr. Nelson strongly urged that all local bodies between Napier and Wellington, inclusive, should combine in urging upon the Government to tap the Waikare-Moana water power and * place it at the disposal of all towns on the above route. He pointed out that the Hutt scheme would benefit Wellington only and that Wellington could be equally well served from Waikareinoana. He stated that the estimated cost of head works at the Hutt would be £286,000 and that the cost of head works at Waikareinoana to give Wellington the same horsepower would cost not more than £60,000, leaving the odd £226,000 as a setoff against the extra cost of longer transmission. We have communicated with various local bodies on the subject but so rar have not received any encouragement from them. We are now arranging with the Borough Council to help us in the matter and a public meeting will shortly be held for the purpose of bringing the scheme more prominently before the public. I hope that the Chamber will work with the Napier Chamber in this matter and do its best to forward Mr. Nelson’s scheme. Pamphlets on Hastings. The Chamber joined with the Borough Council in issuing a pamphlet advertising the town. This has now been prepared and will be issued shortly.

Census. The Census was taken on the 2nd day of April last, with the result that the population of Hastings was returned at 6282, being an increase of 1688 on the previous Census. The figures show that a substantial increase in the population has taken place, though the area of the borough has been reduced. The secretary has obtained figures showing that in 1891 the population was 2303, in 1906, 3190, and in 1901, 3650. Local Industries. The fruit industry, which is an important industry in our midst, received a severe check by the disastrous frost which visited the district last October. It is impossible to form an accurate calculation of the loss sustained, but the probabilities are that £20,000 would not cover it. It is to be hoped that such an unwelcome visitation will not affect the district again. It is satisfactory, however, to know that the fruit-growers, though hardly hit by the frost, have determined to persevere with the industry, and it is to be hoped that their endeavours will meet with their proper reward. In connection with this question, it is most likely that before long cool storage will be available to fruit growers, and, if this is accomplished, it will mean that it will not be necessary for them to sacrifice their fruit when there is a glut in the market. Amongst Other Industries In and around Bastings are the freezing works of Nelson Bros., Limited, and Thos. Borthwick and Son, Ltd., and the fruit and vegetable canning works of the Frimley Canning Co. The Heretaunga Cooperative Dairy Company, Limited, Thomas Horton and Sons, Ltd., Mr. C. Webb’s nurseries and others. It is satisfactory to note that dairying on the plains is on the increase, and the progress in this direction has been marked, amongst other ways, by the establishment of a cheese factory at Clive.

Harbour Matters. The new board has recently been elected under the provisions of “The Harbours Amendment Act 1910,’ ’and it is to be hoped it will not be long now before the harbour question is definitely settled. Land Question. I only propose to discuss one phase of this question in this address, and that is to remark that though there are several forms of tenure in force in New Zealand and much has been done to settle people on the land, yet it must be admitted that little has been done to settle the waste lands of the Crown or the Native lands. It will be done in time no doubt, but is not the process too slow? Every wellwisher of New Zealand believes in opening up the country for settlement as quickly as possible, but we find to-day that there are still large tracts of average land that are unoccupied and grow little but noxious weeds. In Canada a certain area of land—l think it is 150 acres—is given to the new settler as an inducement to him to go to the country. I believe it would pay New Zealand to adopt somewhat of a similar policy in regard to some of its lands, so that they may be occupied and become productive. The State will reap a substantial benefit when all its lands are occupied and productive.

It can reap no benefit in respect of lands that are left unoccupied. Labour Question. I referred to this question when I addressed you recently. I am convinced that most employers and many employees do not understand the scope and effect of the Labour law's in force in New Zealand or the awards under which they work and that this is the cause of the frequency of prosecu- < tions for breaches of award. I have | no doubt that many of the officials of the Labour Department desire to give those concerned full information as to their position, and I suggest that if all parties to an award took the trouble to acquaint themselves with its provisions the ’ operation of the law would pro-! bably be less harassing. Nevertheless, it is contended by some that the present Labour legislation in New Zealand prevents the commencement of new enterprises on account of its harassing tendency. ; That is a matter for the electors to j deal with and the voting power in this country ought (if organised) to be solid enough to see that nothing shall prevent the progress and development of the country and that, j after allowing for the fairest treat- i ment for all those who work for | wages.

Train and Steamshio Services for

Hawke’s Bay.

I hope that the Napier and Hastings Chambers of Commerce will give this matter their consideration this year. It seems clear that there is room for vast improvement in both the above services. I suggest that the time has arrived for a more up-to-date train service between Napier * and Hastings and it might be well to commence by urging on the Government to accelerate the speed of the early morning train from Hastings to Napier and the 6.10 train from Napier to Hastings. In addition, 1 suggest that the Union Company be approached and be asked to run a more efficient service on the East Coast. I do not wish to go into details on this branch of the subject but it must be obvious to everyone, especially to those who travel, that there is room for great improvement in this direction. I venture to assert that to-day’s steam service on the East Coast is incomparably worse than it was ten years ago. and this in face of the fact that the passenger traffic between Napier and Gisborne has increased enormously. Indeed, in view of that traffic, it is pertinent- to enquire whether the time has not arrived when an up-to-date ferry service might not be established between Napier and Gisborne with advantage. Scenic Resorts.

Under this heading I should like to urge that this Chamber works with the Napier Chamber and makes an endeavour to draw public attention to the scenic attractions available in and near Hawke’s Bay. For the moment two places which have often been mentioned in the Press suggest themselvesr— Taupo and Lake Waikareinoana. Those who have visited Taupo know that it is one of the most health-giving and attractive places in the Dominion , while there is much charming scenery on the road from Petane to the Rangitaiki. Lake Waikaremoana ought to be a great asset to Hawke’s Bay, and an endeavour should be made to make its attractions known and provide means for reaching it in fairly easy circumstances without waiting for the time when the East Coast Railway will take the public in large numbers to enjoy themselves at that beautiful spot. As a branch of this subject I suggest to this. Chamber that though not in a commercial matter it should try and foster the improvement of Hastings by urging on the public the growing of ornamental trees and choice flowering shrubs, climbing plants and flowers. No doubt, much is done in this direction now, but only a fractional part of what might be done. The Coming Elections.

I have no intention of discussing party politics, but I should like to remind you that the next parliamentary elections will take place towards the end of this year, when it is to be hoped that members will be returned who will take a broad view of all matters affecting the welfare of New Zealand. It is difficult to understand the attitude of those who will vote for a candidate simply because he is pledged to vote on a particular question in a particular way for narrow and class legislation cannot be beneficial. What is desired is that public affairs shall be administered with clean hands, and that any suggestion of corruption shall be stamped out as being so much poison to the well-being of the community. General.

A meeting has lately been held in Hastings to urge the Government to remove the Railway Workshops from Napier to Hastings on account of the recent flooded conditions of the workshops. I wa “

not present at the meeting, but was appointed one of a deputation to proceed to Wellington and interview the Minister on the question. I declined the honour on grounds which I stated in a letter to his Worship the Mayor. Referring to this movement I only wish to say that I can see no general advantage in seeking to force Hastings ahead at the expense of its neighbour • r vice versa. There is ample scope I for the growth of Hastings in a I natural manner and by the estab- | lishment of industries in the dis- [ trict of which it is the centre, without seeking to take away from Napier an institution w'hich has been hers for many years and j which ought not to be removed ' unless for the public advantage. | Conclusion. It will be observed that my address covers some subjects not touched upon in last year’s proceedings of the Chamber, but I hope they will be considered this •year, and in expressing the hope I that the Chamber may grow in "m--portance and do its best to grappi ?. with all questions that may arise for its consideration, I beg to close my address with an expression of ! thanks to the Chamber for the 1 courtesy extended to me during my term of office.

| End of first section. The second section, commenting on the Defence question and the Declaration of London, will be published in to-morrow’s issue.]

Mr. Ebbett, in seconding the adoption of the report, said it dealt very ably and comprehensively with questions considered during the past year, and with matters of national importance. Mr. Simson, congratulated the President on his excellent and carefully prepared address and supported its adoption. Mr. David Whyte said that since the Chamber’s representations went before the Post and Telegraph Department, the details asked for in telephone debit notes were now being supplied. This was a matter for congratulation. Referring to the native land question Mr. Whyte said that the Native Minister had intimated his intention of having all native lands vested in one trust. The chairman said that the fault with Mr. Carroll was that he had a different policy every year, and he had now been in office for twenty years (laughter). The report and balance-sheet were adopted, and it was decided to have copies printed and circulated amongst members. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year :—President : Mr. E. H. Williams (re-elect-'t*d), vice-president, Mr. G. Ebbf tt; committee, Messrs. J. Gar- , nett, G. Maddison, T. J. Thompson. H. lan Simson, W. A. Carter, D. Whyte; G? F. Roach, F. Howard. H. A. Mossman, W. Hart, W. C. Whitlock, E. Baril-Jones, A. L. D. Fraser, J. A. Fraser, J. A. Miller, W. A. Kiely, J. H. Colebourne and W. J. White; secretary, Mr. F. C. Hartshorn (re-elected). Mr. C. J. Tipping was re-elected auditor, and accorded a hearty vote of thanks lor his past services.

A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Williams for his services as President during the past vear. CORRESPONDENCE. Mr. A. Pollock, stationmaster, Hastings, wrote under date May 23: —“I am in receipt of your favour of yesterday’s date re booking of passengers. I «im only too pleased to do all I can for the convenience of passengers, and on such days as I know beforehand that there will be an excess of passengers I will provide for an extra window being open. One window should be ample to book any ordinary train of passengers. I am afraid that the habit of making the booking window also an enquiry window is responsible for most of the delay. I would point out that the statement that the windows ar-; never both open is hardly correct, as on several occasions within the last three months both have been open. Your informant, was probably not there. I would be pleased if you would arrange for someone to point out to me any occasion when thirty people were waiting for tickets. This should not be a difficult matter if the statement that it is not uncommon is correct.” Mr. Whitlock stated that Mr. W. J. Stratton had written to the Minister of Railways making suggestions, one of which was that the ticket office should be open in the evening for convenience of 1 »ng distance passengers wishing tv travel on the following day.

The letter was received. Mr. W. McKenzie, secretary of the North Island Railway League, | wrote stating that the annual general meeting of the league w.-nld be held at Palmerston North,' « n June 21.—Received. Mr. Mossman to represent the Chamber.

The New Zealand Shipping Gazette Printing and Publishing Com-

pany, Limited, Wellington, wrote asking the chambei to support the publication of the gazette by purchasing copies to the minimum amount of £l2/10/- (100 copies). In return for this order the town and district would receive a splendid advertisement amongst people outside the pro vim. v, both local and foreign. —Deferred till next meeting. HASTINGS TELEGRAPH OFFICE.

On the motion of Mr. Whitlock, seconded by Mr. Whyte, it was decided that this chamber expresses its appreciation of the New Zealand Post and Telegraph Department’s decision to keep the Hastings Telegraph Office open on Statutory holidays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. instead of from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. as heretofore. Also that in view of the population of Hastings being 6282 and that of Hawke’s Bay County 10,117 —an increase of about 3000, largely in the vicinity of Hastings—the Department favorably consider the matter of having the Hastings Telegraph Office opened daily (except on Sundays) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., instead of from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. as at present.”

EAST COAST RAILWAY ROUTE

Mr. Whyte gave notice to move: "That this chamber approves of the principle of a joint committee consisting of the chairman of the Chambers of Commerce in Napier and Hastings and Hawke’s Bay County Council being appointed to render every assistance on behalf of the people of Hawke’s Bay to the Government to speedily decide the East Coast railway route, and directs that the secretary communicate with the respective bodies mentioned to effect the formation of this committee.”

One new member was proposed The meeting then rose.