CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 10 September 1937, Page 8

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, INCREASING INTEREST SHOWN. If attendance at an annual meeting is any criterion of the success which will attend-the future activities of an organisation, and its certainly is, then the Levin Chamber of Commerce is well endowed. Sixteen members were present at the annual general meeting of that body, held in Messrs Blenkhorn and Todd’s offices on Wednesday evening, and the President, Mr. E. E. Hirst, occupied the chair. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs J. A. Smith, ,S. Murray, Rodgers, P. Willetts, N. M. Thomson, C. S. Keedwell, G. Wise and A. Trembath. Annual Report. A review of the chamber’s activities during the past year was given by the President as follows: “Towards the end of 1936 it became increasingly evident to those who had the welfare of the local Chamber of Commerce at heart that, unless greater interest was displayed by the business community in particular, there was a danger of the Society being wound up. The chamber had managed to survive the years of depression, and it was difficult to understand, with the return of more prosperous times, why business men should show such apathy towards an institution designed to immediately protect or further their interests at short notice. In order to finally test the feelings of the business men and enable decisive action to be taken one way or the other, a small committee of .members was formed to make a canvass of the town and bring down a report. The result was entirely satisfactory and, at a meeting held on November 25th, thirty-two names were recorded on the membership! roll. The chamber was now able to put its house in order. “The secretary’s honorarium had not been paid for three years, and this matter was given urgent consideration. Mr. P. P. Walkley had stuck to his post in spite of the long period in the doldrums, and the faithful service rendered by him during this period will not soon be forgotten by those cognisant of the position. The annual meeting was held on December 2nd, and since that date six meetings have been held up to and including that on June 16th, with an average attendance of ten members. Meetings were not held in July or August owing to the carnival activities. The following matters of importance to the town and its citizens have received attention.

“The Future of the Boys’ Training Farm.—ln conjunction with the Farmers’ Union and with the support of Mr. C. L. Hunter-, M.P., a resolution was passed that, in the event of the Government having no further use for the institution of the Boys’ Training Farm for the purposes for which it has been | used in the past, the Government be j urged to retain it for educational purposes. [ “Chamber of Commerce Examinations:—These examinations were undertaken, and thanks are due to the headmaster, Levin District High School, for supervision and for arranging the necessary accommodation. The results were highly gratifying, and out of 14 entries there were nine passes, two of Avhieh were endorsed as being “with distinction.” “Chamber of Commerce Medal. —This medal was again presented by the chamber to the senior primary boy of the Levin District High School, and was won by Master Frank Childs.

“Accommodation at Post Office. —This has been kept steadily in view, and plans are now well under way for the present building to be completely remodelled. It is anticipated that a commencement will be made after Christmas. The matter of avoiding a recurrence of last year’s congestion at the post office counter just prior to Christmas is being taken up by the postmaster.

“Provision of Modern Warning Devices on Level Grossings:—This important matter has been represented to the Eailways Department, and is being kept steadily in view.

“Coronation Illuminations: The chamber was enabled to give a lead to business people, and with the co-opera-tion of the Levin Borough Council and the Horowhenua Electric Power Board, arranged for artistic illuminations in the main street during Coronation week. I cannot speak too highly of the generous support given to the project by the business people and of the great personal assistance rendered by Messrs J. Allen, A. Swan, E. Maher, J. A. Smith, and W. Meddings, and of the loyal cooperation of the Mayor, County chairman, Councillors and: staffs of the local bodies referred to. The valuable electrical equipment has been placed in the custody of the Levin Borough Council for use on any future festive occasions. i

“Queen Carnival Representative:— Mr. N. M. Thomson was appointed the , chamber’s representative on the Coronation committee and worked with his accustomed ability. Mr. Thomson’s | contribution to the great success achieved by the effort was a considerable one. “Destruction of Native Bush on the Tararua Ranges and the Proposed Removal of the Hyderabad:—The chamber gave strong support to those publicly spirited and far sighted persons who entered the lists on this matter.

! “New Reversible Trailer Factory:— The chamber notes the recent acquisition to the township in the new reversible trailer factory, and wishes its promoters the success \ybich their business acumen deserves. Mr. H. A. Phillips, one of the members of the chamber, has played an important part in this large

undertaking, and his fellow members join with him in the natural pride he must feel in the realisation of such a large and well-equipped factory.

“Honour 'Conferred on Mr. P. W. Goldsmith: —The chamber noted with sincere gratification the signal honour conferred by His Majesty the King on His Worship the Mayor, Mr. P. W. Goldsmith, and feels that that distinction was a fitting reward for a very long period of service rendered to his fellow men and in the interests of the general public. Both Mr. and Mrs. Goldsmith continue to give outstanding service in spite of advancing years, and are an inspiration to a great many citizens. They still make their day’s work one of purposeful activity.

“Members Who Have Left the District:—(During the year three members have left or will shortly leave the district in the persons of Messrs' C. Jamieson (Community Stores), Percy Willetts (E. Hannah and Company, Ltd.), and S. R. Stedman (New Zealand Railways). I am sure members wish them every success in their new fields of activity. In the case of Mr. S. E. Stedman, it was felt that such an old and faithful member of the chamber should receive some tangible expression of esteem, and with the co-operation of His Worship the Mayor and local citizens, a farewell function was held in the Council Chambers ard was attended by representative persons. A presentation of an envelope containing bank notes was made by the Mayor, who wished Mr. and Mrs. Stedman every happiness and hoped that Mr. Stedman Avould register many years of enjoyment ‘in retirement after a long Snd honourable service in the Railways Department.

“The chamber’s thanks are due to the Press for the assistance rendered. The “Chronicle” has always been ably represented at our meetings and has given a generous portion of its space to the chamber’s activities.

“lii conclusion, I desire to express my keen appreciation of the loyalty and co-operation of the .members, and thank them for their unfailing courtesy and support. I also wish to pay a tribute in respect to the secretary,'Mr. F. P. Walkley, who has performed his duties so assiduously. Mr. WiaKdey constantly has his ear to the ground for any sounds which should be transmitted to the chamber.” Financial Statement.

The statement of receipts and expenditure for the year ended June 30th last was read by the secretary, Mr. F. P. Walkley. It showed that the year, was commenced with a credit of £3 5s 5d and concluded with a credit of £2 19s 7d. Eeceipts amounted to £2O 7s, made up of subscriptions £l6 16s, and examihation fees £3 11s. Expenditure totalled £2O 12s lOd, the main items being secretary’s salary £lO, examination fees (Wellington Chamber of Commerce) £3 11s, affiliation fees £3 15s, advertising £1 13s 6d, gold medal (Levin District High iSchool) £1 ss, and sundries 8s 4d.

In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, Mr. D. P. Todd congratulated Mr. Hirst on his excellent review of the year’s work. He said that under that gentleman’s guidance the chamber had commenced to function again and the result was that many valuable matters had been discussed and furthered.

After seconding the motion and thanking Mr. Hirst for his reference to the new factory, Mr. H. A. Phillips congratulated him. on his very fine report. He said that much valuable work 1 had been done through Mr, Hirst again placing the chamber on the map during the time that he had occupied the presidency. Mr. P. W. Goldsmith, on behalf of the town, thanked Mr. Hirst and the chamber for providing such a glowing illumination in the town during Coronation week. He said it was due to the efforts of the chamber that Levin had such a good display.

After the motion had been carried. Mr. Hirst briefly acknowledged the remarks of the previous speakers.

Stopping or Trains.

A letter was received from the Levin branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union in regard to the stopping of trains at the Levin station. It was pointed out that a number stopped with the bulk of their carriages clear of the platform, and passengers were forced to alight on ground level, making l it very difficult for elderly people and women with children. . The union had passed a resolution protesting to the authorities against this procedure and asking that improved arrangements be made. The chamber’s support to this view was sought.

Mr. J. Gavin advised that he had noticed that the 5.45 a.m. train to AVellington did not stop level with the platform. but went right past it. It seemed to him that the trains stopped for the benefit of those who loaded the mails and freight and not the passengers.

Mr. E. Maher was of the opinion that it was done in some cases to enable the locomotives to take in water without shunting. Mr. A. W. -Swan Said that the 5 p.m. Auckland proceeded w r ell out from the platform before it came to a standstill. On one occasion he saw a lady fall when alighting and she badly sprained her ankle.

Mr. Hirst expressed the view that if these facts w’ere correct, something should be done to obtain improved facilities.

Mr. P. W. Goldsmith thought that the railway authorities ad some justifiable reason for taking the trains half out from the platform. Mr. Gavin replied that he did not think this was so, unless it was for the convenience of those who loaded the bags on to the train.

Mr. F. E. Trim then moved that the

chamber strongly support the protest to have better facilities provided at the Levin railway station for passengers when boarding and alighting from trains. It was seconded by Mr, Swan.

After the resolution had been carried unanimously, Mr. Hirst commented that passengers should be allowed to board trains and alight from them from the platform and not the ground. Telephone Box at Weraroa. In reply to the chamber’s request for a public call office at Weraroa, a letter was received from the Telegraph Engineer, Palmerston North, advising that it was proposed to 'give consideration to the providing of this facility when the schedule of engineering work for the ..current year was being completed. However, it was pointed out that the requirements of the Palmerston North district had to be considered along with those of other places in the Dominion and some time might elapse before it would be found practicable to provide this public call office. The letter was received, Mr, Hirst remarking that the matter was receiving consideration in the near future. Electorate Alterations. Reference to the proposal to incorporate Levin in the Otaki electorate was made by Mr. Phillips, who suggested that the name should be changed from) “Otaki” to “Horowhenua” and that the returning officer should have his office in Levin instead of Otaki as it was more central.

After a brief discussion Mr. Todd moved that the chamber write to the Electoral Commission and suggest that the old name of Otaki be changed to Horowhenua, as it was more indicative of the district, and that the office of the Registrar of Electors be at Levin instead of Otaki, because it was more central. This was seconded by F. Mann and carried.

Officers Elected. The election of officers then took place and resulted in the following being elected: President, Mr. F. E. Trim; Vice-President, Mr. A. W. Swan. In acknowledging his election, Mr. Trim thanked Mr. Hirst for the 'work he had done in the interests of the chamber and for the courtesy he had been showm during his term as VicePresident. He said he appreciated this consideration very much indeed.

Mr. Swan also thanked Mr. Hirst for his interest in the chamber and said that he had resided in Levin long enough to realise what a valuable man he was. Every member knew that the improvement in the chamber’s activities during the past year was due to what Mr. Hirst had done. The speaker suggested that each one present endeavour to secure a new member by the next meeting, and said that even if only one-third succeeded the chamber would

greatly benefit. Conclusion.

In bringing the meeting to a close Mr. Trim thanked members for their ( attendance and expressed the hope thati he would have their co-operation' throughout the year in making the! chamber a useful unit to the businesspeople and the town in general.