WOODVILLE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 220, 13 August 1930, Page 8

WOODVILLE.

(From Our Own correspondent.) WOODVILLE, Aug. 13. Some time ago strong representations wero made, for tho formation of a Fire Board in Woodvillc. After a considerable amount of discussion on tho question, the IVoodvillo Borough Council decided to take a poll of ratepayers, and tho proposal was affirmed. Tho constitution of the board, as required by law, was that the Government appoint ono representative, the Borough Council, two, and the Underwriters' Association two representatives. Tho council’s choice fell on the Mayor (Mr 11. P. Horne), and Cr F. D. Mackie. The latest gazette states that Mr A. 11. Hustwick (chemist), had been appointed by tho Government, and the insurance companies selected Messrs \V. G. Hay and J. XV. F. Norric, of Napier. Tho initial meeting of tho board will tako place shortly. The monthly meeting of tho Chamber of Commerce was held on Monday evening. Tho chair was occupied by Mr L. Whittington (president), and there wero also present Messrs J. T. Horne, A. M. Pickering, A. K. Bell, E. R. Grinlinton, A. Id. Hustwick, L. Smart, A. H. Vile, and F. Maher. A lotter was read from Hon. E. A. Ransom in reference to tho approach to tho railway station. —Received. A communication in regard to tho Howard Estate was received. The Auckland Chamber of Commerce forwarded a resolution, to which it invited support, to the effect that tho railways should be removed from political control and placed under a_ commissioner and board of directors.—No . action was taken in the matter. The Dannc-virkc-Woodrillc Agricultural Club wrote, asking for financial support to the inovcmqnt that had recently been established in tho district.—The president explained tho objects of the club, and stated that it was the idea to establish an agricultural bias at the schools. A good deal had been done at Rongotea and elsewhere.—On tho motion of Mr Grinlinton it was decided that a sum of £1 bo donated to the club. The Marton Chamber wrote asking for support of a resolution in favour of limitation of the hire purchase system. — After some discussion, it was decided to support tho resolution. The Associated Chambers of Commerce asked for an expression of opinion in regard to telephone systems.—After some discussion, it was decided, on the motion of Mr Vile, that tho question of tho general administration of tho telephone system should be made tho subject of investigation. Copies of an address to the Masterton Chamber by Mr C. M. Bowden, covering a comprehensive survey of the establishment and activities of the 1923 Committee against undue Government interference in private business, wero received. Mr A. McNeil, business agent of the Railway Department, delivered an address on railway freight charges and other matters, and answered several questions. Mr A. Hustwick asked tho reason for the discrimination of _ from Mangamahoo upwards. Mr McNeil said that tho rate of 45s had commenced at Pahiatua owing to the intensive competition from Pahiatua northwards. In answer to Mr Galbraith, it was stated by Mr McNeil that goods could be cleared from Customs at Wellington by telegraph. The department’s officers at Wellington would act as clearing agents. Mr E. R. Grinlinton asked if furniture was to be carried under Class A. Mr McNeil replied that it was. Mr Grinlinton pointed out that lie had paid rate and a-lialf in the past. Mr McNeil said this would continue under the now rates in certain conditions. Mr Galbraith said he understood that in certain places the rates had been reduced, and in other increased. Mr McNeil stated that this was so. It was duo to the peculiarities of competition. In his opinion, competition was unstabilising business. Mr Bell asked what class bar iron was under. Mr McNeil stated that it was under Class D. It had gone up a little. Mr Galbraith asked what would happen in the case of business men who recoived their goods through merchants who would not meet the request of to send the goods as they desired. Mr Galbraith mentioned a case where instructions had boon given to send goods by train and they were sent by motor. Mr McNeil expressed tho view that the wishes of tho retailer, if expressed, would be respected by tho merchants. After further questions had been asked and satisfactorily answered a hearty vote of thanks was tendered to Mr McNeil for his lucid address. The chamber some time ago unsuccessfully urged the establishment of a pcnny-in-tho-slot telephone in the town. The President (Mr Whittington) mentioned that when he was on his holidays ho saw a penny-in-thc-slot telephone in tho lobby of a post office in a small township. Ho thought a similar provision might bo an advantage to \\ ooclvillc. After some discussion, it was decided •that tho president, Messrs Pickering and Vile, wait upon tho postmaster on tho subJ °M r j. Miller, S.M., presided at a short sitting of the Magistrate’s Court this morning. . , Several undefended civil actions wero struck out, and one adjourned. Two charges of speeding were laid by the traffic inspector (Mr W. K Yates), under the motor lorry regulations. In tho first case, Wilsoil Brown, of Hastings, was charged. Inspector Y ates said that on June 25, accompanied by the boiough engineer ho followed defendant foi 10 miles. The speed allowable under the Act was 14 2-5 miles per hour, but Brown, who was driving a horse-float, at times travelled at from 30 to 37 miles. Ihe object of tho action was to prevent heavy lorries cutting up the roads. In fining Brown £2 and £1 4s 9d costs, the Magistrate said it was most important that loiries should not go at excessive speeds. They swept the metal off the roads, particularly at corners. . , David Yeoman, who was similarly charged, pleaded guilty. Inspector Yates said defendant had driven a lorry at 28 miles per hour, whereas under the regulations the speed was limited to 16 4-5 miles per hour. The truck was loaded with pine logs, and was driven along the Masterton road. When asked by the Magistrate whether he had any excuse, accused said ho had none. He was fined £1 10s and £1 4s 9d costs. Francis H. Houten, who failed to notify the change of ownership of a motor cycle, was convicted and ordered to pay 10s costs.