CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 155, 2 June 1937, Page 2

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MONTHLY MEETING. PROPOSED CEMENT PLANT. The montlily meeting of the Palmerston North Chamber of Commerce was held last - evening, Mr A. J. Graham presiding. There were also present Messrs J. li. Stevens, T. L. Seator, G. Clark, F. G. Opie. A. P. Stuart, H. B. Free, H. E. Edmunds, J. S. Hornblow, H. L. Cuuninghame, J. A. Nash and F. G. Major. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs K. A. Henderson and N.. H. Mackie.

The City Council, replying to a request for a reduction in the commercial rates for electricity, advised that in view of the increased charges made for power in bulk there could be no reduction made at present, but the matter would receive consideration in twelve months’ time.—“We will just have to wait and he patient,” said the chairman, the letter being received. Mr D. Black, formerly a member, wrote thanking the chamber for congratulations ori his being awarded the Coronation Medal.—The letter was received.

The Associated Chambers of Commerce wrote urging that every advantage be taken of the facilities now provided by three shipping companies for- trading with the East.—The letter was received. The Palmerston North City Silver Band advised that it was possible that the band would have to procure a new conductor as Mr W. O’Hara, the present conductor, had not the time to devote to the position. There was a possibility that a first-class man could be secured as conductor it a permanent position could be found for him as a storeman, and the assistance of the chamber in that regard was requested —The secretary reported that he had requested further particulars, and the chairman urged that all possible be done to further the band’s request. A long communication was received from interests in Auckland as to the possible establishment of a cement manufacturing plant in the Palmerston North district. ft wjis stated that smaller plants, associated with satisfactory production costs, could now be obtained and appeared to be best suited to the requirements. r J he l a^ es * nll “ provements showed a saving of 36 per cent, in the amount of power used. Within a comparatively short radius of Palmerston North there were Wellington, Wanganui, Foxton. Napier and New Plymouth, and the average importations per year, over 13 years, through those ports, had been 40,000 tons of cement. , ... “In Palmerston North wc lack industries,” remarked the chairman. It the works were established here it would be excellent for the district. The chamber might give the matter its moral support and advise the promoters that it would be willing to assist wherever possible. The chamber decided to follow that course. Mr A. J. Galpin, representing the Department of Agriculture waited on the chamber outlining the development of the Young Farmers’ Clubs There was a membership of 3000 now, lie said, and by the end of this winter it was expected to reach the 5000 mark. He proceeded to outline the bolding of the Young Farmers’ Week in Palmeiston North in July, and asked for support in the matter of transport and entertainment. .. . ~ , The chairman said it appeared that the movement was destined to be of great value to the farming community. It was due by the businessmen that they assist in any way they could o make the gathering here a successful one In regard to transport, the Automobile Association had appointed a representative to act with the committee controlling the organisation. Mr Nash was appointed to represent the chamber “at the next meeting o the organising committee. It was also decided to join with other organisations in forwarding the arrangements for a social and dance if it is held oil a Thursday night.