POTENTIALITIES OF PALMERSTON

Manawatu Times, Volume LXIX, Issue 2560, 18 December 1924, Page 7

POTENTIALITIES OF PALMERSTON

,\OT BEING RECOGNISED. Lack of adequate recognition of the potentialities of Palmerston North was the subject of comment at the annual meeting of the Palmerston North Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday evening, when Mr J. M. Johriston, said that the Chamber should occupy a more important position in the town than it did. In consequence the town was not being recognised in proportion to its growth. In continuing ho said that about fifteen years ago a man had come over to New Zealand from New South Wales to see why land sold here at £3O per acre. The speaker showed him the Showgrounds apd the visitor said: “If you can support such an institution as this I don’t need to seek further the cause for the high price of your land.” The visitor had readily realised the quality of the country. There wci’e six railway lines converging on Palmerston North, which fact made it an important junction and the railway traffic department might well be here, he said. The exhibit of sheep and cattle at the local show was unsurpassed. Palmerston North was now agitating to have its post office declared a chief office, aird could also push ahead in several other directions. Both railway and post and telegraph centralisation should be sought for Palmerston North. The suitability of the town for a chief post office site was beyond question. “Pressure ought to be brought on the Government without any further delay.” said Mr Johnston.

As far as the railways were concerned lie thought that they should send a deputation to the Minister, who appeared to be a man of backbone, who was out to make the railway system a paying and efficient concern. It was decided to give consideration to the points raised by Mr Johnston and at a meeting of the council held after the annual meeting, it was resolevd to aid thp efforts of Mr J. A. Nash, M.P., in inviting the American visitors to Palmerston North.