Chamber of Commerce

Manawatu Times, Volume LIX, Issue 7459, 9 May 1934, Page 8

Chamber of Commerce

MEETING HELD YESTERDAY.

The Palmerston North Chamber of Commerce met yesterday, Mr. A. ,i. Graham presiding. There were also present: Messrs. A. P. Smart, T. P. Scator, D. Black, W. H. Brown, M. N. Wallace, H. E. Towushend, G. I. McGregor, 11. L. Cunniiighamc, J. 'll. Stevens, W. 11. Cadwallader, J. A, Nash, M.P., P. L. C. Aitchison, H. E. Edmunds, and K. A. Henderson. Apologies for unavoidable absence were received from Messrs. M. H. Oram, W. G- lioss, F. Cousins, D. Macpherson. G. H. Bennett, P. H. Spencer and A. Clark.

It was unanimously resolved to support the establishment of a uniform rate for electric power charges.

In tho absence of Mr. Oram the minutes of the Dairy Industry Committee were read. It was stated that a conference had been arranged for Thursday at 4.30 p.m. at Palmerston North. ‘■'That this committee is of the opia ion that tho introduction of a uniform cheap rate telegram would result in a substantial increased revenue to the Telegraph Department as was demonstrated by the Christmas greeting telegram introduced last year,” was the recommendation of the Trade and Commerce Committee to the meeting following its instruction to report on the question of increased telegraph charges. Mr. Black pointed out that a comparison with tho Christmas rate was hardly justified as there were thousands of people who sent greetings at the time of the festive season only. He explained that as the Telegraph Department had been a losing branch in the past the extra charge was felt to be warranted. Palmerston North had not been adversely affected and thero wore 147 adjacent offices to which telegrams could be sent at reasonable cost, and he maintained that tho new system should be given a few months’ trial at least. Mr. Graham explained that the committee had felt that the ordinary postal channels and toll service were being us.cd in preference to paying the extra charges imposed. Mr. Black stated that tho figures showed very little alteration. It was resolved to hold the matter in abeyance pending the visit of tho Minister to Palmerston North in about two weeks’ time, when a conference will bo arranged. In regard to the Manawatu airport, it was mentioned that there was nothing to report as yet, until certain information was received.

Deporting on the matter of reorganisation, Mr. W. H. Brown tabled a report to the effect that the chamber should not become affiliated to the Associated Chamber at 7s Gd per member, but should offer a sum equivalent to 2s Gd per member. The report was adopted, and Mr. Nash stated that the sum offered as a gesture was quite satisfactory. If it were not accepted the chamber could carry on in the interests .of the city and district. Messrs. IV. H. Boon, .T. S. Jenkinson and C. Pago were elected members.