Foxton

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 237, 7 October 1936, Page 3

Foxton

i From Our Own Correspondent. Chamber of Commerce. Mr.' A. Alsop (vice-president) presided over tho monthly meeting of the Foxton Chamber of Commerce. It was suggested by Mr. Christie that the Chamber should write to the Minister of Industries and Commerce supporting a petition at present before the House, urging a universal Saturday half-holiday. He referred to the lack of unanimity on this matter in certain quarters and considered that a universal half day would be in the best interests of alii. It was decided to agree to the suggestion. A report was submitted on the Borough Council’s decision in connection with the Chamber’s request for an increase in hawkers' licenses and the construction of cycle stands in Main street. It was stated that the latter matter was well in hand and It was decided to write and thank the council, for agreeing to the suggestion. Mr. Osborne suggested that the community lights should be switched on earlier in the evening as at present the town was practically in darkness for a period each evening. Mr. Dawson suggested that the Horowhenua Electric Power Board should bo approached with a view to obtaining some street decorations ror the Christmas and New Year period. Both matters were left in tho hands of Mr. J. K. Hornblow to attend to. A discussion took place concerning the defunct cycling club and the funds held in trust by the two trustees, ana It was decided that the secretary endeavour to obtain a statement from tho trustees ami submit same to the next meeting. Mr. Robinson suggested that the money could be diverted to improvements on Easton park. He added that some time ago he had gone into the question of acquiring for the Borough Council the area of land adjoining the park and giving access to Whyte street. Foxton Beach Road. A letter was read from Mr. C. L. Hunter, M.P., In reply to the Chamber s letter relative to the tar-scaling of the Foxton beach road. The matter was discussed at the length in committee after which it was decided to await the decision of the Manawatu County Council at its next meeting regarding this question before taking further action. Foxton’s Whitebait.

Mr H Osborne urged that some protection should be given for the Foxton whitebait fishermen. It was most unfair, he said, that notices should appear in fisn shop windows in various parts of the island proclaiming ’’fresh Foxton whitebait'* for sale When none was being caught locally. It was strange, but true, that the local whitebait possessed a much more delectable flavour than that caught elsewhere, and fish mongers woiH,d bear that statement out, as they were preoared to pay more for the Foxton article than any other. Under the circumstances it was most unfair that whitebait from other parts was labelled “Foxton.” It was also prejudicial to the local article as in some cases tne whitebait was very inferior and liable to put people off the fish. There was just as much difference between Foxton and other whitebait as there was between dairy and whey butter, said Mr. Osborne. Shop keepers were not allowed to sell whey butter for dairy, and he thought the same regulation should apply to the whitebait. A check could easily be made on the invoices of retailers, he concluded. It was agreed that the practice was prejudicial to Foxton fishermen and it was decided to communicate with the Minister for Fisheries requesting that steps be taken to have whitebait sold “true to label.” It was suggested that in view or the fact that scarcely any wiiitebait had been taken from the Manawatu river this season by reason of the unsettled state of the weather, the Minister should be approached with a request for the extension of tho season on the Manawatu river for anoter month as the season was due to close on November 15. It was decided to apply for an extension of the season as suggested. Foxton Horticultural Society. Mr. J. R. Middleton (president) presided over a meeting of the committee of the Foxton Horticultural Society. A statement in connection with the spring show recently held disclosed a credit balance of £l7 13s 6d. Members expressed gratlfi : cation at the financial success of the exhibition and it was decided to forward letters of appreciation to the Palmerston North entertainers, the judges and those who had assisted in other directions. A rote of thanks- was passed to Miss Whittaker for arranging for the entertainment and also for her services as assistant secretary. A letter was received from tho secretary of the Rongotea Horticultural Society (Miss M. Sparrow) thanking the society for hospitality extended and congratulating it on the excellence of the exhibition. The secretary said that the society was indebted to the Rongotea and other outside exhibitors for co-operation as the success of he exhibition had. in large measure, been due to their patronage. Reference was made to the looting of exhibits at the conclusion of the show and it was decided to take steps to suppress this practice at future shows. It was decided that all unclaimed exhibits be sold by auction at the conclusion of future shows. A discussion ensued regarding arrangements for the holding of tho slimmer show, and it was decided to hold the exhibition in November, the date to be decided on at a meeting which will be held on Thursday evening for the purpose of finalising the schedule for the forthcoming show. A vote of thanks was accorded Mrs. J. Saunders (Palmerston North) for the donation of a trophy for competition at the summer show. Personal. Mr. W. Adams, of AVanganui, is at present visiting Foxton and is staying with his daughter, Mrs. A. P. Easton, of Robinson street. Mr. J. L. Thomas, 8.A., has taken up his duties as assistant master of the secondary department at the Foxton District High School. The friends of Mr. W. J. Ross, of Poplar, who underwent an operation for appendicitis in the Palmerston North Hospital last week, will be pleased to learn that he is making satisfactory progress towards recovery.