CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Northern Advocate, 21 November 1912, Page 5

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

ANNUAL MEETING.

The annual meeting of the Whangarei Chamber of Commerce was held in the Oddfellows' Hall last night. Mr. W. A. Carruth (vice-president) occupied the chair. POOR ATTENDANCE. When the meeting opened there was only a bare quorum present—five j !members—but it was decided to proceed with business. ANNUAL REPORT. The president's annual report mentioned that during the year the Post Office business had increased by about 20 per cent. The progress of the district was well indicated by the fact that the subscribers to the telephone exchange now exceed 200. The experiments in grassing gum lands being carried out seemed to show that lands otherwise thought to be unproductive could be brought into profit. In view of the district's great mineral wealth, the agitation for a geological survey should be continued. It was probable that before many years railway connection from deep water on the east to deep water on the west would be an accomplished fact. Next session the Chamber should see that a grant is made for the Main Trunk connection. A new company to work limestone at Tikorangi was now in course of formation. The district would yet become one of the chief dairying districts in the Dominion. During the year the increase in the export of butter and wool had showed a marked increase. Land settlement had proceeded well, much of the native land being parcelled out among Europeans. A record number of building permits (80) had been applied for. The question of the railway span should not be lost sight of. The balance-sheet showed a credit balance of £36 4s 8d of receipts over expenditure. A balance-sheet of the special railway fund was presented, showing a credit of £5 0s 6d, which was transferred to the general fund. In moving the adoption of the report Mr. Crane said the report was satisfactory, showing that the Chamber had been successful in assisting the district. Especially was this so in respect of the main trunk railway connection. Special thanks were due to the residents of Maungakaramea for the manner in which they had supported the agitation, The Chamber's thanks were also due to Mr. Carruth for the manner in which he carried out his work when on special mission in Wellington. . The report and balance-sheet were' adopted. SPECIAL VOTES OF THANKS. On the motion of the chairman a resolution was passed thanking the people of Maungakaramea for their help in the railway agitation, the secretary to notify the settlers to that effect. It was decided to write to Mr. F. Mander, M.P., thanking him for his efforts in getting the authorisation of the line to the North Main Trunk. Mr. Marshall moved a vote of thanks to the out-going officers and the Press. He said that Mr. Carruth had done excellent work for the Chamber. This was carried. Mr. Carruth said he had done what he could, especially in regard to the railway. He had got the committee to work, and they had worked well. A position on the committee was no sinecure. He had to thank members of the committee for their help at a time when quick and decisive action was called for. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following officers were elected: —President, Mr. Hempton; vice-pre-sident, Mr. Carruth; committee, Messrs. Scobie, Drummond, G. Marshall, L. Hanlon, PI. Weaver, S. J. McCormick, D. W. Jack; auditor, Mr. H. W. Briggs; secretary. Mr. . H. C. Rishworth. GENERAL. In reply to the Chamber's repreI sensations regarding the carrying of deck cargo in the form of empty fruit cases, the Northern Steamship Company wrote advising the Chamber to get fruit-growers to consign by the Manaia, which would be able to take all the empty cases offering. The Railway Department could be approached to carry the cases free to Onerahi. It was decided to request that an extra boat be put on for a trip each way once a week, Messrs. Carruth, Drummond, Hanlon, and Marshall to interview Mr. Ransom on the following day. The district manager of railways wrote that traffic would not allow of a horse-box being kept permanently at Kawakawa. —Mr. Crane to see the stationmaster. The General Manager of Railways wrote that the question of rates on the Onerahi-Opua railway would be considered. —To be referred to Mr. F. Mander, M.P. The district manasrer of railways reported having forwarded to headquarters the Chamber's request for a late train on Saturday to Kawakawa and that headquarters had declined the request. He. also stated that the Saturday night, train was to be extended to Hnkereuui on three months' trial from November IS.—Received. Major-General GnrUev wrote thanking the Chamber for its appreciation

of the reasonable attitude taken up regarding training camps.—Received. The Minister for Railways wrote that he could not authorise expenditure or widening the railway span, as there were many more urgent works.—lt was stated that the Minister seemed to think that it was desired to increase the span "by" 40ft, the actual demand being "to" 40ft. —It was decided to reply pointing out the apparent mistake. The district manager of railways wrote that headquarters declined to entertain the granting of week-end excursion tickets to Opua during the summer. —It was decided to again urge the matter, suggesting that the concession be given a trial during the coming December, January, and FebruaryThe Hastings Chamber asked endorsement of a resolution in favour of the construction of light-line railways.—The chairman said he would like to see the matter discussed by a full meeting of the Chamber. —The letter was finally held over till next meeting of the Chamber. The Wellington Chamber forwarded a resolution urging (1) that all manures be packed in bags holding 1401b, and that each bag have two lugs; and (2) that harbour boards request their stevedores not to use hooks on such bags.—To be endorsed. The Wellington Chamber forwarded rules for a proposed federation of Chambers of Commerce. —Reserved for future consideration. The Kaipara Chamber asked the Chamber's co.-operation in making a comprehensive North Auckland display at the Auckland Exhibition.— Decided to ask for particulars as to what steps it was intended to take. Mr. A. C. Bevington, joint secretary of the Friendly Societies Hospital Sunday movement, wrote inviting the president and members •to be present at the function and to extend their co-operation.—lt was decided that the Chamber do everything possible in furtherance of the object.