OKAIHAU AFFAIRS

Northern Advocate, 1 December 1936, Page 6

OKAIHAU AFFAIRS

COMMERCE CHAMBER AND POWER SCHEME

Considerable discussion _ centred round the question of electric power for the district, at the monthly meeting of the Okaihau Chamber of Commerce. Mr W. Austin, who is a member of the Hokianga Council, was able to supply details of the scheme drawn up by Messrs. Mandeno and Brown. At the present time, it would appear that the cost of reticulation, owing to the scattered population, would be very high. It was considered, however, that more reliable information could be obtained by writing to the North Auckland Power Board asking for information as to reticulation costs. There is undoubtedly a demand for power in the district, but the opinion is held that the power should be supplied by the Public Works Department direct to the point of consumption. Cartage Costs. A letter was received from the Bay of Islands Carriers’ Association, enclosing a list of the proposed scale of j charges, with a request that the chami ber send a delegate to a meeting to be held to discuss these charges. The chamber considered that a practical knowledge of the carrying business ! was necessary to enable consideration I of the proposals, and decided not to | send a delegate. It was realised that I the increased wages and the 40-hour week would necessitate a big all-round increase in charges. Police Matters. It has been felt for some time that a police officer should be stationed in the Okaihau district, and on the motion of Mr J. W. McAuley, it was decided to apply to the Minister of Justice accordingly. pointing out that there was accommodation available in the Waihou Valley. Hall Committee. The hall committee reported on the appointment of a new cleaner, and preliminary arrangements were put in hand for the organisation of the l chamber’s New Year dance. j Combined School Picnic. Mr F. Gemmel waited on the meeting j with a request for support for the 1 combined school picnic, which it was I proposed to hold on the sports ground, j The council decided to donate the sum of 15/-. | Staff at Station. ! There have been several complaints | lately of losses of parcels from the station. This matter was fully discussed by the council of the chamber, and it was decided to request the Railway Department to have a junior porter in regular attendance at the Okaihau Station. 1