Northland Progress Urged by Associated Chambers of Commerce

Northern Advocate, 12 June 1939, Page 3

Northland Progress Urged by Associated Chambers of Commerce

| PRINCIPALLY CONCERNED WITH THE FUTURE WELFARE OF 1 NORTHLAND, VARIOUS REMITS WILL F>E PLACED BEFORE THE EIGHTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE NORTHLAND ASSOCIATED CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AT DA RG A VILE NEXT WEDNESDAY.

Prominent among'the remits are recommendations for the obtaining of provincial status for Northland to mark the Centennial next year, rationalisation of transport services, support for the Auckland Harbour Bridge, afforestation, and the lifting of restrictions to encourage emigrants from Dalmatia to settle in the North.

A remit urging upon the ment the obtaining of provincial status for Northland to come into force in February, 1940, to mark the Centennial is sponsored by the Whangarei Chamber which is also recommending that tourists’ passenger services in Northland bo co-ordinated .and improved, and given more publicity.

Transport Rationalisation

Another remit from the same chamber recommends that the economic rationalisation of the Northland transport industry be undertaken in such a way as to enable the railway, shipping and road facilites to perform enduring service to the whole area. Two other remits from the chamber deal with National registration and physical training, it being suggested to the Government that a national registration for services be taken and that it should introduce a scheme of compulsory physical training. The Dargaville Chamber is introducing a remit to the conference commending to the Government for its consideration the necessity of an adequate system of compulsory training being instituted in New Zealand, and that every able-bodied man pass through, a course of military training, thereby assuring that he shall be able to carry out his duty in the event of national emergency, -.and that the burden of active defence shall not fall on the smaller percentage who have, and are, giving service at the present time.

Harbour Bridge And Settlement.

Support by the conference of the Auckland Harbour Bridge Association in its efforts as the harbour bridge is in the best interests of transport for the district north of Auckland is urged by the same chamber. The chamber also requests the conference to bring to the notice of the Government the constituting of Dalmatians .as settlers for the Northern Peninsula, and asking that steps be taken to encourage emigrants from Dalmatia by lifting restrictions at present in force. The conference is also .asked to express the view that it is not antagonistic to further development to secondary industries in New Zealand, but considers that the Government should more adequately recompense the primary producers when farm costs are being greatly increased as they have been recently. More Apprenticeships.

The chamber also expresess the view in another remit that the ratio of apprentices in relation to journeymen be increased in those trades where there is an evident shortage of

skilled labour, thereby guarding against any future shortage. A further remit suggests that the attention of the Government be drawn to the anomaly existing, and the hardship and unfairness suffered under the present system of allocation upon the six monthly basis of the import regulations and asking that a more equitable system be brought into force.

A remit from the Kaikoho Chamber recommends that the Government bo urged to co-operate with the local bodies and afforestation societies with the object of expediting the afforestation of suitable Crown lands in the north. Payment of Native Hates, The same chamber suggests that the Government declare whether it is its intention to lake action either to obtain payment of native rales to local bodies in the north, or in some measure to recompense local bodies for non-payment of rates. 1 The chamber also asks that the Government give an indication when rail cars will be available for the north.

In the statement of accounts receipts are shown at £l3 0/10 including the balance of £3 1/4, brought forward from last year. Expenditure totals £0 12/3, leaving a balance of £3 8/7.

Outstanding subscriptions total £5 5/. made up by Kaitaia Chamber £3 3/- and the Chaeawai and Kawakawa Chambers £1 1/- each.