THE NEEDS OF THE CITY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 15 September 1908, Page 2

THE NEEDS OF THE CITY.

NELSON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. MONTHLY MEETING. Month by month matters more or less of importance to the city are discussed at length by the Nelson Chamber of Commerce The September meeting held last evening was but fairly attended. The President, Mr A. H. Bisley, occuP^JM WHARFAGE EXTENSIONS Tn reDly to the Chamber Mr Edwards, SuUnter, stated he had already written to the Department on the matter of berthing accommodation at the wharf, and he did no think that the wharf would be far behind when the first shipment of mutton went out. In addition J? Mid he had made certain recommendations that would, he thought, result in the alteration of the present prosecution ot me wharfage extensions towards the completion of the ocean liners' berth nrst, and the breastwork portion last, thus enabling the local steamers to continue using the Anchor Wharf whilst the main wharf extension was pushed on with. FIRE BRIGADE AND WATER SUPPLY. Mr W. W. Snodgrass, in view of the efforts that are about to be made to increase the efficiency of the Fire Brigade, suggested that the Chamber give a sum of money for the competitions. Mr Fell thought these competitions were not all that was wanted. The condition of the Brigade's plant should be inquired into. They wanted a thorough test of the Brigade s equipment. If, as Mr Snodgrass had suggested, they could have some competition carried out under service conditions, he had much pleasure of proposing that the Chamber present £5 towards the fund. He had a great admiration for volunteer services of this nature. Mr Phillips in a similar strain seconded the motion. Mr Hampson went on to speak of the serious position that Nelson was in, in connection with this matter. He thought there would be an increase in the fire insurance risks.. Only in the afternoon he had heard of a considerable rise in this direction. The whole question needed being practically dealt with. It would mike a great deal of difference in the insurance rates. If the rateswere raised, the people would be practically throwing away money. Mr Bisley did not think there was any need for serious alarm. The Council was spending j£Bso in carrying pipes from the old reservoir up the creek, equal to 1201bs additional pressure. Mr Hampson said the City Engineer had reported that under the present conditions of things Nelson was not in a position to deal with a big fire. He thought at least the matter should be thoroughly inquired into. The five guineas were voted. THE HARBOUR, The secretary of the Nelson Harbour Board, in reply to a communication from tbe Chamber, stated that his Board had always before it the desirableness of a final report on the work at the proper time. In the meantime he stated the work was not yet completed, althoueh the entrance had been permitted to be used. He forwardod a copy of the pilot's report, which was to the effect that soundings taken outside durine the month continued to remain the same. All the Union Steamship Company's vessels trading to the port had worked the water at low water spring tides, with drafts varying from 12 feet (. inches to 15 feet. There was not the slightest inconvenience in turning deep draft vessels up the harbour. RAILWAY EXTENSION. As others were pushing for extension of local railways, Mr Bisley thought Nelson should make its requirements heard. In this connection he moved the following : — (l). That the Government be asked to include in their Railway Authorisation Bill a clause authorising the immediate construction of the Manu-Hope and Hope to Oweu Junction section of the Midland Railway. (2). That the Chamber make strong representations requesting the Government to keep the same number of men (some 200 or nore) on the Manu-Hope section when the Kiwi section of railway is finished, so as to complete the same as rapidly as possible. (3). That the Kiwi-Manu sections be completed within the next 12 months in order that the journey between Nelson and the West Coast, viz.. to Westport and Reef-ton-Greymouth by rail and coach ran bo made in one day. (4). That copies of these resolutions be forwarded to Messrs McKenzie and Graham, M.'sP., reQuestinc that they urge the Government to give the necessary railway facilities, which would be the means of opening large blocks of splendid country, now mostly inaccessible, which is a great drawback to the . district and to commercial enterprise. Mr Fell seconded, as the motions, he thoueht, were in the right direction. The Chamber should carry them with unanimity. He was in hopes of some, thing being done. Already the fruits of the extension already made had been noticeable. They had a very good Lands Commissioner, and it meant a creat deal for the district. -i/^ 1 " Jf hill iPs thought now that the Main Trunk was finished it was likely that this local line would be pushed on with. r Mr A. A. Lucas also considered the position much more hopeful. Everybody who knew the position was in favour of tne extension. Mr W W Snodgrass pointed out that tieurht to the back country had been ereatlv reduced since the new sections nad been opened. Mr Bisley pointed out that the extensions would tap a very considerable extent of country. This would greatly increase the business of ths local line. A CONFERENCE. 1 rJ\ se " et "y of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, in referenci to the conference of Chambers of Commerce that was to have been held this month, stated that as it would be imnassib eto have any suggestions dealt with by the Government this seesion. it had been decided to postpone the conference until March of iest year The Nelson Chamber was ask„J,° st f* ar >y subject it considered worthy of consideration. ,„,J Ir - B H ev . thou g ht the conference was important, and that the Chamber t^ d^\^ p a s P ecial committee to deal with the matter. He thought that Zt ±° M , r«preS,tat£n 1 w^h thL h T ht ft The y woild deal 2SJS *" b6fere *• date <>i Sfe MISCELLANEOUS. 9n T i) Was decide *> on the motion of Mr Snoderass. seconded by Mr Fell that the Government be aied to wil, ™ the common of the t^Vafe* Mr K&? D M . by