THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BANQUET.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13779, 18 June 1908, Page 4

THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BANQUET.

The large and representative attendance at the banquet given last night to our provincial members by the Auckland Chamber of Commerce fully justified the institution of these annual functions. For not only do these gatherings bring members individually into touch' with the commercial and industrial interests at the city and province, but they im-

: press our commercial and industrial requirements and necessities upon our legislative delegates at the time when this impression is most likely to do good—on the eve of the session. The proceedings last night were marked by a unanimity of sentiment and an enthusiasm of opinion on behalf of the interests of the North, which augur well for the future attainment of its legitimate objects It is to be regretted, however, that more of our provincial members' did not accept thcyinvitations sent them, for they would certainly have been strengthened in their often doubtful belief that the time has come to assert steadily and fearlessly the claims of the North to equitable and impartial treatment in the allocation of the Public Funds. Mr. L. J. Bagnall, in his presidential address, besides dealing with various general and local questions of grave, and immediate interest, was emphatic in his assertion of the pressing necessity for roads and bridges in order that the country might be developed ; while Mr. Kent presented the case for our provincial railways in an unmistakable and forceful manner. In his remarks Mr. Fowlds quoted figures to show that the population, trade, and traffic of the province had so enormously increased during the past five years, that the Railway Department was entitled to credit for the manner in which it had met the demands made upon it; but his statistics upon public expenditure i within the province were more calcu- ; lated to prove that the. province has | been better treated of recent years than that we receive fair and equitable consideration in the allocation of public works. Several of the speakers paid an eloquent tribute to the Parliamentary work done by Mr. Alison and united in hoping for his speedy restoration to health and return to politics. In his usual vigorous manner Mr. Massey drew attention to the retrograde step which has occurred in our mail services, which. he said, would not be allowed to remain unremedied. But it was left for the Mayor to remind members that it should not be enough to place Auckland public buildings upon the Estimates, but that the amounts should be expended and the buildings erected. Nor did Mr. Myers miss the opportunity to urge the passing during the next session of an Auckland Drainage Bill, or to lay stress upon the necessity to Auckland City of the pushing forward of developmental railways, and of a spirited public roads policy; and he protested firmly against the taking from Auckland, the. largest and most progressive province, of its just representative rights by _the proposed change in the elective system.