Chamber of Commerce

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 3, 5 September 1923, Page 2

Chamber of Commerce

MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Stratford Chamber of Commerce was held last evening. Those present, were the president (Mr J. B. Richards) and Messrs A. R. Masters, D. J. Malone, E. H. Young, C. W. Martin, P. Thomson, W. P. Eirkwood. Apology, for absence was received from Mr S. Macalister, TANGARAKATJ GORGE ROAD. The Minister of Public Works (the Hon. J. G. Coates) advised that provision was being mad© on the Supplementary Estimates for £SOOO, on account, for widening the exisang road through the Tangaiakau Gorge. Provision was also made on the main Estimates for linking up the metalling between Kohuratahi and Tahora. The completion of the metalling would depend on the quota being provided by the local body. The chairman said that in « m " formation was very satisfactory. On his motion it w r as resolved that the Chamber appreciated the proviocu made on the Supplementary Esu mates for widening the existing road through the G-orge and the provision on the main Estimates for metalling between Kohuratahi and Tahora j that appreciation be conveyed to the Minister; and ,that the Chamber request that the very neeessaryi work be promptly proceeded with.

MAIN LINE TRAINS. With regard to the representations of the Chamber suggesting to the Boil way Department, the combination of the Napier and New Plymouth mail trains between Palmerston North and Wellington, the General Manager of Railways wrote that it wa 8 impracticable to comply with the request. . Stoppages at the smaller stations between Palmerston North and Wellington were divided between these trains, and if all theso were undertaken by one train only, the increase of the journey time at that end would be detrimental to the interests of travellers from both the Napier and New Plymouth lines. However, o«e train could not cope with the traffic. It was resolved that the Chamber protests against the Taranaki mail train being made a medium of local service outside Taranaki. Mr Richards said that ho did not think that the service referred to should be made for tho convenience of shortdistance passengers outside Taranaki. The secretary was instructed to communicate witji the Department accordingly. DEPUTY OFFICIAL ASSIGNEE.

1; The ehairirian reported that the Minister of Internal Affairs v,'ho had been approached regarding the appointment of a D.O.A. at Stratford. had decided that there was not sufficient business in Stratford to warrant such an appointment. On the motion of Mr Thomson it was resolved in view of the Minister's decision that representations be made to the Minister asking that the D.O.A. at New Plymouth be instructed to hold their meetings at Stratford. SHIPPING. Complaint having been made by the Chamber of the delay to shipping goods passing through New Plymouth, the Genera] Manager of the New Zealand Railways wrote that between the 24th April and 31st May twenty-two vessels were worked at tho Breakwater, New Plymouth, and landed cargo, totalling 12,286 tens. All cargo in the "Kentucky" it was

pointed out was dealt with promptly, except two small cases for Stratford, which weie held for examination. In tho case of both the "Opawa" and "Waiwora," several large lines were divided into numerous consignments by merchants before despatch, and this considerably increased the work of distributing the shipments. Tho traffic during the period mentioned was exceptionally heavy, and as the greater part of the cargo landed by the coastal boats was of a perishable nature it was necessary to give it preference. p Mr Masters briefly explained tho position with regard to the difficulties wjjich inland merchants had to contend with in connection with handling goods. On the motion ef Mr Thomson, it was resolved that the chairman and Mr Misters interview the district traffic manager on his next visit to Stratford, and ask that the Chamber be advised of the date of his visit.

OVERSEAS DELEGATION. Notification was given by the Department of Immigration, Well'ngton, that the British Overseas Settlement Delegation would visit St atford on Friday oveir.ng, September 28th, and would bo glad if the Chamber could arrange to receive the de.Vration.—•The secretary veporte.l that \w had written lejnying that Lh" Chitniler would '*• ! % 'e •'"' * M mo?t the i !«.•!(• rati.n as sti g< sle ~ MAIN THINK LINK. The urgent nwess'iy oi 'javing a detailed survey r-ia "' oi' r.!io Main Trunk rsiilwo-v line bn"wo Ttilrra and Mature was ,t "■"-■■<:•<) l>y Mr Kiiku'i-)'!, v \i pointed <;tit flint proip.i:.'.-.-< |pi|j bocn made, i r 'in to tune ilr 1 Hip survey would lie made. Mr Kirk-wood alio wead ihat the Chamber nmfca tv «.&*

Minister of Public Works ioi the omployiment of a number of men at tliis end. He mentioned tliat he believed the- Wanganui Chamber of 03inmerce would co-operate in the matter with raftard to the pushing ahead of the line. It was resolved that the Ministor of Public Works l>e communicated with urging that provision should bo made to have an adequate number of men placed upon the weste n end of tho Tahora line, and that a detailed survey of the line bo completed as soon as possible. DAIRY LABORATORY. A suggestion that a laboratory be established in connection with the Stratford Technical High School for the advancement of the dairying industry waa made by Mr Thomson. Ho pointed out that such an institute could he advantageously established in connection with the Stratford Demonstration Farm. Reference had already been made to the proposal and he considered that every snoport should be (liven to<ifc. _ Tho chairman agreed that an institute of research in connection with the dairying industry was niuch needed. Mr Kirkwood said that such an institute as referred to sho'ld he established in Taarnaki more than any other district. It was decided that tho secretary should communicate with the New Zealand 00-operative Dairy Association at Hamilton for data relating to the cost of such an establishment, and that any further information possible on the subject should bo placed hefore the next meeting.