CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Stratford Evening Post, Issue 63, 28 May 1928, Page 3

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ANNUAL REPORT. The following is ■■be annual report of the Stratford ( 3.amber of Commerce ; Your Committee 'has pleasure i;n .submitting the annual report and balance-sheet. STRATFORD MAIN TRUNK RAILWAY. Work is proceeding at the Western side with remarkable expedition. The first tunnel has been pierced end progress is being made .with two other tunnels. Construction beyond Tangarakau Flat has always been recognised as exceedingly heavy, the' tunnels making progress necessarily slow. The time has now apparently arrived when construction should be vigorously pushed forward from the eastern end, and the Chamber should spare no effort to get this work completed. It is pleasing to note that the Hon. Prime Minister has been reported to say that this work must he finalised as early as possible. The proposed trip to the Tangarakau works lias been deferred chiefly for reason that the first tunnel wa,s.. not pierced as early as expected and now the season is so advanced a« to leave some doubt as to the wisdom of undertaking the venture until the days are longer OHURA MAIN HIGHWAY Owing to shortage! of funds the work of connecting the metalling between Ngatinfiru and the AVhangamomona Saddle has been delayed hut there is every indication that this work will be completed next summer. The benefit of reserving hush areas in Tangarakau Gorge and on the Whang'xmomon a Saddle will be increasingly noticed as the Highway is improved and consequently becomes more commonly used. STRATFORD RAILWAY STATION. Work on the proposed new station has not yet commenced, meantime the great danger and hioonveir.rioe of the crossings at Regan Street and Fenton Street continue; these tore minimised by the wig-wan* signets and bells. HILL COUNTRY.

Mr. Bruce Levy continues Ills valuable work of investigation of pais* turo management from which nine!: useful information has been and will be made available to farmers. The use of the Phosphate Fertilizers has been largely adopted with much advantage. The. improved prices for wool, beef and mutton have been, a. wonderful assistsnee. Goologiclvl and Chemical investigation is also proceeding and your Committee deeply appreciates the consideration which has been extended by the Department of Agriculture to their representatives in this matter. When the gross fertility .of this country can be controlled and directed more generally to profitable production great benefit will accrue., COALFIELDS. Mining activity of a small scale is now established in Tangarakau. Let us hope it is a prelude to extensive development. STRATFORD JUBILEE. Members of your Committee lent their full assistance in this matter. The success of the celebrations was undoubtedly due to' the enthusiastic support devoted to them by the various people concerned with the different phases of work connected therewith. HARBOUR. The increased shipping is cause for satisfaction. When the whole of Taranaki recognises the port as its one ;• ud only direct gateway to “the world’s wide trade” the/ difficulties which arc now heiner experienced in what are rddly initial developmental conditions will fade to insignificance.' The Railway agd the Harbour—these are the works of outstanding importance to Taranaki. ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES. The extension of Egmont electorate to the. Stratford Borough Boundary pud the exclusion of the major portion of the West Riding of Stratord Country from Stratford Electorate was objected to without success. RETAILERS. A conference was called in connection with Xmas Holidays and tiro result was a better understanding being arrived at. RAILWAY LEASES. The Railway Board visited Stratford and your Committee joined in making representations towards having rentals reduced but without much success. MORTGAGEES INDEMNITY. The', remit or your Executive, to the Conference has had legislative effect given to it by the practical abolition of Mortgagees liability under the Workers’ Compensation Act. Other trill tors such its foot-warmers on the Toko Railway Branch and telephone extensions have been attended to. MOUNT EGMONT. Your Committee joined in representations to Hon. A. D. McLeod, urging tiie reinstatement of the unexpended vote at one time on the estimates for the purpose of forming rod metalling the road to the Stratford House. PROSPECTS. The improved prices ruling for our staple products promise well for the future. Cheese, butter, wool, mutton and heel are ail realising higher values with much benefit to primary producers am cl consequently to .all classes of the community. Improved farm practice and methods are .steadily being employed and incrfaise'd production generally as the result The annual meeting will be held j in the Municipal Chambers at 8 p.m. on Wednesday 30th, May,.,when a full attendance is requested! ,-^jjfcS: