WORK FOR PAST YEAR UNDER REVIEW

Stratford Evening Post, Issue 10, 11 May 1929, Page 3

WORK FOR PAST YEAR UNDER REVIEW

ACTIVITIES OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE THE PRESIDENT'S REPORT. The president of the Stratford Chamber of Commerce (Mr. J. **- Richards) will submit the following report to the annual meeting of the Chamber, which is hing held in the Borough Council chamber on Thursday next: During the past year all matters affecting the town and district and coining within the legitimate scope of the Chamber's activities have received prompt and cal;eful attention. Membership.—Occasionally opinions are expressed indicating that an idea i exists that the Chamber is a close I corporation which repels additional membership and new influences. This idea, may only be in embryo but your Committee desires that it bo Mb' understood that the offer of assistance in carrying on the work of the Chamber will surely be encouraged in 'this direction, and your Committee hopes that present and intending members will make, a point of being present.

Stratford Main Trunk Railway The policy of concentrated effort applied to the construction works about three years ago still continues iu force. Ministerial declarations clearly indicate that progress will bo maintained and that the' work will bo completed as rapidly as the nature. •of the country permits. The time when this railway will bo open for through traffic may now be said to be vputhin measurable distance, and it behoves business people to bo alive to the possibility of changes which may result therefrom. Those occupying responsible public positions should also consider the matter with a view to forestalling public requirements- therewith.

Ohura Main Highway. —The metalling of the gap between Ngatimaru and the Whangamomona Saddle lias been almost completed. It is fioped that completion will be effected before real winter sets in, thus giving unbroken metal road communication as far as Tahora. Extension of metalling through the gorge will no doubt be pushed on by the Highways Board, and when it connects with the metal at the Ohura end the wonderful scenery of the Gorge will be comfortably available to any who wish to enjoy it. Preservation of Scenic Features. — It is highly desirable that destruct-

ion of natural beauty be resistedYour Committee investigated reports of trees being destroyed, and lodged a protest in tho proper quarter, and received assurance that unnecessary destruction would be avoided.

Stratford Railway Station.—Coincident with the completion of the Strat- < ford-Main Trunk Railway Station al-, terations should be completed. R e ~ presentations have been made in this connection, but so far work has not been commenced. The Chamber must do its utmost to urge that this work is not delayed to such as extent that /the advantages, of the Main Trunk connection become minimised. Coalfields.—Much activity has oc curred in developing these, but the lull possibilities will not be apparent until the railway is running to Tangaraikau. Meantime the Chamber's best wishes for the success of the enterprise are extended to those concerned.

Hill County.—lnvestigational work continues under the direction of iVjijjruse Levy, of the Department' of Agriculture. Immediate, results cannot be demonstrated from work ot this nature, but there can be no doubt that much light has been tlirown on the problem and continuous benefits are derived therefrom. The favourable prices for beef, wool and mutton are potent factors in the successful management of Ithis country, and particularly does this apply to beef. Stocking with a larger proportion cf cattle is the best means of promoting the pasture sole and of keeping down undesirable growth. Top-dressing with phospate fertilisers offers a wonderful scope of improvement out labour costs and difficulties greatly hinder its development. Harbour. —This Chamber has «f----ways been desirous of seeing development work proceeding steadily and satisfactorily. We believe the harbour is one of the corner-stones upon which the progress of the province depends. We cannot, therefore, view the proposed delay with satisfaction, but additional rates at the present juncture must be avoided if possible. The Board's assurance that present facilities will meet requirements for several years can be accepted. «n this connection one candidate advocates a departure from the present provisions of differential rating. Such a proposal will probably find favour in the districts which are liable for the highest rate, but if it be pursued it will probably wreck the prospect* of future development. This, and the matter of lorry access to the wjharf, should be carefully watched.

Mount Bgmont.—Once again jour Ccmmitte joined in a deputation to the Mon. Minister of Public Works, urging the reinstatement of the unexpended vote at one time on the Estimats for the. purpose of forming and metalling the Stratford Mountain Road.* The present East House C-jmn.ittee exercises its best endeavours to get the powers that be to complete this work'. The Minister certainly appeared sympathetic -and hopes are entertained of work being commenced in the near future.

Air Navigation. —Your Committee has earnestly considered this matter with a view to assisting in the establishment of a stopping and starting place for planes. No one can foresee future developments, but it is obvious that from the ,point 01 view of defence, purposes Stratford is a very desirable locality, inasmuch' as it would be safer from warship gunfire than coastal situations. The acquisition of the. necessary and suitable land is a difficult 'task which requires considerable financial strength to achieve.

Train Service to Tahora —The daily service instituted during the year has been abandoned. The double running between Whangamomona and Tahora must of course be a big handicap to its success from a railway point of view, but the retrograde step is much deplored.

"Conference.—Two remits were submitted, one. was adopted and the other rejected. Numerous matters cf a minor nature were attended to.