ANNUAL MEETING

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 79, Issue 7138, 28 November 1949, Page 6

ANNUAL MEETING

OF THE KAWHIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESIDENTIAL REVIEW There was a representative attendance of members at the annual meeting of the Kawhia Chamber of Commerce, held in the Women’s Meeting Room. The President, G. G. Jonathan, occupied the chair. Presidential Review The President submitted his annual report as follows: I have pleasure in submitting the annual report to members regarding the progress of our Chamber, and to say definitely that the Chamber has done more than enough to justify its existence, and certainly speak with every confidence of an ever-increasing proof of its value, in a community such as Kawhia, with the support ol outlying districts. “ The membership has increased, and comprises valued farmer members as well as business men. I congratulate the members on the progress made, which could not have been accomplished had it not been foi the co-operation of members and, above all, the co-operation of the Federated Farmers, notably the Te Anga branch, to which we owe many thanks.

“ During the year now closing the Chamber has affiliated with the main body of Chambers and become a cog in the world combination which gives our Chamber concrete standing. *■ The Chamber has dealt with many matters too numerous to quote in detail, but each of importance. “ The most important and interesting matter that has delighted the Chamber, and all conoerned in progress, is the announcement that a quarter of a million pounds sterling is placed on the Estimates for the construction of an up-to-date highway which will connect the harbour of Kawhia with the arterial State Highway connecting Auckland and Wellington, via Te Kawa. Such is not only well deserved but a most necessary amenity from many angles. In this connection I wish to impress the fact that it is not only a necessary outlet, but much more than that. The road will open up the great potential status wherein the matter of establishment of fertiliser works can be established on the foreshore of the harbour but also a recognition of the position of this harbour in the matter of defence, for it must be recognised that within a few minutes’ air travel from Kawhia there are in existence millions of pounds’ worth of power

stations, and this position is serious. “ In regard to fertiliser works, the position that works established would entirely transform the position of the farmers, not only within the Kawhia county, but much further afield. At the present time it is impossible for farmers to obtain sufficient manure with which to increase production, and when they do obtain it the haulage costs are extremely great, and necessarily these two factors limit the quantity of top-dressing, much to the disappointment of the farmers, and unavoidably reduces production. With the aid of works established on the Kawhia harbour, the whole position would be revolutionised.

“ If my fear regarding defence is in error, all I can say is that those statesmen who advocate a Pacific Pact must also be in error. “In conclusion, I wish to thank the members and the press for their kindnesses and co-operation during the past year.” Mr Jonathan added that Mir P. Suckling, a prominent farmer near Cambridge, had assured him that a good road with fertiliser works at Kawhia would result in transport costs and haulage being reduced by half. He had invited him to meet and have a long talk with Mr G. Walsh of the Federated Farmers, who was keenly interested in their proposal to get a good road, harbour development, and fertiliser works, which would serve a large area inland. It was agreed that Mr Jonathan should make the visit as suggested. Mr T. A. Graham moved, and Dr J. B. Wl. Roberton seconded, that the report be adopted, and that Mr Jonathan be accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his work as President during the past year. The motion was carried unanimously. Election of Officers The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:— President: Mr G. G. Jonathan (reelected). Vice-President: Dr J. B. W. Roberton. Secretary: Mr T. A. Graham. Auditor: Mr T. T. C- Humphrey. Mr Graham accepted the secretaryship only for a period of three months, to allow of other arrangements being made. The President complimented him on the assiduous and able ’manner in which he had carried out the secretarial work during the past two years. Mr M- Oldbury heartily endorsed those remarks. BalancejSheet The secretary submitted the annual balance-sheet, showing a satisfactory position. It was duly adopted. Approaches to Sealed Road The ordinary monthly meeting was then held. The Kawhia County Council wrote thanking the Chamber for promise of support in raising a machinery loan. Mr Wl. J- Broadfoot, M.P. wrote enclosing a letter from the Minister of Works saying that the Department did not propose to seal beyond the thoroughfare in the business area which was part of the State Highway. The sealing of subsidiary roads seemed to be a matter for the County Council. The President said his letter really proposed the sealing of 14 feet of the subsidiary roads leading to the sealed highway. He knew that the idea was to be given effect to. Christmas Festivities A committee, consisting of Messrs T. T. C .Humphrey, D. J. Shaw, J. A. Reeve, and T. A. Graham, was appointed to arrange for a visit to Kawhia of Santa Claus on Christmas

The matter of extra electric lighting in colours in the main street was left to Dr Roberton to investigate and, if possible, arrange. Mr Graham moved, and Mr Oldbury seconded, and it was carried, that the Director of Broadcasting be requested to broadcast weather reports covering the Kawhia area, especially during “the forthcoming holiday period. The sum of £3 was voted to the Regatta Committee for prizes for the children’s events.

A committee, consisting of Messrs Jonathan, Reeve, Shaw, and Graham, was appointed to deal with any matters requiring attention while the Chamber is in recess till February. This concluded the business.