MAILS BY AIR

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLI, Issue 20347, 20 February 1936, Page 10

MAILS BY AIR

LETTER TO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PROPOSAL SUPPORTED A meeting of the Council of the South Canterbury Chamber of Com-1 merce was held last night. Present: Messrs G. H. Andrews (chairman), G. D. Virtue. W. T. Ritchie, W. I. Tait. A. M. Kilgour. F. M. Ward, H. H. Dobie, W. E. Baird, W. M. Sexton, J. Cleland. J. Anstey, J. M. Jenkins, E. Darroch, A. Wotherspoon. P. W. Young, J. Satterthwaite. J. H. Sinclair Thomson, J. W. Norrie and A. S. Kinsman. Air Ministry The Associated Chambers of Commerce forwarded a letter from the Wellington Chamber of Commerce at a meeting of which it was resolved: “That representations be made to the Government recommending the setting up of an Air Ministry in New Zealand.” It was felt that the time was opportune to set up a supreme controlling authority in regard to air matters generally in the Dominion, which would enable real co-ordination of all branches of air services, and enable clarification where conflicting interests might emerge. It was suggested that the office would not occupy the whole time of a Minister, and the portfolio could be held by a Minister holding other portfolios. There was no doubt as to the future development of aviation to an important degree in New Zealand, and it would appear that the time was ripe for an Air Ministry. The president said that he had noticed that the Otago and Canterbury Chambers had supported the matter, and he thought they could do likewise. Mr Virtue said there might be a difference of opinion in the matter, and suggested that the Transport Committee should bring down a report. A motion to this effect was carried. Junior Chambers The Associated Chambers of Commerce wrote stating that the executive had discussed the question of junior chambers, and felt that the formation of such was a matter for the judgment and action of the individual senior chambers. Air Mail Service A letter was received from the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce stating that the Postal Committee had sent the following telegram to the Postmaster-General: “The business community of Christchurch feel very strongly that now the new air service has been started, an air mail should be part of it. If your Department is not already making arrangements for this to be done, this Chamber would welcome the opportunity of meeting you to urge the immediate institution of an air mail service.” The letter from the Canterbury Chamber added that it considered that the importance of air transport of mail from the point of view of the South Island should be fully impressed on the Department, and the co-operation and assistance of the South Canterbury Chamber was sought. It was decided, after brief discussion, to support the proposal. Testing of Cows The Director-General of Agriculture (Dr. C. J. Reakes) wrote acknowledging a resolution from the Chamber in regard to the compulsory testing of dairy cows for tuberculosis, and said that as the adoption of the principle of compulsion would involve an important question of Government policy, he proposed to bring the resolution to the notice of the Minister. The Department was endeavouring to improve the supply of qualified veterinary surgeons in the Dominion. Publicity Committee The committee reported that during the recess, the committee had the opportunity of a conference with a representative of Filmcraft Ltd. regarding the filming of Timaru. The representative explained the overtures contained in the company’s earlier letters and explained that the South Canterbury Chamber could either secure the co-operation of other Chambers and Leagues, sharing the cost proportionately, in a film of the South Island or could sponsor a film of Timaru and South Canterbury solely, the cost of which would be between £4OO to £5OO. The representative explained that such a film could be made very attractive with the wealth of varied “shots” available. The above sum is only part of the cost of production, the company’s revenue being expected from the release fees from the various circuits throughout the world, including the sale of copies to the New Zealand Government Publicity Department for screening on tourist steamers. The committee was in sympathy with the idea and recommended that a scheme of co-operation with the South Island Progress Leagues be approved and suggested that Filmcraft Ltd. should make overtures in this direction with the South Island body, also that this Chamber should make enquiries in the same direction. The committee also had the opportunity of meeting Mr T. Pollard of Southland Films Ltd., who placed before the committee a proposal to advertise Timaru and district by means of a talkie picture. The committee was privileged to witness, at the invitation of Mr Pollard, pictures of the Southland film and some local “shots.” While the committee considered the project a commendable one, it was felt that the venture was essentially one for private emterprise.