MASTERTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 23 September 1913, Page 7

MASTERTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

-THE ANNUAL REPORT. Following is the thirteenth annual report of the Masterton Chamber of Commerce, which is to be presented at the annual meeting this week: — The good value received for the primary products of this district has been reflected in the prosperity of the community. Recognising that means of communication, between the farmer and his market are of the first importance to all interests in which we have a part, this Chamber has again been active in co-operation with other bodies in promoting means of intercourse. Mail Service. —In order to "secure a daily mail service between Masterton, Gladstone, Longbush and Spring Grove it was necessary to put the required srabsidy on a business footing, and in conjunction with Mr John Strang, of Gladstone, this Chamber arranged with the-Postal authorities a three years contract to ensure the' regular running of a motor car each way every day. Masterton-Waipukurau Railway. — The Masterton-Waipukurau railway proposals were advanced a step further by the visit—on the invitation of this Chamber conjointly with other bodies—of the Hon. Wm. Fraser, Minister for Public Works, who visited Pongaroa and various other points on the proposed route, including Langdale and the Wliareama valley. JFtimutaka Deviation.—On the question of the Rinrutaka incline the urgency and importance of removing this obstacle to commerce -has been so persistently urged that we can reasonably hope for something definite being done. In helping forward the advocacy of these railway matters, we have for the first time had/the aissistance of Wellington city, which sent a strong escort with the Hon. Mr Fraser on his tour, and later joined with representatives from each centre from Y/r/MjulCurau southward, the Wellington Harbour Board and Chamber of Commerce and the Mayor of Wellington formed the deputation to the Minister in .support. The deputation, we were assured, made a reasonable request and following a promise then made, the Hon. Mr Fraser has since motored over the Rimutaka to personally study the question. Persistent efforts will still be required if real progress is to be made. Woollen Mills. —During the period in review the Mayor of Petone Mr J. W. McEwen, who has a personal knowledge of the industry, kindly, at the request of the chamber, addressed a public meeting at Masterton, explaining in detail what could be done by establishing a woollen mill in Masterton. There being ample outlet for the profitable investment of capital, together with ready employment of all labour in other walks, delays for a time the initiation of a scheme for the starting of a woollen mill. Agricultural High School. —While Parliament has been discussing in a general way suggestions regarding agricultural education, advantage has been taken by this Chamber of the visit to the district of several of the Ministry to draw attention to the evinently suitable site near Masterton on Government land where a school should be established. Is this question of such importance as to rouse the enthusiasm of those who would benefit all? Trade With Canada.—The development of our export trade with Canada judging by recent results is very important to this district, and at the invitation of the Farmers' Union we had the pleasure of meeting Mr Beddoe, the Canadian Trade Commissioner, who visited Masterton in August and addressed a largo representative meeting. Mr Beddoe has since written expressing the pleasure he had ex- j perienced, and a hope to be able shortly to visit us again. Telephone.—The demands of business between Masterton and Wellington has evidently ovetraxed the available wires resulting in vexatious delays, and to representations made by this chamber, the Department assures us the need is acknowledged, and efforts will be made to improve the present service.

Railway Service. —The tedious service wo' now enjoy or endure, lias caused some friction and annoyance, hut we have to acknowledge the courtesy with which the staff invariably meet our representations. Our railways are apparently very safe and its service very slow. We still average fifteen miles an hour going to Wellington. It is with deep regret that the death lias to be recorded of Mr James Brown, who was one of the most act 1 ive and energetic members of the Cmmcil of the Chamber, who, on again taking up his residence in Masterton, at once identified himself witsi the work of the Chamber, and made many'practical suggestions in regard to betterment of the town and district. The sincere sympathy of the chamber i# extended to his relatives and friends.