TE AWAMUTU CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Waikato Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5157, 14 November 1912, Page 2

TE AWAMUTU CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The regular meeting of the above chamber was held on Tuesday evening last. There was a good attendance, the president, Mr W. N. von Summer, presided. New Members. The following new members were elected: —Messrs D. Donaldson G. Amor and D. Norden. Post Office Tower. The secretary of the General Post Office wrote stating that the contractor for the erection of the tower was obliged to cease work pending his obtaining information regarding the position of clockweight, openings and casings. The clock, which it is proposed to erect will not be available until about the end of January next. Monavale Ratepayers’ Association. Mr C. C. Buckland, secretary of this association, wrote asking if the chamber would receive a deputation from his association to discuss the question of the improvements of the Cambridge-Te Awamutu road. The road Has a main county one, connecting two important centres and although in the state in which it has been kept in the past years it may have served its purpose yet with the general improvements of the district and the amount of new settlement that has taken place it is now inadequate to stand the traffic. It was necessary for all interested to take concerted action in order that steps may be taken to make the road suitable for modern requirements. The chamber unanimously decided to support the Monavale Association, and a meeting of the delegates will be held at an early date to go fully into the matter. Transfer of Sections.

The Prime Minister wrote in reply to the chambers’ complaint of the hardship and loss which business people in the town are suffering through the refusal of the Lands Department to grant applications for transfers of business sites in the Crown settlement portion of the township. He stated that he would bo glad to go fully into the whole question with a view to seeing whether anything can be done to assist applicants in the direction desired. Mr J, A. Young, M.P., also wrote in this connection saying that ho was in communication with the Minister. Telephones.

The secretary to the General Post Office, Wellingto”, wrote with reference to the need for telephonic communication between Te Awamutu and Kawhia via Te Rauaraoa, Pirtngia and Oparau. An officer is now going over the route with a view to furnishing the department with an estimate of the cost of the proposed line. When the report is received the matter will be considered. Additional Justices.

The Under-Secretary Department of Justice wrote acknowledging the chamber’s request for the appointment of additional Justices of the Peace in Te Awamutu. The matter was under consideration by the Minister of Justice. Train Service.

The general manager wrote stating the chamber’s request for the afternoon trains to cross at Te Awamutu would be complied with. Departmental Offices.

The Under-Secretary of the Public Works Department wrote by direction of the Minister of Public Works with reference to the establishment of a district office in Te Awamutu. The matter will receive careful consideration by the Government. Mr Young, M.P., wrote saying that he would have pleasure in supporting the matter. Late Mails. Mr W. F Stewart, the local Postmaster, wrote stating that arrangements had been made with Mr Paul, the mail contractor at Te Awamutu, for the erection of a posting box at the stable to be cleared by the coachdriver at the last moment before meeting the midnight express. This will afford the general public the opportunity of catching both night trains, which was an exceptional facility, and should meet all requirements for late letters. Votes of thanks. A very hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr J. A. Young, M.P., for his kind assistance given in matters brought forward by the Chamber. Kawhia-Pirongia Mails. Regarding the matter of this mail route the Prime Minister notified the Chamber that no alteration would be made, and the service would continue to connect with the Main Trunk at Te Awamutu. The Secretary to the General Post Office wired saying that a tender had been accepted for the continuance of the Kawhia-Pirongia-Xe Awamutu mail service. Kawhia Railway. The Kawhia Chamber of Commerce wrote welcoming this Chamber’s co-operation in the endeavour to connect Kawhia harbour with the Main Trunk railway. An official map was produced showing the proposed railway line Te Awamutu to Hastings. Advertising Te Awamutu.

The Chamber approved of the action of the president in advertising Te Awamutu town and district in the Dominion newspaper, and it was thought the section of the paper referring to Te Awamuu should have the effect of drawing considerable attention to the district. Out-district Telephonic Communication. The committee appointed to go into this matter submitted their report of the cost to settlers to be connected to the Te Awamutu exchange, It was shown that ths cost would be very small, and the chamber decided to urge the settlers to join forces in erecting poles, etc., as then the whole of the farmers would be in close touch with Te Awamutu. The Parawera line now erected was proving a great convenience to those back settlers. Holidays.

Messrs Fear, Battson and Heerdgen were appointed as a committee to go into the holiday question for the coming year, and report at next meeting. Farm of Instruction and Agricultural College. It was unanimously decided to urge the Government to establish a Farm of Instruction and Agricultural College in the Te Awamutu district, there being ample and most suitable land available just over the Puniu river. Trout and Peasants. The Chamber decided to accept the offer made for supply of trout yearlings for stocking the Puniu river,and also of pheasants’ eggs, the members and settlers to rear the birds.