Chamber of Commerce

Waikato Independent, Volume XVIII, Issue 1739, 13 April 1916, Page 5

Chamber of Commerce

The monthly meeting of the Chamber of Commerce was held on Tuesday evening last, Mr E. J. Wilkinson (president) in the chair. MAIL SERVICE. The President reported the steps that had been taken regarding the Postal Department's suggestion to discontinue the night mail connecting with the Main Trunk Express.. He believed the protest that had been made would result in the continuance of what was undoubtedly the most convenient mail they possessed. Mr G. E. Clark said no more important concession had been made by the Postal authorities than the evening mail in question, and it should be retained at all costs. Mr. M. Wells said that lie had also moved in the matter in his official capacity, and he believed there was now no fear of the night mail service being discontinued. KAILWAY MATTERS. Mr Alan Bell suggested that the attention of the Railway Department should be drawn to the fact that on several occasions recently the 12.5 p.m. train outward had not stopped at the Hautapu and Bruntwood stations, althoygh passengers were waiting on the platform. He instanced two cases where great inconvenience and loss had been caused in consequence. Members thought it oily necessary to give the matter publicity to prevent the occurrence in future. HOLIDAYS. As Tuesday, April 25th (Anzac Day) is to be proclaimed a half-holiday throughout the Dominion, the following holidays were agreed upon:—Good Friday, Easter Monday, and Tuesday, April 25th, from 1 p.m. CLOSER SETTLEMENT. Mr M. Wells moved that this meeting of the Chamber urges the Prime Minister to immediately acquire Mr James Taylor’s Mauugakawa property of 11,400 acres for the purpose of closer settlement. Speaking to the motion, the mover said the laud was admirably adapted for closer settlement, and was excellent turnip country. The estate is just on the border of Cambridge and presents to a large extent expansion of the district at that particular point. For this reason from a local point of view it was desirable to remove the barrier to our progress. While other purchases by the Government in some parts of the Dominion had resulted in loss there

was no instance of Government purchase of Waikato land proving unprofit- ' able. This was a first-class proposition, and doubtless would be as profitable if

not ; lore so than any of the Government's previous land buying schemes. The land commissioners had inspected

flic property some weeks ag , and were due to complete their inspection this week. He had no doubt that the Land Purchase Commissioner’s report would be favourable and the Chamber should be insistent in asking the Govp.rnTnp.nt to give effect to the Commissioner’s recommendation. Personally, he recognised this as being a great opportunity for the district, and in furtherance of tHe objects in view he proposed to visit Wellington next week, and wait on the Prime Minister

Mr Priestley secondefl the motion and concurred as to the benefit -which the acquisition of this property would mean to Cambridge.

Other members who know the property spoke in favourable terms of the scheme and Mr Wells’ motioii -was put and carried unanimously. MONAVALE BALLOT.

When the Monavale property was acquired by the Government from Messrs Reynolds and Ambury the Chamber wrote the Commissioner of Crown Lands,suggesting that the Ballot should be held at Cambridge. A reply was received that the matter would receive consideration.

As the Commissioner (Mr H. it. Sheet) -will be here this rveek, the prseident ahd Mr Priestley were deputed to wait upon Mm in reference to the subject.