TE AWAMUTU CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Waipa Post, Volume III, Issue 111, 17 May 1912, Page 3

TE AWAMUTU CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

The regular monthly meeting of, the above Chamber was. held in Bockett's Buildings on Tuesday evening. There were twenty members present, Mr W. N. von Sturmer (president) presiding. New Members. The following new members were duly elected : —B. Adams, draper; F. J. Gilbert, musical instrument dealer; House, Daking, and Sindel, drapers; J. W. T. Stonehouse, jeweller; F. J. Verner, saddler. Inward Correspondence.

From the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce re proposed branch railway. From the KihikihiTown Board stating its inability to send delegate to meet the Prime Minister re proposed Te Awamutu-Puta-ruru railway. From the Postal Department formally acknowledging representations of Chamber in the matter of Kawhia-Main Trunk mail service. From Otorohanga Chamber of Commerce re train arrangements. From Palmerston Chamber of Commerce forwarding resolutions endorsing the Defence Act. From J. A. Young, M.P., forwarding copy of letter from the Minister for Railways re Te Awamutu railway goods shed facilities. From the Postal Department forwarding tracing of Te Awamutu post office tower, and asking that this tracing be forwarded to Mr Wm. Taylor. Te Awamutu Railway Facilities.

It was decided to write thanking Mr J. A. Young, M.P., for his assistance in the matter of arranging better facilities attheTe Awamutu railway goods shed. Military Training. Members unanimously ex-

pressed their approval of the resolutions referred to in the circular received from the Palmerston North Chamber of Commerce, and decided to reply accordingly.

Railway Extensions. Considerable discussion followed the reading of a letter from the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce suggesting that the Te Awamutu Chamber should join forces in the endeavour to have a railway extension made from Cambridge to Putaruru via Pukekura and Maungatautari. Mr Teasdale reported that the

deputation appointed had waited upon the Prime Minister at Hamilton, the result of which interview has already appeared in

our columns. It was decided to reply stating that a Te Awamutu depu'atio . had already approached ti: Government urging that a light railway from Te Awamutu to

Putaruru should be undertaken. It was considered that this rail--3 ay would open up a great area of country, and at the same time shorten the journey from Wellington to Rotorua by 50 or 60 miles. It would be a means of ready access to the prison reIformatory, and would afford many settlers a means of transit. The sum of £20,000 had been already voted for the Reformatory section, and a survey of the remaining section is assured. Realising this the Chamber regretted its inability to comply with the request. Train Arrangements. It was decided to approach the Hon. Minister for Railways asking that a north-bound goods train with passenger carriage attached be run from Te Kuiti so as to arrive at Frankton at 7.30 p.m. In support of the request it was pointed out that there is no means of railway communication with the northern towns after 12 noon nntil midnight.

It was decided to ask the member for the district (Mr J. A. Young) to assist the Chamber in urging forward the proposed. Telephone to King Country. It was decided to ask the Postal Department to connect Te Awamutu and Te Kuiti, taking in Kawa, Otorohanga, and Hangatiki, by direct wire. The increase of business had meant many tiresome delays through the present wire having to meet the requirements of Hamilton as well as the other districts effected. The member for Waikato is to be asked to assist the Chamber. Post Office Tower Tablet.

The suggestion from the Postal Department that- local people should erect a tablet in the tower at the-post office in order to record their appreciation of Mr Win, Taylor's magnificent gift of the town clock met with the hearty approval of members, and as a result Messrs W. F. Stewart and W. N. von Sturmer were deputed to make any necessary inquiries and prepare a report for consideration at the next meeting. Advertising Te Awamutu. Messrs O. Heerdegen, W. F. Stewart, and A. G. Warburton were appointed a committee to consider preparation of a booklet relative to Te Awamutu and district, and to hand in their recommendations to the next meeting of the Chamber.