CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Waipa Post, Volume IV, Issue 188, 14 February 1913, Page 3

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

The regular monthly meeting of the above Chamber was held in the Cosmopolitan Club room on Tuesday, about twenty-five members being present. The chair was taken by the president, Mr W. N. O. von Sturmer. Minutes. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. New Member. Mr J. De Coek, painter of Te Awamutu, was elected a member of the Chamber.

Outward Correspondence.

The outward correspondence was read and approved. Inward Correspondence.

A letter was received from the assistant secretary of the Postal Department, Wellington stating that the transfer from Timaru of the clock to be erected at Te Awamutu was awaiting the completion of a new clock for Timaru. The contractors for the new clock notified in November last that they hoped to have the clock completed at the beginning of February. They would again be communicated with on the matter. A circular letter was received from the secretary of the Waikato Winter Show Association, Hamilton, asking for the Chamber's co-operation. It- was resolved that the Chamber do its utmost to support the show. A letter was received from the Hon. W. H. Herries, Minister of railways, stating that tine business done at Te Mawhai station was not of sufficient volume to warrant the appointment of an officer in charge. A letter was read from the secretary of the Agricultural Department, Wellington, with reference to fruit growing in the Te Awamutu district.

Proposed Swimming Club. Mr W. H. Johns waited on the Chamber to ask for its support in the proposed establishment of a swimming club in Te Awamutu. There was a fine natural pool at the end of Mangapiko street formed by the junction of the Mangapiko and Mangahoe rivers being about 120 feet long by 40 feet wide with a depth of from sft to 20 feet. This had been used to a large extent by swimmers throughout the present season. Approach to it had to be made through private property, but he understood that the owners were willing to grant a right of way to bathers. Their object was to erect spring boards, a platform to give swimmers easy access to the water avoiding the mud, and also dressing sheds. It had been thought that the Town Board might be willing to assist in a public matter of this sort, and he would ask for the moral support of the Chamber in approaching the Board. Mr F. D. Woods mentioned that it had been customary for the_ school boys to be taught swimming twice a week at this spot, and the erection of a dressing shed would enable the girls to have lessons as well. After some further discussion the Chamber expressed its willingness to assist in any way possible and advised the formation of the club and the sending of a deputation to interview the Board on the matter.

Fire Brigade. Mr Bickerstaff stated that the brigade intended to canvass the town for subscriptions towards the purchase of a bell, tower, and apparatus which was estimated to cost £2OO. A deputation would wait on the Board at its next meeting and report to the Chamber. Fruit Culture. The secretary reported that he had visited Wellington on this and other matters in connection with the Chamber's business. He had interviewed the assistant Director of Orchards, Mr Boucher, a gentleman who had had considerable practical experience of fruit growing in California, and the Dominion, and he was happy to state that he had consented to visit Te Awamutu shortly and give a demonstration of orchard work before farmers, and address a meeting in the evening. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the secretary for his trouble, and satisfaction expressed at the willingness of the department to take up fruit culture in this locality. Kawhia Telephone.

The secretary stated that he had interviewed the Telegraph Department's engineer in Wellington who had stated that if the Chamber guaranteed the amount required in time for the estimates at present being com-piled,-work would be started on the line next month. After some discussion it was resolved on the assumption that Kawhia would assist, that the amount be guaranteed for five years as required by the Department. Show Grounds. Mr Lawson stated that an effort was being made to acquire a portion of Greenhill for a show ground etc., and the meeting expressed its sympathy with the project. Second Main Trunk Express. The secretary reported having interviewed the. chief clerk of railway department at Wellington who had promised to make further enquiries into the matter of the proposed stoppage at Te Awamutu of the above train. Marl."" Q lotations.

Mr Inne:i '■. > \-j* raised the

question of the market quotations on chaff in the Auckland papers whereby the best chaff was described as Southern, while the lower priced article was always dubbed " local." This led to a lot of misunderstanding, and was a slight to the North Island, the chaff grown here being quite as good as that produced in the south. The classification should be Ist and 2nd grade and not southern and local. Alter considerable discussion it was resolved that the secretary be instructed to writs the Auckland A. and P. Association on the matter.