CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Waipa Post, Volume V, Issue 213, 16 May 1913, Page 3

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the above Chamber was held in the Cosmopolitan club room on Tuesday evening. Present : Messrs von Stunner (chairman), Bockett, Bray, O. Heerdegen, Young, Fear, Spinley, Le Sueur, Stewart, De Coek, Andrew, Oliphant, Battson, Jeffery, Fortespue and Rev. Clarke. Apologies were received from Messrs Empson and Bickcrstaff. Minutes. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. New Members. The following gentlemen were duly elected members of the Chamber:—Messrs H. Garstin, Thos. Spear, F. S. Tyer, and J. Duncan. Resignations. The resignations ot Messrs BF. Chester and R. G. Blennerhassett were received, both having left the town. —Accepted with regret. Outward Correspondence. The outward correspondence was read and approved. Auditor. Owing to the resignation of the auditor, Mr Blennerhasset, it was found necessary to appoint a member to fill the vacancy, and it was decided that Mr Brav be appointed. Council. A vacancy having occurred on the Council as the result ol Mr Bray’s appointment as auditor, Mr H. Andrew was appointed to the Council. Inward Correspondence. From the Postmaster at Te Awamutu stating that the Chamber’s request for extension of hours in the telephone exchange j had been referred to the head office.

From the secretary of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, Kio Kio branch, re the Tokanui-Mangao-ronga Road. A telegram from Mr J. A. Young, M.P., was also read in regard to visiting the above locality.

From the secretary of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce enclosing copy of letter addressed to the Minister of Railways in regard to the second Main Trunk express. From Mr P. Virtue, Auckland, asking that the Chamber use its influence in getting the local tel phone exchange to open for a c hi pie of hours in the morning, and in the afternoon every Sunday. Resolved that the Chamber cannot see its way to take any action in the matter. From secretary Auckland Chamber of Commerce stating that a strong protest had been forwarded to the Minister of Railways against the proposed discontinuance of the second express to Wellington. From Commissioner of Crown Lands informing the Chamber that steps are being taken to have section 47, Teasdale Settlement, offered for cash sale at public auction on a date to be fixed and notified. From Mr Boucher, Assistant Director of Orchards, deciding to postpone visit to Te Awamutu until trees are sufficiently dormant to give pruning and spraying demonstration. From secretary Loyal Te Awamutu Lodge, M.U.1.0.0.F., stating that a tender had been accepted for the erection of a lodge room, and would be pleased to offer the Chamber the use of same.—Matter held in abeyance. From Town Clerk, informing the Chamber that the necessary conveniences at the saleyards are being constructed. Also that the matter of the installation of a telephone at the saleyards had been brought under the notice of the different auctioneering firms, and in each case the managers decline to entertain the request. From Under Secretary Public Works Department in regard to a survey being undertaken to define the best route for the suggested railway between Te Awamutu and Putaruru, which matter was being considered. From Minister of Public Works regretting delay re installation of town clock, and stating that the new clock for Timaru is now ready to be erected, and instructions have been given that the old one is to be sent to Te Awamutu as soon as it is dismantled. From District Traffic Manager informing the Chamber that the application for the erection of loading shelters over the doorways of the Te Awamutu goods shed had been submitted to the head office in Wellington. Level Crossings.

Mr Battson drew the attention of the Chamber to the dangerous railway crossing at the Te Awamutu railway station. He was firmly convinced that an accident would happen if something was not done. With all the mechanical devices that were in vogue he thought that it was possible to improve the present condition of the crossing. To his personal knowledge accidents have been narrowly averted on more than one occasion.

Mr Stewart was of the opinion that the matter should be taken up. He did not favour the suggestion of writing to the Railway Department only. He thought that strong representation should be made in conjunction with other Chambers of Commerce. After some discussion it was decided that the Chamber ol Commerce circularise every Chamber of Commerce, branches of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, and other public bodies,

urging that the Government be asked to take steps for the introduction of a proper system to bring about a safer method ol transit at all level crossings in the Dominion. Additional Town Board Members. Mr Heerdegen asked if the ratepayers were not entitled to more representation on the town Board. — Resolved that the Council make the necessary enquiries. Cemetery. The Rev. Clarke referred to the long deloy in opening the new cemetery ’ site, and the consequent unsatisfactory position of the local cemetery, which, he said, should be closed. Some steps should be taken to expediate matters in regard to the opening of the new cemetery, otherwise the vestry will instruct the Diocese Trust Board to have the present cemetery closed. After some discussion it was proposed that the chairman and the Rev. Clarke be appointed to wait on the Town Board. Solicitor. The matter of appointing a local solicitor to the Town Board j was referred to. —It was resolved j that the Town Board be again j written to urging appointment of a local solicitor to the Board. j Hall Exits. : Mr Battson wished to know I whether anything was , being j done in regard to the exits at the I Town Hall. After discussion it I was decided to again approach the Town Board asking that proper facilities be provied at the Town Hall for exit in'case ot lire. Paterangi Road. Mr Andrew spoke of the desirability of urging the Waipa Council to open a roadalong-side the railway from Te Awamutu to Ngaroto. After discussion he undertook to interview the residents of Paterangi and Ngaroto in the matter, which offer was accepted. Main Trunk Stoppage.

It was proposed that the Railway Department be written to asking that Te Awamutu be included in the list of stopping places for the second express when the running is resumed.