CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Waipa Post, Volume VIII, Issue 358, 16 October 1914, Page 2

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Seventeen members attended the regular monthly meeting of the Te Awamutu Chamber of Commerce, which took place at the Cosmopolitan club room on Tuesday evening. Mr A. Young, president, was in the chair. THE MINUTES.

The minutes were duly read, but some-exception was taken by Mr Lawson to the wording of the minute as concerned the nomination of the three candidates for election to the Town Board. The chairman expressed himself as being strongly opposed to the Chamber taking any part in local politics.

The secretary reported that so far as he remembered the motion as recorded had been proposed and seconded, and, though many of those present had expressed approval, it had not been actually put to the meeting. Mr Jeffery was of a like opinion, and some discussion ensued as to the best means of altering the minute. It was finally agreed that the minute be amended, and the confirmation was duly made. MEMBERSHIP. Mr R. W. Lord was elected a member of the Chamber, and the resignations of two members were received. DISTRICT APPRECIATION. The secretary of the Korakonui branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union wrote expressing appreciation of the Chamber's interest in the outlying districts and its readiness to promote the general welfare. The Chamber was thanked for the suggestions made to the branch, which were being acted upon. EXPRESS SERVICE. Mr J. A. Young, M.P., wrote stating that he had forwarded the Chamber's representations to the authorities. WORKERS' HOMES.

The Hon. W. F. Massey, Minister of Labour, wrote stating that it was impossible for the Government to make any provision at present for the erection of workers'' dwellings at Te Awamutu. The applications would consequently have to stand on one side until early next vear. Mr Ross urged that, in view of the unexpected position, the Chamber turn to the New Zealand Home Builders, Ltd. He explained that this company would erect dwellings, and required only the deeds of the property to cover itself upon a financial basis. . The lessee was given twelve years, in which to purchase the house by weekly instalments.

Several of those present spoke of the great need for houses inTe Awamutu, and general regret was expressed that the erection of workers' dwellings had been temporarily shelved. Mr Spinley did not favour the Home Builders' proposal. Their scheme he classed as being all right for the investor, as some companies he had heard of paid a_ dividend of 20 per cent. Mr Bockett inquired whether any land had yet been acquired for the workers' homes, to which the chairman replied that, so far as he knew, none had been secured. The matter was referred to the Council for report. WAR RATES. The Invercargill Chamber of Commerce wrote seeking the Chamber's co-operation in making representation to the Government for the compulsory reduction in war insurance and freight rates. —In view of recent developments the letter was received. INSURANCE. In response to representations made by the Chamber the Auckland Underwriters' Association wrote stating that no reduction in the premium rates could be made at Te Awamutu. Mr Bockett expressed surprise at the tone of the letter. The inspector of the South British Insurance Co. had advised that, in view of the facilities for fighting fire now available at Te, Awamutu, representations for a reduction in the rates be made. Mr Andrew referred to the system adopted by the Auckland Harbour Board for the insurance of its property. The whole risk had been put up by tender and the result had been a very considerable reduction in the rates. Could not Te Awamutu property owners club together and call tenders for the whole of the -local insurance.

Mr Bockett advised that, from what he could learn, towns possessing over a population of 1000 were entitled .to a Fire Board, but this matter was regarded by the meeting as one more directly concerning the local authority, and no action was taken. Referring to insurance rates Mr Spinley said that Mrßockett's informant had expressed a very different opinion to him. It was regarded by some that no good would result by the calling of tenders owing to the Association

embracing all the insurance offices. That may have been at one time, but now the State hid stepped in, competition faced t! e combine. By way of illustration he instanced his trade insurances both fire and accident. He felt quite sure that if all expressed their intention ot insuring with the State office when present policies expired that the monopolist Association would comedown off its perch. Then would all kinds of inducements be offered to policy holders to renew and especially as the movement to go over to the State office extended. He classed the insurance companies as legalised robbers who bled the people at every turn. Their business was to make money, and in this they seemed to succeed very well. The South British Company had been quoted, but anyone who had seen the South British Company's balance-sheet must distrust such barefaced " philanthrophy " (?). If a fire occurs, they seldom act fairly, and men who soiled their clothes in protecting the insured property got no recompense. He regarded insurance business as a combine, and he for one was ready to.go right over to the State office, as whatever profits there might be then would go back to the people. Mr Lawson made humorous reference to his remarks at the last meeting and subsequent controversy on this question. He had then said what he honestly believed to be in the public interest, and the' public had since been given Ministerial assurance that the premium rates in the State office will be reduced as the volume of business grows. The State office is owned by the people and controlled by the people for the people. It was th<-refore the right office for the people, and although he was the local agent for the State he urged the matter believing it to be for the general good. A humorous discussion followed, in which several of those present proved to be agents for one or other company. Ultimately it was' resolved that, as the Town Board was awaiting a reply from the Underwriters' Association, consideration was deferred. LABOUR DAY PROCESSION.

The secretary of the Band Picnic committee wrote suggesting that a Labour Day Procession be held in conjunction with the band celebrations on October 26th. —It was resolved that the Chamber concur in the proposal and express the desire that the matter be taken up by the business people. TRAIN SERVICE. Mr G. Bailey, Ohaupo, wrote urging that the Chamber make strong endeavours to have the afternoon north bound train resumed. Ohaupo residents would readily petition the department to that end as the train to them was most valuable. Mr Lawson emphasised the importance of night carriage for fat stock. He referred to the great importance of this matter to the farming community. Mr Andrew stated that the train very frequently had two or three truck loads of pigs. For the carriage of pigs it was certainly the most useful train. 7"he President stated that several farmers had spoken to him urging that some action be taken.

Mr Teasdale stated that a great many farmers had spoken to him in the matter. The withdrawal of the train was a great injury to the district. The busy stock season was at hand, and at least the train should be run tri-weekly. He moved that the running of this train be urged for'Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Mr. S. Clark said the train had proved of value to the business people. The motion was unanimously carried. RAILWAY RETURNS. Mr Lawson spoke of the system, as he understood it, of calculating the passenger returns from the various stations. He was the frequent purchaser of tourist tickets at TeAwamutu.but understood that Frankton Junction got credit for these. He was under the impression that all forms of season tickets were credited to certain stations, and this, in the case of Te Awamutu, was not likely to give a fair return of the use made of train stoppages. Considerable discussion ensued, but no action was taken. RAILWAY FREIGHTS. The sub-committee appointed briefly reported upon what were considered to be anamolies in the railway tariff of freights. Reference was made to several classes of goods and particular stress upon the way impoited articles were taxed. For instance flour was 10s 6d and sugar 42s 6d per ton to Te Awamutu. This, if was considered, was most unfair to the inland consumers, and if taxation was necessary it should be borne at the port of entry so as to place all consumers upon the same footing. Several of those present spoke

on this subject, and it was regarded by all that the system placed a most unfair burden in the form of a double tax upon those served by the railways. The system of so widely classifying the contents of a truck to the one consignee was commented upon. Ultimately it was resolved that the sub-committee make representations to the authorities on behalf of the Chamber. IDLE PROPERTY. Mr Lawson spoke of the need of opening up the property known as Edward's Paddock. In doing so he particularly urged the opening up of a road through the property so as to obviate the difficulties and dangers of driving cattle through the main thoroughlare. The matter had been pressed some time ago, but had been shelved, and he urged that action be again taken.

Mr Teasdale, after offering an explanation as to the confusion of titles of the property, stated that the Minister of Lands had advised the Town Board that the question had been referred to the Native Minister. The Commissioner of Crown Lands had recently recognised the necessity of something being do~e. After further discussion Mr Lawson was deputed to represent the matter to the Town Board. PUBLIC CRITICISM.

The chairman made reference to certain criticism of what had taken place at the Chamber's last meeting that had appeared in the correspondence columns of the press just before the last local body election. It was not right that any member should go outside and criticise either himself (the chairman) or any member of the Chamber, and especially through the columns of the press. At the time he had felt very strongly on the question, and had since considered what action the Chamber should take. He now submitted the matter, and would like to learn members' opinions. Mr Jeffery : I had fully intended to refer to that matter myself. A lot of letters appeared, but the writers forgot to put their names, and it was wrong for members to act in that manner. Mr Stewart had signed his name to his letter, and no exception could be taken to his criticism, but the other was most unfair.

Mr Lawson : The nom de plume is a most unfair weapon. No letter that does not bear the writer's signature should be published. Mr Lux ford : That is a very debatable point. Mr Jeffery : I think more letters appeared in print than there were members present at lapt meeting. Mr Luxford : Which seems to indicate that one writer may have written two or more of the letters. Mr Jeffery : Exactly so ; but in any case Mr Teasdale's opinions should have been given. The letters should have been submitted to him before being printed. Mr Teasdale : I suppose, as I am concerned, I should say something ; but I do not wish to do so at present. The matter is in the hands of my solicitor, and will be dealt with in a court of equity — in the Supreme Court, in fact. Mr Young : That is beside the point. The personal aspect of the matter is no concern of this meeting. The action was a slight upon the Chamber, and that is our concern. Mr Teasdale : It was a strong reflection on you, Sir, as president, and upon every other member. If a member has anything to say he should say it at the meeting, and not go outside to criticise.

Mr Jeffery : It so happens that every one of us who was present at the last meeting maj' be wrongfully blamed for those letters, and that is a most unfair position. No action was taken, the matter terminating abruptly. SOLICITOR TO TOWN BOARD. Mr Ross urged the appointment of a local solicitor as the Town Board's legal adviser. Mr Lawson endorsed the suggestion, but for obvious reasons it was not wise to take action at present, as but little time should elapse before the constitution of the borough. No action was taken. WATERING STOCK. Mr Andrew urged the erection oi' a watering trough at or near the railway station for stockwatering purpose-, but consideration was deferred. WATERING STREETS. Mr Luxford urge:! that the Chamber forward to l!:c Tjwn Board a recommendation that a cart be obtained for street-water-ing purposes. He spoke of the dust nuisance as being intolerable, and inimical to the health of all. The watering cart was necessary, and, while all appreci-, ated what was being done in the ' main street, yet the watering could be extended further at possibly a lesser cost were a cart used. Mr Ross expressed the business people's appreciation of what had already been clone. After some discussion, it being reported that the Board had in

view the proposed purchase, no action was taken. RATES. <* Mr Teasdale considered of more pressing importance even than the laying of the dust was a protest against the " high rates." ■ The chairman ruled that the question was not within the province of the Chamber. '' Very well, then," said Mr Teasdale, " I expect! will have to wait and make my protest at a public meeting. GENERAL. One or two matters concerning the conduct of the Chamber's own affairs were dealt with. ADJOURNMENT. For the consideration of a paper on local industries and for the transaction of general business the meeting adjourned for two weeks.