TAIHAPE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 148, 25 June 1931, Page 3

TAIHAPE

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. The monthly meeting of the Taihape Chamber of Commerce was held on Monday evening. The president, Mr W. 11. Maclean, occupied the chair, and also present were Messrs IL At. AtacCallum, W. H. Nicholls. F. Daniels, H. L. Butler, H. Christensen and the secretary (Mr F. Sparks'). The following letter was received from the Associated Chambers of Commerce in regard to coupon trading:— “The present and future position of the Coupon Trade Bill was considered by the executive at its meeting on May 21. In view of the almost universal objections to coupon trading, and the strength and unanimity of the representations made to Government last December and the promise given to our deputation by the Minister of Indus tries and Commerce, grave concern is felt at the apparent intention of the Government to drop this measure. It will undoubtedly be necessary for us to renew, with energy, our representations with regard to this matter. To that end, we suggest that you forward to the Minister a resolution expressing the opinion of your Chamber and that at the same time you acquaint your local member of Parliament with your views. Co-operation with the local branch of the New Zealand Employers’ Federa tion and Retailers’ Association is also suggested. If the Bill is to go through next session, early action will be required.” A member: The sooner traders revert to sane business methods the better for the country. Mr MacCallum: No exception can be taken to a firm issuing cash coupons and giving away goods which they manufacture themselves.

The Chairman: Or goods in which they deal. A voice: A firm manufacturing cigarettes, for instance, should not make free gifts of clocks to the holders of coupons. It should give cigarettes.

After further discussion the following resolution w r as moved by the chairman, seconded by Mr Christensen and carried: “That in the opinion of this Chamber the Coupon Trading Bill should be proceeded with, provided dealers are allowed to give away goods of their own manufacture or goods in which they deal.”

The secretary was instructed to forward a copy of the above resolution to the Minister of Industries and Commerce, and to the M.P. for the district. A pamphlet was received giving information regarding Norfolk Island. Mr Butler: They say you can’t spend money on Norfolk Island. (Laughter.) Mr MacCallum (perusing the pamphlet) : There is a golf course there, also a picture theatre and other places of amusement. Why you can spend a fortune there. (Renewed laughter.)

The advisability of the Chamber taking action with a view to having the main highway to Auckland via Taihape improved was mentioned by the president, who suggested that inquiries be made regarding the roads with the object of ascertaining what improvements are needed.

Mr Nicholls: Every portion of the road from Wellington to Auckland is metalled. The distance between the two cities is about 420 miles.

The Chairman: We want tourists to use the road through Taihape. Mr Daniels: I was surprised to learn when in Wellington recently that some people were under the impression that the only passable route from Wellington to Auckland was through Taranaki. I lost no time in making known the fact that the main north road was metalled all the way to Auckland.

The President: We should procure a suitable map of the roads, and also obtain a report on the condition of same, with the object of agitating for improvements where necessary. We want all the data we can get before we start agitating. The Te Kuiti to Taihape to Marton road is the one we want to agitate for. It is advisable to confine our attention to one route.

Mr Butler: Yes, I agree. The best way to reach Taupo is through Taihape. Mr Daniels: We hear a great deal about the beautiful bitumen roads in Taranaki. I know of one such road that is worse than the road from Taihape to Mangaweka. Mr W. Nicholls: I would like to see notices posted at the Working Men’s Club in Wellington stating that the road from Wellington to Auckland, via Taihape, is metalled all the way through. If tourists knew this I am sure they would probably use this route extensively and Taihape would benefit as a result. After further discussion, the president, secretary and Mr Nicholls w-ere authorised to make inquiries regarding a map of the route in which the Chamber is interested. The following resolution was moved by Mr Christensen, seconded by Mr Butler, and carried: “In the interests of the country and in view of the present economic conditions, the Associated Chambers of Commerce be urged to obtain expression of opinions of various chambers on the urgent necessity of a National Government ” MAJESTIC “The Big House,” coming to the Majestic Theatre at Taihape on Saturday, is a thrilling convict story based on the episode which took place in America recently when the convicts at a prison tried to escape. Machineguns are brought into action and mod ern warfare is introduced into the prison. Wallace Beery takes a leading part and is ably supported by a firstclass cast.