RAETIHI AND ITS DEVELOPMENT OF TOWN AND DISTRICT

Wanganui Chronicle, 22 April 1950, Page 6

RAETIHI AND ITS DEVELOPMENT OF TOWN AND DISTRICT

Chamber Of Commerce Endeavours To Co-Opt Assistance Of Other Bodies

RAETIHI, Last Night (OC).—-With a view to recruiting representation from other organised bodies so that matters pertaining to the welfare of the town and district might be voiced with a greater measure of authority, the Raetihi Chamber of Commerce called a public meeting for Tuesday evening last. A n attendance of about 70 residents of town and country was presided over by the president of the chamber, Mr. J. Werry.

In opening the meeting, Mr. Werry said that the chamber, as at present constituted, represented only the shopkeepers’ interests—this was too narrow. What was wanted was an organisation with a broad outlook that could act as a mouthpiece for the whole community. Matters of vital importance, such as roading, electrical reticulation, sewerage extensions, development of lands and other issues relative to town and districts’ needs could be fully considered, with a view to submitting them to the appropriate authority. The aim was to draw up an agenda of these various questions in accordance with their relative merits and to discuss them at further public meetings to be convened by the chamber.

In reply to a question from Mr. Gillett, the chairman said that the chamber was not at present affiliated, but this matter was receiving attention. The Mayor (Mr. A. E. Urwin) sand that affiliation had existed for some years, but it had been allowed to lapse.

REPRESENTATIVES OF OTHER BODIES.

A suggestion was put forward that the chamber might be built up by ihe addition of other bodies, and there was a proposal also that a ratepayers’ league might be formed, but both ideas failed to find support. Finally the meeting adopted a recommendation that Federated Farmers, County Council, Women’s Institute, Borough Council, R.S.A. Maori tribal committee and other organisations each elect two representatives to act in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. G. Butt, postmaster, said the chamber would do its best to represent all interests and would be happy to receive them all as members —speaking with one voice was the only way to get recognition from the authorities. In drawing up a programme of subjects for consideration, it was the consensus of opinion that roading and land development overshadowed all other issues. In illustrating possibilities of opening up new land, Mr. W. Warner made reference to a block of country in the Manganui-Mangaturu-turu area, i n which milling operations will be completed within a short space of time. This block contained some 7000 acres, and it would be capable of accommodating at, least 20 settlers. Land of the same quality and on the same altitude was being very successfully farmed within a mile or two of this tract, and this large area would be easy country to develop. Much land was remaining undeveloped because of lack of roading access. Mr Gillett expressed the opinion that land development was a matter for Federated Farmers, in the same way as roads were for highway boards, county councils and boroughs. Mr. M. Geraghty said the interests of town and country were inseparable and this was within the scope of the chamber. The farmers’ organisation would get in behind them with assistance and the Government would sit up and listen when approached. In complimenting the chamber on calling the meeting, Mr. H. J. Donnelly, provincial chairman Federated Farmers, said his organisation would welcome, as in other places, any help the chamber could offer. He thought that the Manganui - Mangaturuturu and some other questions were rather wide for this meeting and discussion of this land project would be unwise without first making a thorough inspection. ELECTRIC POWER. Electrical reticulation of the rural areas promoted quite an animated discussion, the Raetihi Borough Council, as supply authority, having submitted proposals for this work within the past year. As chairman of the council’s electricity committee, Mr. Donnelly said this was a matter on which the chamber may give some assistance, and it was right that town amenities should be extended as far as possible. He subscribed to the view that the town could not he prosperous without the assistance of the country. I n the near future a vote would be taken as to whether the Borough Council should face the responsibility of reticulating the rural areas. Mr. Donnelly’s remarks were followed by the adoption of a motion: “That this meeting is in favour of sponsoring rural reticulation within the area prescribed.” Mr. Urwin said the town and district had suffered a heavy loss in that its paper and printery had gone out of existence. Some endeavour should be made to have these services re-es-tablished, as they were both in high demand. He thought this a matter in which the chamber could assist, and he urged that farmers, too, should support any enterprise in this direction. Tn support of Mr. Urwin’s submissions several other speakers Instanced difficulties that had arisen iv t only from cessation of the paper, but from the impossibility of fulfilment of urgent printing orders. Looking at matters broadly, Mr Gillett said there was a need tor a thorough survey of the district’s possibilities and potentialities. The soil was all that could be desired and there was a good eve n rainfall —there was more water running to waste from

Ruapehu than was feeding the Waikato. There was coal in the district, and pumice—regarded in some places as valuable material—was in plentiful supply. With the supplies of exotic timbers available within any di.'lance, there were opportunities for box making, and with the labour offering from young Maori people, there were possibilities for some light industry. SECONDARY INDUSTRIES. Touching on the need for secondary industries Mr. N. Mosen said that many young people left the town because of lack of opportunity. Speaking for the Maori tribal committee, Mrs. Arahanga said their problems included housing, water supply etc and she would like the agenda to include- provision for a discussion on their needs. Mr. T. Brown said he had attended a meeting that day at which aerial top-dressing had been advocated for the district, and he felt that with the co-operation of the chamber much could be achieved. This matter was ventilated futher when Mr. Donnelly said that the Karioi aerodrome might be used from the angle of top-dressing. His suggestion, too, that, the aerodrome be developed to meet all purposes, passengers etc., received the full support of the meeting. SCHOOL TRANSPORT. The difficulties of obtaining transport for school children were stressed by Mr. W. Warner, chairman of the Crautoha School Committee and he appealed to the meeting for assistance in stating the school’s, requirements. Sixteen children were on the school roll but five only were able to attend. Eec&tse of this unsatisfactory state of affairs several families had moved out and ethers will be compelled to go. Although consolidation of schools had been adopted on the vote of parents he cc.ns 'dered that the idea had been overdone

Raetihi school conditions were the subject of comment by the Mayor, Mr. Urwin. The building was not large enough for present requirements and it was in need of repairs—actually, a new school was really an urgent matter. He hoped that the chamber wculd use all its influence in having the position fully investigated and the improvements expedited.

As champion of the rights of juveniles, Mrs. J. Brown appealed for the development of a children’s playing area and her persistence was rewarded by a promise from the chairman that this item would also be included in the list of subjects which would eventually engage the attention of the chamber.

Other questions listed for discussion were: Borough street improvements and seweiugt extensions but as these are already the subject of loan propoals to be submitted for early consideration they were .left in abeyance.

In thank ng those p esent for th' i ready resp: se to the appeal from ’he Chamber of Commerce, the chairman said he was quite pleated with progress mad.’ and the encouragement given the chamber. Roading and land development appeared to be their most, important problems and a public meeting to discuss these combined issues would be held on May 9. Other matters would be listed in accordance with their ranking and each would be considered at subsequent monthly meetings.

Summarised, the meeting was a good cne ana should the Raetihi Chamber of Commerce be developed in aceordar.ee with present plans, its importance tu town and district will be inestimable.