HOKITIKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

West Coast Times, Issue 702, 24 December 1867, Page 2

HOKITIKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

A meeting of gentlemen interested in tho formation of a Chamber of Commerce in Hokitika was held last evening at the Cafe do Paris at 8 o'clock.

Mr Cassius tho convener of the meetingoccupied the chair. The Chairman in opening the business of tho mooting expressed his regret that tho meeting was not more largely attended and pointed out the necessity of establishing a Chamber of Commerce with the view of regulating not only the mercantile affairs of Hokitika, but of entering into communication with, other Chambers of

Commerce in New Zealand and the adjoining colonies. He trusted that after the Christmas holidays something would be done to bring a Chamber of Commerce into life.

Mr J. A. Bonae moved the first resolution — " That considering the large commercial interests of Westland it is desirable to form a Chamber of Commerce in this place to watch' over and foster those interests, and that such Chamber be now constituted by the name of the Hokitika Chamber of Commerce." He pointed out the utility of having some representative body which could take steps to bring forward subjects affecting the mercantile interests of tho place, and of adjusting mercantile disputes — in a fair and equilablo manner. As Hokitika was now become a settled place, and of considerable importance, which was likely — he thought— that the establishment of a Chamber of Commerce would be most desirable.

Mr GriHES in seconding the motion — pointed out the great utility of a Chamber of Commerce in regulating and settling disputes with regard to shipping matters.

The Chairman put the resolution, which was carried unanimously.

Mr Binney moved the second resolution. — " That a Provisional Committee consisting of seven members bo formed for the purpose of making rules and regulations, to bo submitted to a meeting of the Chamber on a day in January, of -which notice will be given by advertisement, for approval, and that such Committeo consist of — Messrs Cassius, Bonar, Mowat, Chesney.G-illes, Henderson (N. Kdwards and Co), and Binney, mover ; whii'h power to add to their number." He trusted that the' present movement would be carried out to a successful issue, as ho believed that a Chamber of Commeice would be productive of great good to the mercantile body. Mr White seconded the resolution, which was passed unanimously. Mr Mowat moved the third resolution — " That Mr Wm. Henderson be Secretary 2>ro tern." Mr W. Evans seconded the motion, which was passed unanimously. The meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the Chairman.