CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 6737, 19 December 1900, Page 2

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

A mooting of tlio Council of tbo Mastctton Chamber of Commorco was held in.tho Porcatcrs' Hall yestorday afternoon. There wcro present—Messrs M. Casolborg (chairman), W, B. Chcnncllsj G, C. Sunimcroll, I), Donald, J. M. Coradiue, J. Graham, A. Stempa, C. E, Darnell, J. U. Keith, E, E. Chamberlain, and J. L, Murray. Tlio minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.

Tho sub-Commitlco, which was appointed to deal with the matter, submittod iho rule) for the future guidanco of tlio Chamber, and on tho motion of tho Chairman, seconded by Mr Chcnnclls, thoy were approved.

A letter was received from Mr C. A. I'ownall, resigning as a member of the Council. A further letter was received, consenting to retain tho position, Tho Chairmen remarked that Mr I'ownall hud forwarded the first communication under a misapprehension, Mr Pownull was elected a member of. tho Council.

_ Mr (J, H. Smith wrolo apologising for his unavoidable absence,

Mr Daniell asked if all thoso appointed on the Council had accepted tho positions, Tho Secretary stated that he was given to understand thoy had. All those who were elected in (heir absence had been advised of tbo fact, but ho had received no notice of any declining. Tho Chairman thought that it was necessary to appoint small sub-Commit-tees to deal with various subjects which are calculated to promote tho interests of the district. Ho thought, by adopting such a course, it would facilitate tho work of the Chamber, The members of tho Chamber ooiislitulcd almost every business pursuit, and, by their experience, something practical could be accomplished. The members would also display keen interest in their respective branches, and keep the Chamber alive. Mr Stempa was of tho opinion that better results would be achieved by working together than by dividing the members into small sections. Tho Committees would each require a Secretary and a Chairman, who are not procurable, Mr Coradino thought that if each Committee had to report to tbo Council, and then the Council report to a general meeting of members, an unnecessary amount of timo would bo wasted, and trouble would be occasioned, The Chairman remarked that his idea was to endeavour to get tho individual members to infuse as much intorcst as they possibly could in the welfare of tho Chamber, and by creating the various branches they would all have their share of responsibility. Ho mentioned that ho had witnessed many proposals started in Mastcrton, but tbey generally succumbed through lack of enthusiasm. Mr Donald thought that it would be better for sub-Committees to report to the Council, and not to a general meeting, The Chairman said the question arose in his miod whether the selection of Committees should be confined to members of the Council, or to include all members. Individual members could be approached for information,

On the motion of Mr Coralline, it was decided that representatives of subcommittees be selected from tho Council, Hie Committees not to exceed five in number, and three to form a quorum. After some discussion and consideration, tho following Committees were established with a view to initiating the various subjects:—lndustry—Messrs D. Donald, A. Btempa, C. E. Daniell, J. M. Coradine and C, A. Pownall; Trade and Commerce—Messrs M, Oaselberg, J. Graham, J. L. Murray, G. C. Summerell and Jas. Elliott; farming InterestsMessrs E. E. Chamberlain, J, D. Cruickshank, P. C. Lewis, C. H. Smith and D, Donald. Tho Finance Committee was appointed as follows:—Messrs M. Calelbcrg, C. E. Daniell, W. B. I Uhennells, J. B. Keith and T, G. Mason.

The question of procuring a meetingroom was referred to the Secretary to arrange, subject to the approval of the President and Vice-President.

On tho motion of Mr Graham, it was decided that the Chamber hold a meeting on tho third Wednesday in each month, at 7.30 p.m. ■ It was decided that a general meeting bo held at 8 o'clock on tho next meetingnight of tho Council. Mr Donald intimated that thero was an abundanco of mineral wealth on the Tararua ranges, He thought that if the locality was explored by an expert tho whole Colony would benefit, and it would bo especially in tho interests of Mastorton. He was already in possession of some valuable information on tho matter, and which showed that gold and silver existed there in unlimited quantities. He had personally visited the locality, and from tho substance he had obtained, and the subsequent analysis of tho same,, thero was no doubt about tho identity of the material. Tho services of a Goyernmcnt expert should be procured, and a thorough prospect made of the vicinity, Ho would place the information he possessed at the disposal of members. If no steps were taken in the matter, he was c.,tilideiit that, in future years, tho locality would develop, and valuable mineral obtained,

Mr Daniell thought that the informa. tion should be made use of.

Tho Secretary was authorised, on behalf of the Chamber, to communicate I with Mr Hogg, M.H.E., requesting bim to introduce Mr Donald to the Minister of Mines, as he (Mr Donald) had valuable information of tho existence ot rich minoral deposits in the Tararua ranges, and would like tho services of an export to explore tho vicinity, Mr Stempa mentioned that ho had been requested to bring forward the question of establishing freezing works. He moved that the Secretary communicate with stock-owners to ascertain whether they were prepared to purchase shares and supply cattle i( a freezing works were established, The Chairman considered that the matter was rather premature and thought it should be referred to the Industry Committee No action was, howoyer, taken,

There being no other busines the meet' ing concluded.