CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 7425, 29 May 1891, Page 2

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Deputation to the Premier.

_ A deputation fiom thr abovo body, consisting of Mosirs Joha Ktovonson, Alexandor Hatriek, T. D Cummins, Peter Bell J L- Stevonson, a. F. Ciomor, A. J. Paisons P, M. Spurdlo, and J. Duigan (lion secrotavy), waited on the Promior at 10 o'clock this morning. Mr John Stevenson acted as spokesman for the Chamber, in tho ahsonoo of tho tho Chairman (G. Carson, Esq.) and \ ice-Chairman (E. ST. Liffiton, Esq.) EIVEH DTJkS. Tho question of giving tho proposed Conservators' Board permisßivo power to levy tonnago dues nas brought up, as it was acknowledged that tho channel when onco cle ired by Government must bo kept clear by some local body. Mr Hatriek did not think it would be fair to imposo tonnage duos, as the steamer would have to mn, lull or empty, to fulfil her mail contract,' and » oiiltt havo to run so rainy risks, which other stoimers wore free of without msuranco, that it would be unfair to impose tomiage diiei on her. Mr T, D. Cummins thought tho bet>t waj ot collecting a loremie for keeping (he channel clear would bo to impose a tonnage rata of ono shilling a ton on nil goods cirned up or down the river. The Premier said ho was not quito sure whether tho litter could bo done, but ho would look into the matter on his return to Wellington mid lot tho Chamber know lute* on how tho matter stood and whethor the Bill constituting a Wanganui River Conservator? Board could bo mado to confor the power of charging a tonnago rate on goods carried by water. THP PIFIHIKr B0A1). Mr Alexander Hatrick read tho follow ■ ing letter on tho üboso subject : — Karioi Station , _ May 19th, 1891. A. Hatrick & Co , Wanganui, 1 Deai 1 Hirs,— Referring to your lottor of January 2G re steamer for the Wanganui River, 1 mny stato that some months ago wo had groat hopes of being able to get our nc\t year's wool out by wwi of Pipmki, but I am now afraid we will havo to give up tho idea as nothing is being done in tho way of road makirig. Tho load has been laid off for a coach road and specifications drawn up, and thero tho matter ended, Tho road ut tho prosont timo is impassable. Can anything bo douo in tho mutter ' We did hear of £3300 being put on tho estimates for tho Pipiriui road some IS months ago. The Governor arrived here from Taupo on Sunday last on his way to Wanganui. Ho was highly pleased with this route, and thinks that when tho roads ure made it will be the favourite route with tourists. Your truly,

EDWABD McDOKKEiL. The Premier said ho was under tho impression that tondeis had been called for, but he wh'ild make enquiries and havo the matterattendedtoatoneo as he quite rocognised the importance of having tho rond from Pipinki to Eawoi finished in time for tho commencement ot the Btoamer traflle on the river. Mr Halrielc said thai if the nine miles of road to connect Ohakimo and Karioi and tho 18 miles between tho latter placo and Pipirild were got on with at once, tho wool and othor produce from tho Murimotu Plains would all come down tho Wanganui River next summer. 'Ihe Promier promised to bring this matter beforo tho Oahmct. SNAGGING Air ilatrick reported that Captain Marshall had made a start with tho work of clearing the liver of snags and other obstructions, but that tho work would take fully 100 good working days to complete with only ono party. If another punt and crow wore employod tho woA could bo done in half tho timo, and at no greater oiponso, as tho men aio only paid for actual working houis. Tho Premier suggested that Captain Marshall should report on tho work, and embody his Buggostiona in a request for furthor plant and labour, so that the Governtnenfc might givo tho mattor further considoration.

NATIVE LANDS. Mr John Stovenaon brought up the question of securing native lands for settlement, and stated that many natives hitherto averse to bringing their l.inda before the Native lands Court were now anxious to do so, aud would be willing to sell' to Government,. The Premier informed tho deputation that Caplfiin Butler was now in Wanganui purchasing blocks of native land and had almost concluded tho purchase of ono of 30,000 acres (Pohanini) and another of i! 0,000 acres (Te Kapo) -which as soon as acquired by the Crowu •nould bo «ith as Httlodelay as possible thrown open for settlomont. The land was well spoken of and | vtould bo eageily applied for ojhonafide settlers

EBt WEIBS ON THE WAITOTABA. Mr CVemer brought this matter before the Premier, who informed him that tho natives had certain rights of fishing under the Treaty of Waitaugi, and that the best way of getting rid of the obstructive weirs would be by uegotiation with their native owners. THE WAIMABIKO BLOCK. In reply to a question, the Premier stated that about 10,000 acres of this land would be open for selection in about a month, and that shortly afterwaids a CuiHitv met ilmeut of 15,000 acres would i te ready Tho land in question i'j fairly \ good soil, not difficult of access, and toler- : ably level. The block is being cut up into < sections of various sizes, fiom 300 up to i KOO acres, accoidmg to quality ot soil, l The demand for laud was greatly in excess 1 of the supple, and it was only the mere | speculators who were crying out against the f perpetual lease syatoni and clamouring i i

freehold. Bonafide settlers wore quite ready and anxious to tuko up every acre of fair quality lund on perpetual lease, find fo improve their holdings without los^ of time.

SiMoml niitioi u..ittois of local inteiost were (Inclined, after wlucli the deputation thanked the Prenunr fur tho attention and courtesy ho hud oxtended to them, and withdraw.