CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Waikato Times, Volume 99, Issue 16652, 18 November 1925, Page 2

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MEETING AT MATAMATA, At the monthly meeting of the Matamala Chamber of Commerce. Mr. B. C. Taylor presided over a good attendance of members. Mr. M. Lamb (hon. sec.) was also present. A large number of visitors altc'ndcd by invitation, including Messrs. W. A. Gordon (chairman Town Board), A. Grayson (Auckland Automobile Association executive), and R. E. Champlaloup official service officer). An apology for absence was received from Mr. J. F. Yospcr. In reply to a letter from the Chamber referring to the bad state of the Wairere-Waharoa Road, the Piako County Council wrote that the Council had not overlooked the state oi~the road. Part of it had been metalled out of Government grants, but now that the Main Highways Board had taken over this road the Council cannot expect more than a subsidy of £2 for £i, and will have to provide for the balance themselves. So far, the soldier settlers have not been in 100 good a position with regard to paying rates, but they are now prepared to saddle themselves with a small special loan, and the Council will find part of the money if this is done. A meeting of settlers has been held and it is anticipated that a scheme will eventuate. It was resolved that the secretary write and thank the Council for Iheir attention to the matter.

A letter was received from the Tauranga Chamber of Commerce, indicating that, so far as the Tauranga County is concerned the metalling of the Kaimai Road will be an accomplished fact before long. Tiie Tauranga Chamber requested the Matamala Chamber to impress upon the Matamata County authorities the necessity of connecting up at their end. The letter also referred lo the indifferent telephone communication between the two places, and asked for support in oblaining direct connection. It was unanimously decided to give Tauranga every possible support. With regard to the question of a camping area for motorists the clerk notified that the Chamber's request would be considered at the next meeting of the Town Board. The matter of extra street lights and fire-bell toils would also be dealt with—Received. Tiie chairman staled that Mr. 7’. J. Underwood had agreed to act as the Chamber’s delegate to the annual conference in Dunedin. Mr. T. E. McMillan said that lie understood that Mr. T. R. Davies was shortly leaving the district. He moved that this Chamber place on record its appreciation of the valuable services given to the town and Chamber by Mr. Davies, and that some suitable recognition of the same be made by tiie executive. —The resolution was carried unanimously. Automobile Association. At the conclusion a meeting of motorists, convened by the Chamber, was held. Mr. Taylor stated that the meeting was called lo consider the advisability or forming a local branch or agency of the Auckland Automobile Association. Messrs. A. Grayson and R. E. Champlaloup, of the Auckland executive, had kindly consented to be present., Mr. Champtaloup explained what the association had done and what they had tried to do. He appealed to those motorists present to join up with the association. They had received 20 years' benefit for nothing. He would not advise forming a branch at Matamata. It would be better to appoint an agent to work under an advisory committee. Members should not be content by joining, but use every endeavour to obtain more and more members. Mr. Grayson explained the constitution of the council, stating that the work done was all voluntary. Many questions were asked and answered satisfactorily and about 20 of those present signed membership cards. An advisory committee was elected, consisting of the following, with power lo add a number of country committeemen: Messrs. B. G. Taylor, W. A. Cordon, C. D. Rollctt, W. C. Gorte, and Rev. Father Silk. The visitors were afterwards entertained at supper and the usual votes of thanks concluded the meeting.