The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. TUESDAY, JULY 28, 1908. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2254, 28 July 1908, Page 2

The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. TUESDAY, JULY 28, 1908. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

The announcement appearing in this issue regarding the re-organisa-tion of a Chamber- of Commerce for this district is one that should command attention from all .who wish to see Gisborne and Poverty Bay progress. It-is unfortunate that- a more extended notice of the meeting was not given, and under the circumstances it is too muoll to -expect that the attendance will not suffer in consequence. If this should prove to bo the case the proper-plan would he for those who attend to adjourn and call another meeting of which more adequate notice would be given. No town in the Dominion stands more in need of a thoroughly live Chamber of Commerce than does Gisborne. Situated off tho main lines, of traffic, with communication, either of individuals or mails, of the poorest description, the town is comparatively neglected, and receives nothing like tho attention that is given to many others of far less importance, which are in closer touch with the main centres. Unless something is done to counteract this 6tate of affairs Gisborne will fail to progress as it should, -and other districts with less material advantages will pass us in the race for supremacy. This is where a Chamber of Commerce ean prove of inestimable value. Many of our disadvantages rest upon causes that cannot possibly bo removed for many years, and this is notably the case in regard to the establishment of a deep-water harbor for ocean liners. On tho other hand the conditions of trade in Gisborne warrant many improvements which would, in all probability, be mado at an early date were forceful representations mado by a body which had just claims to represent the citizens of Gisborne and the settlers of Povorty Bay. A more frequent and more regular passenger service is one of the most important of these. An all-night telephone service, -improvement in mail deliveries, enlargement of the police force, are hut a few of the other matters that might with advantage receive attention. A very important work that could very probably bo handled by a Chamber of Commerce would be . the. task of making Gisborne and Poverty Bay better known to the outside world. It is only when one travels' abroad that tho full force of Gisborne’s isolation is realised. Then the Gisborneite finds that even in other parts of the Dominion, so soon as one goes further afield than Auckland in the North and Hawke’s Bay in tho South, astounding ignorance prevails in regard to Gisborne and its people. The expressions of astonishment on the part of visitors who, for tho -first time, witness the charming and fertile country surrounding this town are exceedingly flattering, hut they really constitute an admission of former ignorance which is far from gratifying. If Gisborne is to take tho place that natural opportunities have made possible it is quite time some strenuous endeavor was made to bring the district more prominently under the notice of outsiders, and generally to remove the disadvantages of our very pronounced isolation. The kind of propaganda which has been so profitably employed in scores of Canadian and American towns coidd he taken up here with distinct benefit to the town and district. For these reasons it is to be hoped that no pains will be spared on the part of those interested in the present movement to establish a Chamber of Commerce with a plan of action outlined on the broadest fines for the general advancement of the community.

UNIMPROVED VALUES, In tho prosont issue we prosont a quantity of facts which have boon compiled with a view to demonstrating tho probable effect of making a change in tho system of rating properties within tho Borough. As will bo soon, a majority .of..those interviewed spoke strongly in favor of the method by which land only and not tho improvements made thdroon is made the basis of assessment. There is no question that tho system at prosont oniployed in Gisborne gives rise to a good deal of dissatisfaction, but it is by no means cortain that a change to tho unimproved or any other form of valuation would give contentment. No one likes being taxed, and so long as there are taxes so long will there be grumblers. The advocatos for rating on unimproved values are ablo to advance some very plausible- arguments in support of their theories, but many of tho claims mado can only bo considered as extravagant. Tho broad fact to lie borno in mind is that the same' amount of rates in the aggregate would have to be levied even, were a change in the basis of taxation made, though somo ratepayers would find their rates increased, whilst others found relief. Tile question to be considered may bo stated thus; “Would a change to rating on tho unimproved values bring about a more equitable system of assessment than prevails at present, and would it result in the advancement of the town?” To our mind the strongest argument in favor of the proposed change is tho exceedingly high rents at present ruling locally, and me great difficulty at present experienced by householders in finding a house supplied with ordinary conveniences and really fitted for tho occupation of a family. An alteration that would result in tho speedy erection of a Humber of wooden houses to meet the present strong demand would probably prove a wise move on the part of the municipality. The subject is one that could very fittingly occupy the attention of the Borough Council and the ratepayers.