CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 179, 30 July 1926, Page 9

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

ONEHUNGA ANNUAL MEETING. INCREASED ACTIVITIES. Mr. H. "J. Davies presided over last night's secoi:d annual dinner of the One-hunga-Manukau Chamber of Commerce. After the toast of "The King,"' given by the chairman, Mr. E. V. Sutherland proposed the toast of "Tin. , Visitors," specially welcoming those who had recently arrived at the Queen City. Mr. E. P. Neale. secretary of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, in responding, said it was not his first visit to Oiiehunga. and lie therefore was in a pos.tion to particularly nn-.p its growth since his previous visit, fifteen years ago. This impression was verified by some returns lie made up. when he found that whereas Auckland had the largest percentage of membership increase in New Zealand during the last live years. 22 per one of its component parts. Onehunga. s!-.ow?d tbe great increase of 3D per cent.

Mr. M. H. Wynyard uaid that, as a representative of the Highways Board. he took a pride, as an old member of the Onehunga Chamber of Commerce. ",n the concrete road through the borough, which the chamber was larpely instrumental in persuading the r atepayers to authorise. Mr. J. Rogers. superintendent of works of the Auckland Has Company, referred to Oiv*hungn as the back <!oor of Auckland. and was sure that when die Waiuku Canal was eo':>tru:-t"fl the back door would have te> greatly infrpjse it? capacity.

Mr. A. XlcColl proposed "Tin- Mayor and Councillors of Onehunga.'' remarkinn that although the residents usually indulged in the pleasurable excitement of criticising local bodies, on occasions it was more appropriate to emphasise their good pnints. pnd all thp work they did throughout tbe year. The Mayor. Mr. J. E. Cowell. replied, and referred to tbe excellent relations existing between the council and tie i-r-am-ber of Commerce. The latti" body bad been (if great assistance in initiat : np movements for the progrr'.s of the borough, and in assisting thr council to carry out onerous work. Mr. T. C. Pchnackenbcrp proposed "The Associated Chambers of Commerce." pointing out the assistance that was always available to all ti.e smaller organisations through their connection with such an influential body.

Annual Report. In moving the adoption of tho report and balance-sheet the president thanked the business men of the rtistret for their support of all the "projects carried out. On this occasion they had not conducted a district court at the Winter Show, but a successful carnival in March had introduced the business facilities of (he borough to all the neighbouring districts. As the Mayor had shown the ehninlip" was never antagonistic to the council, hut sou.sh: by co-operation to advance the district. The carn'val resulted in a credit balanc? of £39 4/6. which would hp ear-marked toward? next \ ear's function. The general account, starting with a balance of twopence in the bank a year apo. showed receipts amounting to £ir>s 14/7. of which £21 4/9 still remained in the bank. The report einmerated the chief activities during the year, making particular reference to improved postal facilit:es. the provision of , loading machinery on the new ferro-concrete wharf, and improvements to the wharf entrance.

Election of Oiricers. The following officers were elected: President, Mr. H. J. Davies; vice-presi dent, Mr. J. E. Cowell; committee Messrs. G. H. Bray. T. S. Bassett. E. V Sutherland. C. C. Spedding. W. R Knight, S. W. House, D. K. Jones, C. F Milnes; secretary and treasurer, Mr. A. G. Holdsworth; auditor, Mr. TV. Yeatman.

Arrangements were left to the committee for carrying out a carnival next summer, after an amendment that a lireworks display be held at an early date had been defeated. Members expressed dissatisfaction regarding the treatment given to the district court at the Winter Show last year, resulting in the district not exhibiting this year. Members were of opinion that it would be quite useless to exhibit next winter unless :iore •.u-couMu. elation was provided.

Mr. Leach proposed that the chamber oppose the legislation now being introduced, to limit the power of k>?p.l bodies to borrow until the loan was approved by the Government experts. Mr. J. E. Green pointed out that it largely followed an English Act, but was' more liberal, in that the Xew Zealand bill left the responsibility on the ratepayers, whereas the English Act allowed the local bedy to borrow without a poll, when once the Government experts approved. It was decided to defer consideration until more details were available.

The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the retiring officers, and the ladies' committee, which had assisted so materially in the success of the district court, and the Press.