CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27538, 21 December 1954, Page 14

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, Dec. 20.

“In extending to the community the cordial good wishes of the commercial interests of New Zealand, I would like to express my appreciation and that of my executive of the help and cooperation received from associated orSanisations and from the various State epartments with whom we deal,” said Mr J. Boyd-Clark, president of the Associated Chambers of Commerce of New Zealand, in a Christmas message. “New Zealand continues to enjoy great prosperity, but we must not ’ e tempted to take that prosperity too lightly, and to accept it as a matter of course, without realising that our standard of living depends, as always, on the goods and services we can produce, and on the honest work and endeavour of employers and employees in whatever sphere,” he said. “The buoyancy and strength of our overseas markets, particularly in the United Kingdom, continue to be of the greatest importance to us. Prices of primary products vary more than do prices for manufactured goods. Therefore, we must use every endeavour to widen the field of our exports. . »

“Very largely because of the sustained efforts of the Chamber of Commerce movement, more and more economic freedom is being achieved. The proper climate is being developed within which private enterprise can flourish and serve the community without the deterrents to enterprise and initiative caused by undue regulations and restraints.

“In the .New Year, the system of allocation of exchange for imports of finished goods and raw materials, as introduced in April, 1952, will cease. It is to be hoped that all importers will adopt the policy of caution without fear, and will work together with common sense to safeguard the benefits to the community as a whole which cannot fail to result from a wise use of this restored freedom.

“We wislF good health and a prosperous future to all.”