TRADE CONFERENCE

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 102, 2 May 1941, Page 8

TRADE CONFERENCE

DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, AND

BOOT RETAILERS

The annual conference of the New Zealand Federation of Drapers, Clothiers, and Boot Retailers was held in the Accountants' Chambers on April 29. The proceedings were not open to the Press, but the following report has been supplied:— The attendance was a record, delegates being present from every part of New Zealand. Full discussion took place in regard to various important national matters affecting the federation's activities, and satisfactory conclusions were arrived at in almost every case. MATTERS DISCUSSED. Among the matters discussed was that of import control, and representations will be made to the Minister of Customs in an endeavour to adjust certain anomalies which now exist. Extensive consideration was also given to the important question of price control. It was decided that, to conform more easily to the regulations, and to facilitate the handling of necessary applications for price adjustments to be placed before the Price Tribunal, price committees should be established within the framework of the local drapers' associations affiliated to the federation. On account of the multiplicity and variety of lines handled by members of the federation, it was felt that the setting up of the above committees was the best method that could be evolved to enable members to comply more easily with the requirements of the regulations. A matter of great importance, namely, the establishment of a New Zealand United Retail Traders' Federation, was fully discussed, and the following resolution was carried unanimously:— "That the delegates here present contact their local employers' association and endeavour to bring about a comprehensive united association of retailers in each of the centres where employers' associations exist; where there are no employers' associations, .delegates should endeavour to form a United Retail Traders' Association." The ultimate achievement of this object will result in the common interests of all retail traders being tremendously strengthened. OFFICERS ELECTED. The following officers were elected: President, W. M. Sexton (Palmerston North); vice-president, B. L. Blodorn (Timaru); immediate past president, J. L. Hay (Christchurch); advisory board, H. O. Pittendrigh, A. P. Smith, H. Smith, W. E. Nichols, and E. R. Norman (Wellington); council: Auckland, J. S. Milne and J. R. Rendell; Wellington, H. O. Pittendrigh and A. P. Smith; Canterbury, A. S. Drayton and J, W. Munday; Otago, J. R. Dreaver and M. S. Myers; North Island, G. H. Roach (Hastings), W. P. Griffith (New Plymouth), and B. E. Woodhams (Hamilton) ; South Island, H. Hurst (Nelson), G. D. H. Hefford (Ashburton), and J. S. Robbie (Invercargill); boot retailers, F. A y Smith (Auckland) and D. A. McDonald (Invercargill); auditor, G. Y. Berry; secretary, G. L. Riley.