CHAMBER of COMMERCE

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 September 1924, Page 3

CHAMBER of COMMERCE

SUCCESSFUL ANNUAL MEETING. In contrast to the poor attendance at last week’s meeting, the adjourned annual meeting of the Greymouth Chamber of Commerce held yesterday afternoon was fully attended, and somewhat enthusiastic. The President (Mr W. R. Kettle) was in the chair, and there were also present Messrs J. Rina T. R. Say well, Ross, J. Robertson, T. 'Topliss, J. Gardiner Wilson, F. A. Kitqhingham, J. W. Greenslade, T. E. Coates, E. A. Warnes, A. C. Armstrong, C. A. Mathieson, and J. Taylor. The President extended a welcome to Mr Mathieson, Chief Postmaster, and stated that the members were always' pleased to have the co-operation of Departmental officers. He was sure Mr Mathieson would prove an acquisition to the Chamber. ( Mr Mathieson, acknowledging the welcome, stated that it had been his pleasure to other Chambers, and he would do his best to promote the progress of the district. In opening the annual meeting, the President said he was quite pleased to see so many present—it was quite refreshing to those who had been attending regularly. He regretted that the weather and the opposition of another meeting had prevented an even larger attendance. The annual meeting had had to be postponed owing to the paucity of the attendance, but it was evident that the members had now awakened to a sense of their duty to the town. He appealed to members to sustain their interest in the affairs, of the Chamber and work for the progress of the district. He expressed his appreciation of the assistance given hint by the members who had taken a keen interest in the Chamber’s affairs, but regretted that the attendance had not been all he could have wished. He intended to retire from the office of President as he thought that there should be a young energetic

member in the position of President, one who would make the Chamber a real, live body. A Chamber of Commerce was an important institution in any town, and as it made for the betterment of the town, it deserved every support from the business community. He hoped, therefore, that very active support would be given to his successor, and that all the members would work hard to make the Chamber a successful organisation. The annual report of the President (published in yesterday’s issue) was read and adopted. The balance sheet showed receipts to be £32 Ils, members’ subscriptions £27 6s, and £5 5s donation from the Grey County Council towards taking tourist photographs in the district. Expenditure amounted to £lB, and a number of merabers’ subscriptions were outstanding. ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

In nominating Mr Kettle for re-elec-tion, Mr Coates stated that the good work done by Mr Kettle was creditable to him and the Chamber. He thought the President should take it as a compliment that the attendances were iso sparse —it was an indication that the members had nothing to worry about and were satisfied with Mr Kettle’s achievements. The annual report was an indication of the good work the Chamber had accomplished under Mr Kettle’s guidance, and he did not think anyone was more worthy to hold the position. Mr Taylor seconded the nomination of Mr Kettle and paid a tribute to MiKettle’s efforts in encouraginng the development of the Brunner coalfields, which he was sure would bring much wealth to the district. The business people could look forward to good results within a few years. He looked forward to a good time for the Grev district. Mr Kettle nominated Mr Kitchingham, but the latter declined, stating that apart from exigencies of business, he had such confidence in Mr Kettle that he would not oppose him. Mr Kettle thanked the members for their confidence. He thought there should be a young, energetic man in the position. He regretted that he nacf been born 50 years too soon. (Laughter). He would, however, do his best for the Chamber in the ensuing term. Other officers were elected as follow .-—Vice-Presidents, Messrs Alan Smith and F. A. Kitchingham ; audior, Mr J. Robertson; executive comniittee, Messrs E. A. Warnes, J AV Greenslade, J. Ring, T. JTopliss, A. Naylor, A. C. Armstrong, and T E Coates.

TIME OF MEETING CHANGED. In a discussion, of the time of meeting, several members stated that the time was most unsuitable. Mr Gardiner Wilson suggested that the meeting should be held at 8 p.m. Mr Saywell said that results seemed to have proved the time to be unsuitable. The President said that the afternoon had been chosen with the idea of obviating the necessity of bringing members back to town. Mr Ring considered that apart from the hour, the day was unsuitable. Friday appeared to be an impossible day for some business men. Mr Armstrong proposed that the second Friday in each month be the meeting day, and that 8 o’clock be the hour. Mr Robertson seconded the motion. The President, in putting the motion, said that it could be given a trial and if found unsuitable an alteration could be made. The motion was carried. Mr Mathieson suggested that to secure good attendances, the Chamber should send out personal notices to the members. He himself very seldom read the front page of the paper and an advertisement might escape his notice. Mr Topliss seconded the motion and suggested, that printed notices be provided. The motion was carried. SHOULD “SUBS.” BE RAISED. Mr Greensflade suggested that*the onestion of the Chamber’s finances should be discussed. If ths Chamber was to do any good it should

have a proper financial standing. ’ t There should be money provided for deputations, etc. “I paid my own expenses on the last occasion I went to Wellington on behalf of the. Chamber,” said the President. “That should not be,” said Mr Greenslade, who added that some recommendation should be made by the meeting. He thought that the Borough Council and other local bodies should assist. The subscriptions of members might not be enough. The President said that the idea was good, but he thought that the Executive should consider the whole question and a report could be made. “Has much been lost through subscriptions not being paid?” asked Mr Say well. “Oh, a certain amount,” said the President. “Not much.” “It might be advisable to bring the Chamber under the Incorporated Society’s Act,” said Mr Saywell, amidst laughter. Mr Robertson said there were many members on the books who did not know they were members. He moved that in future each member should sign a nomination paper. The motion was seconded by Mr Ross and carried. Mr Greenslade asked whether an increase of the subscription from 10/6 to £1 Is could be made. “I for one, would be against it,” said the President. “I have had the greatest difficulty in getting 10/6 from them.” (Laughter). “It should not be the President’s place to collect the fees,” said Mr Saywell. “Someone has to do it, saw. Mr Kettle. Mr Greenslade said that if the .town went ahead the members would not mind giving a little extra. He moved that it be a recommendation to the Executive that the subscription be raised to £1 Is. . Mr Saywell seconded the motion. ' Mr Warnes said that last week the Chamber’s trouble was a lack of interest. This time it seemed to be a lack of funds. (Laughter). Mr Taylor said that it would be a good idea to build up the Chamber on the basis of the present subscription. Then the question of raising it could be considered. “If you want to make it a close corporation, make the sub. a £1 Is make it £2 2s for that matter. I am personally willing to pay the subscription whatever it is.” The motion was carried. Mr Robertson moved a further recommendation that the Borough Council and the Grey County Council be asked for a He thought the suggestion of Mr Greenslade was quite good. The motion was seconded and carried. A meeting of the newly elected Executive was held immediately after the annual meeting.