RESULTS PRODUCED DURING PAST YEAR BY C. OF C.

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22868, 11 February 1949, Page 7

RESULTS PRODUCED DURING PAST YEAR BY C. OF C.

“The work of the year has been interesting, varied and productive of good results over a wide range of subject matters. The activities of the chamber are not carried on with a view to the profit and benefit of its own members solely. Apart from dealing with commercial matters which is its particular objective the chamber is concerned generally with the welfare and progress of the town and district as a whole and 4 ke greater part of its activities are directed towards these ends." states the annual report of the Gisborne Chamber of Commerce, now in circulation amongst members.

Production and transport are the two key notes to process in this district and while the chamber largely leaves the former to more appropriate organisations such as Federated Farmers, and the A. and P. Association on the primary side it is definitely interested in the promotion of more industrial secondary industries of certain types for which this district is definitely suited but has been held back in the past by lack of buildings and plant, these two factors in turn hampered by shortage of building supplies and electric power. membership and Finance

The membership roll of the chamber at December 31. stood at three life, 8 honorary and 196 active members, a total of 207. Last year the figures were three life, 8 honorary and 187 active, a total of 198.

"The statement of accounts for the year discloses a surplus of £4O/16/9 compared with a deficit of £5/15/10 last year, the accumulated funds being thus increased now stand at £9l/9/2 and there is also a reserve fund of £93/12/6—altogether an entirely satisfactory position. "The chamber regrets to report the loss by death during the year of Messrs. A. E. Allen, C. Blackburn and S. C. Clare all highly respected citizens of the town and members of the chamber.

"Mr. H Gilmer, a past president, resigned during the year owing to his departure from the district on retirement also Mr. K. B. Garland who was transferred to Palmerston North.

Gisbprne-East Coast Regional Council. “As the organisation responsible ' for (he resuscitation of the Regional Council the chamber through its representatives has been very active and while at times opinions have differed as to the necessity for or desirability of a Regional Council, public opinion appears to have reached the logical conclusion that if a region or a district is to develop, planning for such development is the first essential and in order to plan there must be some planning body or organisation. Having views coincident with this idea the chamber will continue to assist the council in its deliberations in the hope that more will be achieved in the future than there has been in the past of the council,” the report continues.

Building Supplies and Control,

In the matter of securing for the district better supplies of building materials particularly cement and timber the chamber has in conjunction with the master builders been very active during the year and so far as cement is concerned was successful in having a temporary shortage overcome by an additional shipment to this port. The timber situation is a complex one and in the light of Ministerial pronouncements as to an abundance of supply, the local shortage is a matter of concern in which the chamber will still continue itself in securing for the district its fair quota of the national supply. “In the matter of building control a small, measure of relief has recently been granted in replacing with the local authorities a certain amount of local autonomy.

Decentralisation of Shipping.

“This is a matter in which the chamber has been very active during the year in its representations to the overseas shipping authorities but chiefly in its negotiations with the Prime Minister who promised to take the matter up with their head offices in London. A report on this from the Prime Minister is awaited with interest on his return from overseas. The chamber is still hopeful of a return to roadstead loading so far as Gisborne is concerned which if it eventuates should be a step nearer to securing a return of the Wool Sales locally. Associated Chambers.. “The splendid constructive work of our parent body the Associated Chambers of Commerce is deserving of the highest' commendation. As the strongest protagonist of private enterprise it is natural that a socialist Government cannot see eye to eye with all its policies but unquestionably its criticism and constructive ideas derived from the lifelong experience of practical business men does act as a curb on the adoption of the more extreme socialistic theories. In matters of national importance the Chamber wholeheartedly supports the parent body, and congratulates it on the high standard of its achievements.”