TOO EXPENSIVE

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 11955, 27 May 1933, Page 5

TOO EXPENSIVE

ASSOCIATED CHAMBERS OF

COMMERCE

PALMERSTON COMPLAINS OE AFFILIATION COSTS.

DISSOCIATION SUGGESTED

(Press Association) PALMERSTON,N., May 26A special meeting of tho council of tho Chamber of Commerce was held' last evening to discuss matters of future policy arising out of a complaint that questions of politics were obtruding to the disadvantage of the chamber’s work in the business sphere. Mr. A. J. Graham said the chamber had only fallen into disfavor since linking up with the Associated Chambers, which he felt, was strongly biased in a certain political viewpoint. He considered that it would he better for the chamber to disassociate- itself from the major body and concentrate on immediate local interests and: watch legislation. There was a vast amount of work to be clone in the Palmerston North district.

Mr. J. A. Nash, M.P., said he did not think that the chamber was in. a, position to. meet the heavy financial commitments of remaining affiliated with the- Associate!’ Chambers That being the case 'he considered that it would he wise to withdraw aiid act locally.

Mr. W. H. ‘Oman, the chairman, said that any representation made by the Associated Chambers would carry more weight than the efforts of any centre. The opinion was expressed Ly Mr. A. P. Stuart that (the Associated Chambers wa s very extravagant in its methods, and that under the old system results wore secured af a quarter of the expense. They must concentrate on the positive side of stimulating trade.

Eventually, the council resolved not to dissociate, but to take tho opportunity of sending' delegates ~t° tho next annual meeting of tlio Associated Chambers.