BUSINESS MEN

Grey River Argus, 2 December 1938, Page 2

BUSINESS MEN

GREYMOUTH ASSOCIATION. A decision to revive the Greymouth Businessmen’s Association was made at a meeting of seventeen businessmen, at Greymouth yesterday. The meeting had been called by Mr P. Beckj to discuss Christmas and New Year holidays. Mr Beck said that it was originally proposed to hold a meeting of grocers, but they were approached by some others, to make it a general meeting.| They wanted to be unanimous about, holidays. It. was decided that theV| should,get the Businessmen’s Associa-| tion to call a meeting, but, for some; reason or other, the secretary would not do so. He (Mr Beck) felt that the Association had let them down badly, because it was relied upon to give a lead. It was necessary to let the Labour and Railways Departments know what was doing, as they were inundated with inquiries, and had no one to appeal to. Therefore, it was decided to call a general meeting, instead of' a meeting of grocers only. He understood that the Businessmen’s Association had funds, and why they would not call a meeting, he did not know.

Mr Wicks said that if they had an Association at all, it must be a live organisation. It appeared to him that the business people did not want an Association. He called an annual meeting in 1937, advertised it in ooth newspapers, and had everything ready, but only three were present, including the President (Mr S. B. White) and himself. A second attempt was made a week or two later, and only the President and himself were present. A third attempt was made, with a similar result. It was then quite apparent that the business people were not desirous of supporting the Association. He was not going to waste his time calling meetings, when members would not attend. He had intended to resign at the annual meeting, but he could not get a quorum. The accounts were paid, and there was a balance in the bank. Anyone who wanted to take the position over could do so. If members would not attend, it was useless carrying, on the' Association. It was apparent that the! only time members’ would attend .was when something Was going to affect their pockets. He ‘was nott going to waste his time as' secretary, if he could not get more support. j Mr Beck said it could be taken that

the Association was defunct. He did not think that Mr Wicks was to blame. If he and the president did

not get support,; it was no use having an Association. /• ? . . . 1 Mr Wicks said'that during the halfholiday controversy, business people were interested, and the Association 1 was able to do good work. Wednesday trains at special fares were arranged, and had been successful. Holiday questions ■ were also decided. After the half-holiday w£s settled, interest in the Association .abated. Mr J. Tennent spid that the meeting was fairly representative, and he would like to- hear an expression of opinion as to whether the Association should be carried on, or allowed to lapse. Greymouth should have an Association; It' was undignified when they had to run about from pillar to post, regarding holidays. He moved that the Association be resurrected.

It was no use appointing a president, said Mr Beck, if he would not get'support. There was no doubt that the Association .was necessary, to’ represent the business people. Mr R. Stopforth seconded the resolution, which was carried". On the motion of Mr Tennent, seconded by Mr W. Boucher, Mr Beck was appointed president. In returning thanks, Mr Beck said there was no reason why they should ot have a g<?od Association, ifxthey J

could get the support of the business people. Mr J. Keating suggested that the method adopted by the Shop Assistants’ Union should be followed, and that members should be fined for nonattendance at meetings, if they did not give an adequate excuse. Mr A. E. Kilgour remarked that the meeting was not very representative. Mr Beck said that it was as comprehensive as they would get, most of the trades being represented. The position of secretary was declined by Messrs Wicks and R. Anderson. Mr J. Steel suggested that a paid secretary be appointed, outside the members of the Association, and he moved to that effect. Mr Kilgour expressed the opinion that a paid secretary would be more satisfactory than an honorary official. He seconded the resolution, and it was carried. The making of an appointment was left to the president. Mr Steel suggested that a committee be appointed, comprising representatives of the various trades. He said general meetings of the Associations were unwieldy. After discussion, it was decided that the committee consist of six members and the president, and that the members be appointed at a meeting to be held in January. Mr Wjcks said that the funds of the Association amounted to approximately £lO. There were also £l5 15s worth of subscriptions outstanding.

The ’ president thought they would have to make a new start, in regard to subscriptions. He would convene a meeting in January, and he hoped all the business people would attend.