ELTHAM.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 19 November 1924, Page 5

ELTHAM.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

THE HOLIDAY QUESTION

A meeting of shopkeepers, held in accordance with the conditions of the amalgamation of the Retailers’ Association and the Chamber of Commerce, was held at the C.E.M.S. rooms last night. There was a good attendance of shopkeepers. The president of the Chamber of Commerce (Mr. I. J. Bridger) presided, and in opening the meeting explained that the amalgamation agreement provided for an annual meeting of retailers, at which all shopkeepers, whether they were members of the Chamber of Commerce or not. would be allowed to he present and vote on matters relating to retail shops. The purpose of the meeting was to decide on the holidays to be observed during the ensuing year, and also to elect representatives on the council of the Chamber of Commerce. The past year was the first year of the amalgamation. and it had proved a great success, and the town for the first time for a number of years was unanimous in its action. ; He hoped that this condition of affairs would continue.

HOLIDAYS.. On the motion of Messrs Fountain and Foord, it was decided that shoes remain open on Saturday, December 27, and to close at 5.30 instead 9 o’clook. Mr Jackson moved, and Mr Peebles seconded, that January 2 he observed as a holiday, and this was carried. Mr Payne moved, and Mr O’Carroll seconded, that the shops close on the occasion of the annual school picnic. A.motion, moved by Mr Jackson and seconded by Mr Barnard, that the shops observe Easter Saturday as a holiday provoked very lengthy discussion, and various amendments were moved, and it was finally decided to appoint three delegates to interview the Stratford Retailers’ Association with the object of getting united action between the two towns, and that a further meeting of shopkeepers be called to receive the report of the delegates and finally decide the matter. —Messrs Bridger, Henty, and Barnard were elected the representatives on the delegation.

The election of the retailers’ subcommittee on the Chamber of Commerce was then proceeded with. The chairman explained that it was necessary that three out of the five to be elected must be members of the Chamber of Commerce, and would be the representatives of the shopkeepers on the executive of the Chamber. The remaining two need not he members, but. would complete the Retailers’ Committee. The Following were elected: Messrs Fountaine, Peebles, Beesley (executive members), O’Cairroll and Jackson (non-exe-cutive members). Mr Beesley was chosen as chairman of the committee. A vote of thanks to the chair closed the. meeting.