EMPIRE CONGRESS

Hawera Star, Volume LII, 28 July 1932, Page 5

EMPIRE CONGRESS

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE.

WELLINGTON* AS VENUE.

“The minimum number of delegates expected can be set d-own at 80, and probably most of them will be accompanied by their wives,” reported the finance committee to the council of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday evening upon the congress of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of the British Empire, which is to be held in Wellington in October, 1933. The committee recommended that the Wellington Chamber should agree to take over the details and arrangements for the welfare of the visiting delegates and their families during their sojourn in Wellington. The committee" also suggested that a special congress committee should be set up by the Wellington Chamber, the special committee being given power to co-opt -members and representatives of other Organisations to co-operate in the arrangements. “Accommodation will be required for from 100 to 150* people,” the committee reported. “In all probability the Parliamentary Buildings will be occupied about the time of the congress, and some other meeting hall may have to be considered. For the 1930 congress it is to be mentioned that the Corporation of the City of London gave the use o*f the* Guildhall. “At previous conferences the social arrangements have received much attention. For the 1933 congress the Prime Minister has already promised that the Government will give a. State banquet to the delegates and their wives and others; and in all probability, as in other Dominions where the congress has been held, there will be a Vice-Regal reception either afternoon or evening. At the banquet there can be anticipated to*, attend 200 to 250. “At this early date the total number of overseas visitors is uncertain, but advice just received from London states that already - the names of a dozen delegates are known. The minimum number of delegates expected can be set at 80, and probably most of them wili be accompanied by their wives. Others will be attached to the congress delegation who may wish to participate in oertain of the hospitalities to be arranged; for instance, inquiry has been received from Canada as to whether 30 or 40 extra travellers to New Zealand with* the official delegation oould be so entertained'. ONE HUNDRED LADY VISITORS. “There will probably be I*oo women for whom excursions will require to be organised during the period of their stay in Wellington. The special congress committee suggested to be set up could consider a programme in this connection. Among the suggestions already received have been one for an excursion around the harbour, with luncheon at Soames Island, as guests of the Wellington Chamber members; another for a motor round-trip via Paekakariki Hill, Akatarawa, and Hutt Valley; another for a motor excursion over the Rimutakas to the Wairarapa; and no doubt many others can be considered in the framing of a programme. Efforts oould be made for prominent sporting events and tournaments, shows, etc., in the Dominion to be held adjacent to the congress dates. Already offers have been received of honorary membership for the delegates and privileges of several clubs. “The committee has no doubt that the members of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce will respond spontaneously and whole-heartedly in looking after the needs and comforts of the Empire businessmen and thenfamilies who come to the congress as representatives of chambers of corn--merce through-out the British Dominions. , , , “From Wellington the delegates will probably continue through New Zealand and visit various centres and places of interest.” The report- was adopted, and the present finance committee of the chamber was appointed a. congress committee, "with power to co-opt other members.