MASTER GROCERS CONFER

Hawera Star, Volume LIII, 24 August 1933, Page 5

MASTER GROCERS CONFER

SOUTH TARANAKI ASSOCIATION

N.Z. ASSEMBLY TO BE AT HAWERA. It was announced at the annual meeting - of the South Taranaki blaster Grocers’ Association in Haw era last night that the annual Dominion Conference would he held at Hawera in February, and preliminary arrangements were made in connection with that gathering. The president (Mr W. Page) was m the chair and there were 20 members present. The annual report stated 1 that the past year had seen steady work on the part of the council, and the interests of the members had' been carefully watched. All should realise that every effort was needed to 6ee that the trade secured its full rewards. The association 1 was always out to further the interests Oif the trade, its motto being not defiance,” and was always keen to see members from various districts meet and exchange opinions. It was out, too, to facilitate intercommunication on all matters affecting business and to urge forward the cause of unity and resolution. Attention was called to the difficulties facing the trade during the past year, with reduced spending power and small margin of profits, but tlie association believed that, if businessmen gave the public the service which was due, they could confidently look for support. The- rei>ort stated that at the next Dominion Conference there would be an attendance of probably 200, and every effort was essential if success was to be achieved. The president, in moving the adoption of the report, welcomed Mr J. H. Barker, Dominion secretary, and ail visiting members and ladies, and said he hoped the result of the meeting would l>e to the common advantage of all traders. There were, he said, always questions to be discussed- and -problems to be solved, and the meetings were helpful in giving .suggestions and new ideas. All needed to stand together, and their their difficulties would be lightened and a way out would probably be shown. In seconding the motion Mr Galloway also moved votes of thanks to the 'president (Mr Page) and' secretary (Mr W. T. Johnson), who had both given good sendee during the year. The election of officers resulted 1 , as follows: President, Mr W. Page; hon. secretary, Mr 'W. T. Johnson; vicepresident. Mr H. D. Fraser. Mr Barker gave a short talk on, business. matters as they affected the trade and congratulated all at Hawera on their pluck and energy in securing the conference this coming year. He referred to the formation of the federation and said this was a most useful body. He mentioned some of the difficulties facing businessmen in regard to credit, prices and labour conditions, nml said that these problems stressed the need of co-operation and mutual help. In conclusion. Mr Barker thanked all for their cordial welcome and assured them that he was anxious to give all possible help to the trade. It was left to the president, vicenresident and secretary to take in hand the drawing up of a programme for the Dominion Conference and to arrange for accommodation to visitors.