CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 147, 6 June 1936, Page 5

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Review of Hastings Body’s Activities ANNUAL REPORT A very small profit in tho financial workings of the Hastings Chamber of Commerce is revealed in tho annual report of tho chamber’s activities for tho year ended April 30, and which will bo presented at the annual meeting on Monday, Juno 15. Tho report states that tho Associated Chambers of Commerce of New Zealand held its conference in Napier on October 30 and 31. Delegates from 24 chambers were present and 26 remits considered. Hastings submitted resolutions regarding: (a) abolition of the sales tax (carried); (b) mark ot origin on foreign goods (carried); (c) itinerant traders’ ices (lost) ; (d) unemployment tax collection (held for action by association's executive). Delegates ami their ladies were entertained by the Hastings chamber at afternoon tea in Cornwall Park, after a motor drive through the district.

National Half-holiday.—A request for support of a movement to bring about a poll on the question of a national halt-holiday was declined on the grounds that each community should have, as at present, the right to decide its own half-holiday.

Trade with the East.—This matter was discussed at several meetings and an announcement has lately been made that a direct shipping service between New Zealand and Japan has been arranged by a Japanese company. Galatea Road. —In conjunction with tho Napier and Whakatane Chambers of Commerce, representations have been made to the Government urging the re-opening of the Murapara-Rangi-taiki road, which would result in the saving in distance of -10 to 50 miles between Whakatane and Napier. Air Ministry.— Support was given to a proposal made by ibo Wellington Chamber lor tho co-ordination of commercial flying, private flying, and defence, should be set up in New Zealand.

Commercial Examinations.—Out of 26 local entrants in the examinations conducted in conjunction with tho Wellington Chamber, 22 passed (two with honours, and ten with distinction). A list ot the successful candidates is displayed in the board room of the chamber, and the thanks of members has been accorded to the honorary supervisor (Mr. V. A. Thomson). Waiohiki-Pakowhai Road.—lt was decided to join with the I’akowhai Ratepayers' Association in asking tho Hawke’s Bay County Council to improve the surface of Pakowhai road, as the dust nuisance was causing damage to tho orchaidists crops. Howard Estate.—A party of members of tho chamber paid a visit to Smedley Station and were much impressed at the improvements made and , the able manner m which tho work of j tho farm school is being conducted. Postal-Tclpgrapli and ’Telephone Facilities. — Requests have been made to the department lor alteration m time or closing mails; earlier delivery of town letters; re-introduction of flat rate on telegrams and for lower fees on telephone toll communications.

Addresses to Members.—During the year addresses were given by Mr. A. (). Heany, secretary to the Associated Chambers; Mr C. Lassen, chairman of the Hawke's Bay Rivers Board; Mr. P. H Nesbitt, Australian Trade Commissioner; .Mr. H. Anderson, representing the Associated Chambers’ executive; and Mr. A. W. Nisbet, secretary to the Wellington Manufacturers’ Association General.—Arrangements are being made so that, as far as possible, a short address on a topic of general interest will be given at each monthly meeting during tho current year. Tho thanks of the chamber is tendered to ilie. members of Parliament for tho district, tho Hastings Borough Council the Hawke’s Bay County Coum it, and the Press, lor the valuable assistance given duung jwr.