CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Hutt News, Volume 20, Issue 3, 19 December 1945, Page 11

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MEETING OF EXECUTIVE

CITY COUNCIL COMPLIMENTED

The monthly meeting of the executive of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce was held on Thursday night. Mr. E. Tomkies presided, and there were also present Messrs K. Watt, N. Gillespie, H. V. Horlor, H. Eaton, S. Hough (who was appointed on the resignation of Mr. H. Q. Lewis), H. D. Guthrie, S. Carey, C. E. Moran, and the secretary, Mr. L. Phillips. The Carriers' Association asked the Chamber to join in a deputation to the City Council regarding double parking in High Street. ftfr. Gillespie said the City Council was taking action in this matter and the situation would be relieved by the removal of bus stops from 'High Street. It was decided to com pliment the City Council on its action; it had done a good job. It was considered that the Chamber could not countenance flagrant breaches of the by-laws, and Mr. Eaton was appointed to represent the Chamber on the deputation. Regarding complaints of transfer of labour it was reported that as l from January 1 the building trade goes on a 40-hour week, so there would be no competition concerning labour. Industrial Sites Mr. Horlor assured the Chamber that it was pretty certain that in the allocation of sites in the Hutt Valley there would be ample provision made for industrial areas. The Cabinet was still considering the matter. When the matter of subscriptions for the journal "New Zealand Commerce" was being discussed, Mr. Gillespie remarked,- "This Chamber is rather unique. It has always taken a stand against political bias in .its decisions." Mr. Phillips stated that the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce was investigating the housing question. Mr. Eaton reported that the Junior Chamber of Commerce had done excellent work and had plans for increased activities in the New Year. Their thanks were due to the business community for the splen did help given in the appeal for a children's Christmas party, which had netted over £23 for the Plunket Society. Their thanks were also due to the parent • body for assistance freely given. Spirit of Enthusiasm Mr. Carey, in submitting a report on the retailers' section, said there was a ' proposal that the section should be extended to take in retailers* who did not wish to become members of .the Chamber. Mr. Carey spoke of the spirit of enthusiasm prevailing amongst the business community, who were determined that High Street and other localities should become worthy of the city. Mr. Phillips said that 50 per cent of the retailers were members of the Chamber, and it was hoped to make some arrangement regarding fees.. They did not want to force business men to become members.—The matter was held over until next meeting. Mr. Moran reported that good, progress was being made in regard to the rehabilitation of returned servicemen, but there was still a keen demand for houses. They would press the Government to re-arrange , the hostels in the Richmond Road area so that they could get homes for families. Another problem was the shortage of premises for men who wanted to establish businesses. The Rehabilitation Department hoped to be in its new building soon. As it was the last meeting of the year, the president, Mr. Tomkies, wished members the compliments of the season.