THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 179, 29 July 1905, Page 3

THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

TO THE EDITOE.

Sir,--I notice that some of our most respected settlers are joining the new Chamber of Commerce, having no doubt been enticed to do so by its prominent promoters. But I would ask them if they know what sort of an institution they are joining, and if they think it is one formed for the purpose of benefiting the trade and commerce of Blenheim, or one more likely to further the interests of a particular firm and the Wellington merchants, even at the expense of the district it is supposed to advance? First, let me remind them of the incidents that led up to the formation of this new Chamber by the very same representatives of absentees who were so conspicuous in giving birfch to the previous one and tbon killiug it. One of them was chairman, the other Secretary, and so long as this alliance was permitted "everything in the garden was lovely," but the raem bers, nob approving of this state of things, the following year elected another Chairman, a different Secre tary, and a fresh Council. This by no means suited the orginal promoters, w^jo at the last meeting of the old Chamber actually proposed, seconded, and succeeded in carrying a resolution to burst up the show. A public meeting was then called to reform the institution, but this did not suit our worthy pair. They anticipated the public meeting by two or three hours, and having selected a few friends held a private meeting, and brought into existence an illegitimate substitute, giving it the name of the Marlborough | Chamber of Commerce, and defied the public meeting. They taen proceeded to manufacture fresh rules, making the ballot 1 in 6 for the purpose of reserving the institution for their friends only, and anally at a meeting attended by seven individuals proceeded to elect each other tp the various offices. Then only, and not until then, they elected as members the gentlemen who had lately joined. The whole proceedings have been stigmatisad as a " hole and corner affair," and in place of an association which should have the confidence of the people and the respect of the Government (who may at aome time be required Co have faith in it) a spurious imitation has been brought to life and foisted upon the public as the genuine article. The interest of Us founders is represented by the amount of their salaries and the veritable representatives of the town and trade of Blenheim, whose commercial interests are infinitely greater, are out of it. To those who are not members of this unwarrantable counterfeit, but think of joining, I would say "don't," and to those memfcer* who have joined it I would say "watch your self-elected Council."-—! am, etc ,

Not Frank Shaw.