DRAPERS’ ASSOCIATION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 265, 7 October 1940, Page 3

DRAPERS’ ASSOCIATION.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Mana-watu-Wairarapa Draper*;’, Clothiers’ and Boot Retailers’ Association was held recently, the president (Mr AY. M. »Sexton) presiding, over a large attendance. In submitting tho report of the activities of the association, Mr Sexton said lie felt gratified at being able to report that although the operations under review had been conducted against ia background of war, definite progress had been made. .He thanked all members for their valuable tune and assistance and hoped that through their efforts in tho coming year the trade would prosper to a still larger degree. In his ( opinion retailers would have many problems to face during tho coining vear, but if the same co-operation was given as had been given in the past-lie was convinced all problems 1 should be Successfully combated.

The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted in Mr Bexto.ii being re-elected president and Miss Speeclile.y and Mr H. L. Cunningbame being reelected vice-presidents. The opportunity was taken to consider the hours to be observed during the Christmas and New Year periods, and it was decided to forward a resolution to the Manawatu-Wairarapa Employers’ Association requesting that all retailers give consideration to observing the late night in the Christmas week on the Tuesday until 10 o’clock and the late night in New Year week on the Tuesday until 9 o’clock. Wednesday and Thursday in each week would be holidays, and shops would close at the usual week-day hour on Fridays. Under the circumstances it was considered that these arrangements would be the most satisfactory. A deputation from the executive of the Manawatu and West Coast A. and P. Association waited upon members, requesting that they favourably consider closing on Wednesday. November 6, from 1 p.m., in order that employees could attend the Spring Show. A resolution conveying the considered opinion of the members present is to be submitted to the Manawatu-Wairarapa Employers’ Association, with a request that a general meeting of retailers be convened in order that the opinions of all concerned could be obtained. At the termination of the meeting reference was made to the excellent service rendered to the association by the president, and appreciation of his services was placed on record. In replying, the president thanked members for giving him the opportunity of again assisting the trade, but requested that although the international situation might materially alter the circumstances of many traders, he trusted that the membership and interest would be maintained.