CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 265, 8 October 1940, Page 5

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MAYOR’S PUBLIC DUTIES

A meeting of the Foilding Chamber of Commerce was held last evening, Air A. C. Buist presiding. The Alayor (Alr.T. L. Seddon) stated that owing to extraordinary expenditure the Borough Council could not accede to a request to beautify a vacant section in Fergusson Streot. Air G. Tate contended there were too many borough councillors on the Chamber of Commerce. Mr Guy objected and pointed out that the councillors had the interests of the town at heart just as much as the chamber. The finances of the council did not permit the spending of money on the vacant section.' Tno finances had been affected by the 5 por cent, increase in wages, and while the council was not unsympathetic, it felt the timo was not opportune to beautify the section at present. Air A. C. McCorkindale said that the section was private property, and no guarantee of tenure could be secured. Air V. E, Smith was of the opinion that it was a waste of time to discuss the matter further. The discussion was not pursued. Air H. Chappell was appointed to represent the chamber on the Home Guard Committee in Feilding. Mr Seddon reported on the work to he done by the committee.

It was decided that the president and the deputy-Afayor (Mr A. C. AlcCorkindale) take the necessary steps io lodge an appeal against the Mayor being called up for Territorial training, having regard to Mr Seddon’s work as Mayor of Feilding and as chairman of. the Man-Power Commit - tee ' in the Manawatu area, and also chairman of all patriotic organisations throughout Zone E. Duties which the Mayor carries out include the following: Mayoral duties, member of the executive of the Municipal Association, chairman of Zone E Patriotic Committee (controlling 11 local bodies and 28 patriotic committees). chairman of the Feilding Patriotic Committee, chairman of the Feilding branch of the Red Cross Society, chairman of the Emergency Precautions Committee iu Feilding, chairman of the Home Guard Committee, president of the. Territorial Association, chairman of the committee set iip to deal with reception of British children, chairman of the Man-Power Committee for the Manawatu area. In addition to the foregoing there are other organisations in Feilding with which the Mavor is actively associated. HOURS FOR SHOPS. The chairman referred -to the fact that the hours to be observed by shops and offices would in future be determined by the Arbitration Court if the proposal now before Parliament became law. This would remove the powers given local bodies to fix the hours to suit local requirements. Mr Seddon said the effect would be most adverse to Feilding. Local authorities were best able to arrange hours to suit the towns. Mr McCorkindalo said that if the Bill went through it would be a retrograde step. The businessmen in Feilding did not desire any alteration. Mr Seddon commented that he could not understand why- the proposals had been made. Ho could see no justification for them.

A letter from Mr C. A. Wilkinson, M.P., drawing attention to the legislation was read by the secretary. Mr Robinson said that unless provision was made for the sale of perishablo foods during the week-end the position would be highly unsatisfactory, and he suggested that the hours of business should remain as at present —by mutual arrangement. “I take it that this chamber disapproves of the proposed amendment,” said Air Seddon. “Wc have to decide ono way or the other.” It was decided to advise Hon. J. 0. Cobbe. the Prime Minister (lit. Hon. P. Fraser) and Air Wilkinson, that the chamber strongly opposed the proposed amendment to the Shops and Offices Act. The motion was moved by Air Robinson and seconded by Air Tate.