Manawatu Daily Times. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1925. Chambers of Commerce and Primary Producers.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 2313, 4 December 1925, Page 6

Manawatu Daily Times. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1925. Chambers of Commerce and Primary Producers.

The important part played by Chambers of Commerce in other countries, and particularly the United States of America, is being repeatedly stressed by visitors returning from overseas countries. In the face of such eulogistic reports, it is only natural that we should endeavour to find out the cause and reason for the apparent backwardness and lack of usefulness of so many of our Chambers of Commerce in New Zealand. That this lack of usefulness and enthusiasm exists will hardly be denied. It may not be so apparent in the cities as it is in the inland towns, but the inertia is very much to be regretted. The plea is often put forward that the functions of a Chamber of Commerce in the country are greatly restricted and that its range of usefulness is limited to a narrow sphere, If this is the case at present it is entirely due to a misconception of the proper functions of such a body. On the contrary, the sphere of usefulness of a Chamber of Commerce in a country town is considerably wider than it is in the city, provided it makes the fullest use of its facilities and opportunities. It is quite possible that the designation of these institutions is somewhat at fault, and that the title of “Chamber of Commerce” has a retarding Influence on the progress and development of these bodies amongst conservative communities such as we often have in New Zealand. Although at one time the functions of these organisations were strictly kept within the sphere of their designation, countries such as the United States, etc., have completely broken away from the original traditions, and instead of being restricted to manufacture and commerce, to-day include the whole range of primary production and every form of national, public and civic activity. Inter-Dependence. In a country such, a® New Zealand where commerce and secondary industries so greatly depend on the pros-

pority of primary production, such an enlarged scope of activity appears almost imperative, if Chambers of Commerce are to justify their existence. If the dependence of commerce on primary production is of a material nature, the primary producers are equally in need of the intellectual support and assistance of the commercial community, and none are better qualified to give this assistance than the Chambers of Commerce of New Zealand. It is hardly necessary to point out the important advantages to be gained—advantages long since realised in other countries —by a hearty and close co-operation between the leaders of the primary and secondary industries of this country. With modern methods, increased production, and above all increased competition, the problems of the primary producers have been increased tenfold. The distance from our markets and the difficulties incidental to the shipping, distribution and marketing of the tremendous volume of our primary exports arc making the most exacting demands on men with far more commercial experience and business acumen than those generally possessed by the loaders of the primary industries. It is here where the administrative machinery of Chambers of Commerce, with a mass of carefully-arranged and sifted information covering trade and commerce in the world’s markets, and the commercial and financial abilities and experience of the individual members would play an important and prominent part. Past Efforts. It is true that efforts have been made by New Zealand Chambers of Commerce to give advico, or express opinions, on important questions affecting the primary industries. It is equally true that such advances were nearly always resented by the loaders' of these industries, and often served to intensify the estrangement that exists to-day between these interests The causes of such failures, however, are obvious, for the simple reason that Chambers of Commerce only evince any interest in primary industries, when any proposed action on the part of producers appears to threaten any particular section of the commercial community. As is only natural any advice given under such circumstances, no matter how good or economically sound, would be severely discounted by producers on the score of self-interest and, like all gratuitous advice, be regarded in the nature of presumption rather than co-operation. Lack of Confidence. The average producer is inclined to look with a certain amount of suspicion—and we say this without disicspect to either party—at his brother in the city. To overcome this suspicion and to establish a closer and more cordial relationship should bo the first objective of Chambers of Commerce. This can best be achieved by interesting him in the work of Chambers of Commerce and inducing him to take part in that work. It would surprise the average business, men in the towns, and cities, to find how little they really know of the wonders of our agricultural production and how much they could learn irom th j producers. They would find that the problems which continually arise in these industries, are far more numerous, far-reaching and varied than those in their own sphere of life. The assistance they could give producers in matters of production, finance, shipping, marketing, etc., would be of the utmost importance. The influence of Chambers on districts such as Palmerston North, Wanganui and New Plymouth, can hardy be estimated and would reflect materially on these centres in a very short period. Such an enlarged sphere of activity would mean a new lease of life to the Chambers, while the work to the members would be made more useful and interesting. That farmers in'the various districts surrounding chambers in these centres would respond to such efforts and participate in the work need hardly be questioned. The feeling for closer co-operation between town and country is even stronger among producers than it is among city people. All that is required is a hearty effort and sincere appeal, and in a few years New Zealand Chambers of Commerce would develop on the same successful lines as those in America and other countries.