Retailers' Association Formed in the City

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 195, 20 August 1935, Page 7

Retailers' Association Formed in the City

FRIDAY I-lALF-HOLIDAY FAVOURED FOR SHOW

"That this meeting forms itself into the Palmerston North Retailers’ Association,” was a motion unanimously carried at a meeting of retailers at which nearly sixty wore present, held in the city last evening. e ■ The president of tho Employers’ Association (Mr K. A. Henderson) occupied the chair and explained that tho meeting had been called lo discuss matters which affected all retailers. He explained that in the past tho Employers’ Association and other trade retail associations had expressed opinions on various matters, but no opportunity was provided for a number of other retailers to voice their opinions and suggestions. It was felt that a retailers’ association could provido very valuable service.

A Jotter was received from tlie A. and P. Association explaining tho show would be held on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, November 7, S and 9, and asking if the Retailers’ Association would bo good enough to agree to Friday, November S, as the halfholiday instead of Wednesday, November G.

At this stage Mr Hugh lvissling (secretary of the A. and P. Association) attended the meeting aud outlined the reasons for requesting the change. Several speakers referred to the value of the show to Palmerston North, and as it was the A. and P. Association’s jubilee year, strongly advocated tho business'community giving its full support to the show.

Mr M, Millar then moved: “That this meeting agrees to the request of the A. and P. Association and that tho Mayor be requested to arrange for the alteration of the half-holiday accordingly.” This wms seconded by Mr A. Clark and carried. Christmas Traffic

lt-efcrcnco to tho arrangements for Christmas traffic was made by Mr W. H. Brown, who stated that, following the restrictions made last year, a considerable number of retailers had asked that tho restrictions bo removed, as they were not encouraging the country people to come into tho city. Mr M. N. Wallace suggested that a deputation should approach the City Council and put forward the views of the retailers.

Air H. L. Cunniughame expressed the opinion that no alteration should be made as the traffic would be similar to a Saturday night, and that all that should be required was control at intersections. Mr G. D. Pattlc suggested that shopkeepers could relieve the parking position by refraining from parking their own cars in front of their premises. Mr W. H. Brown moved; “That the City Council be asked not to impose any restrictions.” This was seconded by Mr Griffiths, who pointed out that, considerable space could be sav6d if some control or assistance could be given to assure that cars were parked closely. Mr H. B. Free stated that he understood the City Council would be considering the matter tho same evening, and moved as an amendment: “That we hold tho matter over until we ascertain what tho City Council intends doing in the matter.” This was .seconded by Mr W. If. Wilson and carried.