CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Northern Advocate, 19 December 1928, Page 8

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

annual: meeting.

YEAR OP PROGRESS. The animal general meeing of the Whangarei Chamber of Commerce was held last evening. There were present: Messrs A. R. Crane (chair), W. N. Jack, J. A. Pinlayson, J. E. Holmes, W. Reynolds, J. P. & Briggs, W. U. Timewell, G. Halse, S'. C. Thorne, M. Woods, A. R. Benjamin, G. Marshall, G. A. Storrar, J. Walker, J. McCox’mack, J. H, Hayward, G. H. Morrish, ,T. A. Inkster, M. Fraser, H. W. Crawford, G. Burns, R. S. Brigham, H. C. Eishworth, and the secretary, Mr E. P. Ramsey. \

THE YEAR'S WORK. • * The annual report was presented verbally by Mr A. R. Crane. In the past, 1 he explained, the report and bal-ance-sheet had (been printed, but finances this year did not permit. The attendance at the annual meeting also would have been larger Ixad it taken the form of a dinner.

During- the year the Chamber had sustained great loss through the passing away of its vice-president, Mr D; Meikle, and the removal from the district of its president, Mr A. Marshall. Despite this, the year had been one of steady progress, as a perusal of some of the aims accomplished showed. It had been wholly due to the ef-, forts of the chamber that the Court business had been shifted to a building more worthy of the name.

A deputation had waited upon the Prime Minister with reference ’to the scenic reserve at the Heads. The reply had been most satisfactory, bat Mr Crane was unaware of the attitude the new Government would take up.

It was also pleasing to note that the Post Office had been raised a grade. This had been forced upon the Department by the increased business, which showed indirectly that Whangarei was progressing steadily. Efforts continued to be made for the installation of the automatic telephone system. Following the lead of the Post Office, it was hoped the railway branch would be advanced another grade. Three engines, each capable of drawing 450 tons, were arriving for, the Whangarei section shortly, and the railway traffic was going ahead by leaps and bounds.

Provided a suitable price was fixed for the coal, the -Q waggons were available, and phosphates boats would call at Onetahi for fuel.

Representations made by the Chamber had. been largely the cause of the speeding up of the night train, and the North now enjoyed a fairly, adequate train service. . . I

With the co-operation of the local bodies, the Chamber had done - its best to cater for the Commerce Train visitors during their stay in Whan garth The visit had been most ■desir'able, bringing town and country closer together, breaking down the appalling jealousies which wore supposed to exist between them, and giving the city business men a very real impression of the possibilities bound up in developing the North. The party had been astonished at the resources of the “poor, much despised and landless North, 5 ’ now 1 comparatively easy of access. The railway officials especially had been amazed by the potentialities of the area, wand had been made to realise the importance of top-dressing. This was most important, as cheapen railage made for much greatetr use of manures.

Regarding the actual commetreial activities of the town during R 928, Mr Crane said that many business* people, especially old-established firms, said that business during the past year had not been too good. They must realise that, although there was more trade to spread around, there were also many more businesses to absorb it, and competition was keener. This Jwas largely due to the commercial travellers, who, noticing the conditions generally prevailing throughout the province, formed a very high estimation of Whangarei as a centre, and advised, friends to open shops hero. Retailers were profiting by the example of others, and getting more and more into touch with the manufacturer, tb the olimiuation of the warehouseman. Goods well bought 'were half sold. Realisation was .also coming that (some system was needed to promote a bettor spirit between employer and employee which was desired. To achieve this- purpotse, the employee must receive proper consideration. Cooperation between business houses was , also very desirable and an the interests of trade.

Mr Crane strongly deprecated the 1 way in which young business men neglected the activities of the Chamber. A list had been prepared showing thiat 31 business people in Whangarei were not members. Whether it was because they were too wrapped up in sport, or wore content to let the* “old buffers” do it, lie did not know. In the meantime a willing few had to spend time and money in the intenests of the many. An instance of this was .the fixing of the holidays, and the attendant advertising, the cost of which was borne entirely by Chamber of Commerce. members.

Air Crane concluded by Hoping that the coming year would be a most successful one for the Chamber, and that the individual members would bo satisfied with their business operations during its course. THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT. Principal items on the balanoe-shcct were as follow’: —Rccipts: Subscriptions £l2O 4s 6d ? rent. £5 0s 6d f sale of

tickets for annual dinner £4 Iss, total £159 Os lid. Expenditure: Rent £65, secretary £3O, annual dinner £7 10s, delegates' expenses to Wellington re Harbour Board £ll 19s, advertising, etc. £22 12s 3d, total £156, leaving a credit balance of £3 2s lid.

UNPAID DUES. The amount of £ll9 14s, representing outstanding subscriptions, was not pleasing to several members. The chairman stated that since the printing of the balance sheet £22 of the deficit had been-collected, and he expressed the hope that still more would come in. The Chamber was empowered to enforce payment, but this step had not yet been taken by any kindred body, and he did not wish Whangarei to set the bankrolling.

ROOM RENTAL. In reply to a question regarding the amount of £65 paid in rent, the chairman explained that for some years it had been thought advisable to secure a room for the Chamber’s own use. This had boon done, but expectations of rentals had not materialised, and the actual cost; /to the Chamber had been £6O. The: Chamber now had to consider whether it eoiild afford to continue with the room under (the present conditions. ,

Air J. E. • Holmes recalled the uncomfortable . meetings of years gone by, when the- Chamber had no room of its own, contrastingthe conditions with the suitability, and convenience of'the present headquarters. The matter will be discussed by the incoming executive. On the motioii of Mr Hayward, seconded by Mr (Crawford, the report and balance-sheet were adopted.

ELECTION-OP OFFICERS. In proposing that Air J. E. Holmes be president for the ensuing term, Mr Crane said that he felt he was nominating a man, certainly ripe in years, but sound, in. judgment, who he felt would fill the position to the distinction of the’-district and the credit of the Chamber.

No further nominations were forthcoming, and _ Air Holmes thereupon took the chair, amid acclamation. Returning thanks for his • election, Air Holmes said that if at the end of his term the members were satisfied with lus work, .he would bo well pleased. .. Mr J. H. Walker was elected vicepresident, and Mr J. P. S. Briggs reelected honorary auditor. ,

Executives were set up as follows: — General Council. Messrs C. V. (Stringer, A .R. Benjamin, M. Fraser, W. Reynolds, G. Halse, M. Woods and A. R. Crane. Shipping Committee, —Messrs W. N, Jack, G. Marshall and C. V. Stringer. Postal Committee —Messrs M. Woods, H. W. Crawford and.W. TJ. Timewcll.

Railway Committee. —Messrs 6. Weston, A. R. Benjamin. and, R. G. Hashing. Traders' Executive. Messrs S. Walker and W, N. Jack (drapers), Mr M, Ftaser (grocer), Mr N. Drummond, (hardware), Mr P. A. Farmer (chemist), Mr A. R. Benjamin (jeweller), Mr G. Walker (hairdresser), Mr W. U. Timewell (butcher), Mr D. Baker (stationery), and Mr C. V. Stringer (general trades).

NEW MEMBERS. Messrs R. H. Allan, R. Tudehope, M. Staples, J. McCormack, J. Batchelor, D. M. Beere and J. Parkin were elected to membership of the Chamber.

GENERAL BUSINESS. Mr J. A. Finlays on, chairman of the Harbour Board, mentioned the advisability of securing the area outside the Heads for a scenic reserve. He was supported by Messrs W. Reynolds and J. E. Holmes, and the incoming committee was recommended to make further represntations. Another matter which the new committee will be asked to expedite is

the alterations to the Post. Office, the plans and specifications for which Mr Crane understood ' }iad . already been prepared,. and a 'vote granted.

Mr Benjamin proposed, Mr Crawford seconded, and it was resolved to send the Chamber’s •, congratulations to Mr Murdoch,: its ; immediate, past-president, on his election to Parliament.

Votes of thanks were accorded the outgoing officers, with .special reference to Mr A. E. Crane, and a similar compliment was paid to the Press.

A most instructive and interesting address was then given ~by Mr J. R. •Luxford, S.M., who * took as I his subject “ Litigation, and Litigants-•” This will be fully reported in a later issue.

The meeting closed with the ’fervent singing of the National Anthem.