Urge Radio Station For Northland

Northern Advocate, 21 May 1945, Page 5

Urge Radio Station For Northland

(Special) KAIKOHE, This Day. A record attendance of members and members’ wives sat down to lavishly-spread tables at the Kaikohe Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner, held in the Kaikohe Hotel on Saturday night. After announcing apologies from Mr S. W. Smith, M.P., absent in Kaitaia, and from the Kawakawa and Kaitaia Chambers, the president (Mr W. Stewart) welcomed representatives of the Whangarei Chamber (Messrs J. F. Johnson and R. J. N. Crosby) and of the Okaihau Chamber (Mr J. Horne). ■ Following the Loyal Toast, Mr Stewart offered a toast to "Our Lady Friends.” Speaker for the evening was Mr Johnson, who spoke on matters affecting the whole of Northland. He deplored petty parochial jealousies and called for a wide sense of co-operation and vision from the chambers throughout the province. By working together. for the same aims, much would be accomplished. Mr Johnson stressed the necessity for a radio station in Northland. “We are entitled to it if any place in New Zealand is,” he emphasised. He considered that Kaikohe, as the most central locality, might be the logical choice for it—that was not important, the main point was to ensure that a radio station was set up in Northland. Need for a radio station had been obvious on V-E- Day. when people became confused in Whangarei regarding details of arrangements. He supposed much the same difficulty may have ai’isen in other towns in Northland. Also a radio station would be able to give important news and information of a purely local character to farmers of the district. Conference of Chambers Another most important topic was the need for a conference of Northland chambers of commerce. Both Mr. Crosby and himself would probably be going to the conference of the Associated Chambers of Commerce of New Zealand at Napier, in November and they would then like -to be able to take opinions and directions from other chambers in the North which might not themselves be directly represented. Other aspects of the development of the province which he touched upon as being subjects on which united co-operation could be fruitfully brought to bear were better road access between the four main towns, better provisions for the tourist industry, inauguration of a rail-car service, etc. Whangarei Visitors Inspired Speaking of the activities of the Whangarei Chamber, Mr. Johnson said good work was being done by its rehabilitation sub-committee. The present function had been an inspiration to Mr. Crosby and himself and they would go back to Whangarei determined that, if Kaikohe, with a membership of 40, could put on such a pleasant arrangement, then Whangarei with its 140 members should at least do the same.

Mr. Johnson paid tribute to the “Northern Advocate” and Mr. Stewart proposed a toast to the Press, Mr. E. B. Berry responding. The function concluded when Mr. W. Shaw, at the request of the president toasted the health of Mr. and Mrs. N. McDonald, hosts and caterers for the evening. Mr. McDonald briefly replied Many of the party then adjourned to the picture theatre.