‘Problem Second To None In Dominion’

Northern Advocate, 1 December 1947, Page 4

‘Problem Second To None In Dominion’

Transport In North . . .

“Northland’s transport problem is second to none in New Zealand.

“It is a shame the way the issue has been sidetracked by the Government.

“Man-power should be made available to develop the road transport system as it must play a major part in the carriage of foods from the point of production to the centres of distribution.”

These comments were made by Mr Haskell Anderson, of Wellington, president of the Associated Chambers of Commerce of New Zealand, at a complimentary luncheon tendered him today by the Whangarei chamber. “Coastal shipping serves the needs of the Portland Cement Company,” Mr Anderson said, “but the North as a whole depends on the railways and road transport and the latter will play the greatest part in the future.

“The function of the local chamber is to assist the local bodies and further the welfare of the entire community. GREAT POSSIBILITIES

“Northland has tremendous possibilities in the field of primary production. Already it has developed remarkably in its output, both in money value and volume.

“As a result of the magnificent response of the farmers to the call for aid to Britain, the value of New Zealand's production this year will be far greater than that of any other year.

“Northland has played her pari, in this fine effort.

, “The greatest fight being put up today by the associated chambers is for free enterprise,” Mr Anderson went on, “This body does not represent big business interests but only the constituent chambers and their problems.” He mentioned the good work of the parent body in striving for amendments to the Price Control Bill when it came before Parliament. As a result of the representations, he said, several alterations were made to the text of the original bill. SHOW BY EXAMPLE ■ The motto of the Wellington chamber, Mr Anderson said, is: “Service.” Service to the community was the greatest individual contribution a man could make. Members must have the vision to see, the faith to believe and the courage to live up to their convictions. Many people offered help in the form of lip service, but they were found lacking when it came to real service to the community. All must push the wagon and not sit on it and drag their feet. People must get into ihe spirit of community effort. “We must show by example what we are prepared to do,” he concluded “GG NORTH YOUNG MAN” Mr Anderson was accompanied by Mr A. O: Heany, of Wellington, the secretary of the Associated Chambers. In replying to the welcome of the Mayor (Mr W. Jones), Mr Anderson said that he had seen the great development of Northland since his last visit here 10 years ago. “If I was a young man,” he remarked, “I would take good advice, ‘Go North young man, go North.’ ” Northland has made great strides in primary production, he said, and. but for restrictions, would show wonderful progress industrially. Mr Heany also commented that as soon as Northland was let off the leash wonderful development would take place. He complimented the people on their unbounded enthusiasm, but he feared that if they were continually to surrender their initiative to the overriding powers of the state, that enthusiasm might be stifled. WHANGAREI’S 46th YEAR

In speaking to the toast ol' the associated chambers, the Whangarei president (Mr W. L. McKinnon) said that Dunedin was the oldest chamber in New Zealand, having been formed nearly 100 years ago, Christchurch was 85 years old.

Whangarei was entering its 46th year.

There were 41 chambers in the country, but it was hoped that, as a result of Mr Heany's visit to Kaitaia on Saturday, the number would be increased by three. Mr McKinnon complimented the executive of the Associated Chambers on its sterling work on behalf of the community as a whole and paid particular tribute to the secretary, Mr Heany. Toasts honoured were: The King; Associated Chambers of New Zealand, Mr McKinnon—Mr Anderson and Mr Heany; Whangarei senior and junior chambers, Mr G. A. Bethell—Mr K. Haslett and Mr V. McKeague. 4