CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 10 December 1940, Page 6

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MONTHLY MEETING SUBJECT OF LOCAL TRADE The monthly meeting of the Nelson Chamber of Commerce was held this morning presided over by Mr L. E. H. Baigent. president. The chairman reported that a subcommittee set up by the chamber had called a meeting of businessmen on the subject of keeping trade within Nelson. The movement was merely sponsored by the chamber and was meant to be carried on by businessmen. The meeting asked the sub-committee to carry on, with power to act. The subsequent work was done as representatives of businessmen only. Circulars had been sent out and replies received. The secretary, Mr E. R. Neale, said that 76 circulars had been sent out, 51 were ignored and 25 had brought replies. Five of these had refused to consider it, and 20 had offered to contribute. The secretary added that there was a good deal of misaprehension partly because of the wording of the circular. The boosting of Nelson manufactures was only incidental to the scheme. It was considered that getting people to spend normally was just as important. The meeting went into committee to consider the matter. It was reported that 11 candidates had sat this year for the Chamber of Commerce examinations, as against 16 last year. The chairman reported that at the request of various members the chamber had taken up the matter of Territorials staying in camp till after Christmas and had written to Mr H. Atmore M.P. and the Associated Chambers of Commerce seeking their assistance in getting the men released earlier. He was pleased to say that there had been a satisfactory result and the men would be home before Christmas. The chairman, remarking that it was the last meeting of the year, said that it had been a strenuous year but he thought that they had quite a lot of reason to be optimistic as to what 1941 held. They had cause to be thankful for their experience so far when they thought of members of the Empire on the other side of the world. He wished members a pleasant Christmas and a full share of good fortune in the New Year. MEETING OF SUB-COMMITTEE The special sub-committee met afterwards and further considered the “Buy in Nelson” campaign. It was reported that the response so far was very encouraging and it was decided that a further meeting of businessmen should be called about the middle of January.