PROTEST CRITICISED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23996, 20 June 1941, Page 6

PROTEST CRITICISED

CLOSING OF ARAWA STREET

ROTORUA BARREL DERBY

(OC) ROTORUA, Thursday Strong exception to the attitude of the Rotorua Chamber of Commerce to the closing of Arawa Street one Friday evening for a barrel Derby to raise patriotic funds was expressed by two members of the Borough Council when a letter of protest was received from the chamber nr. the council meeting. At the same time the former chairman of the Inter-Zone Patriotic Committee, Mr. L. Fwert. criticised the chamber for its failure to support patriotic efforts.

The Chamber of Commerce asked on whose authoritv Arawa Street had been closed and who had given orders for the removal of parked ears. While stating that it had no conflict with patriotic appeals, the chamber suggested that the council should avoid similar occurrences, which adversely affected one section of the business community.

"I think the letter does a great discredit to the chamber, and they have no cause to be proud of their attitude," said Mr. C. II Coleman. "It is a paltry question. There was an enormous amount of work in arranging the effort, and carping criticism from men who have done nothing gives one no pride in one's fellows." li was stated that permission to close the street had been granted by the former Mayor. Mr T. Jackson.