CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26692, 11 February 1948, Page 3

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Chairman’s Opening Address

“ The administration of this chamber has always been conducted on a very high standard of industrial and commercial principles, which over the years has been widely acknowledged, and I appeal to all members to carry forward these traditions in a similar manner,” said Mr W. R. Williams (chairman) at the opening meeting of the year of the Oamaru Chamber of Commerce. Although World War II was now history. all was not well internationally, and there were very black clouds /and some grave problems confronting the Great Powers, Mr Williams continued. Dictatorship and democracy would not mix. and it did not seem as if Socialism and dictatorship would mix any better. It was not England and Russia that couid not mix, it was the political powermongers who depended on absolute control to maintain their positions who could not mix. War and Socialism alike were fought on valueless currency, and it was this currency disruption that was causing all our export and import trade difficulties. These were the problems awaiting adjustment, and what was needed was that tne Governments of the Great Powers should be truly democratic and composed of statesmen of proved ability who would leave commerce and industry with legal machinery to administer and evolve its own destiny. A welcome was extended to the new secretary, Mr A. H. H. Pearce.