COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS' ASSOCIATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2288, 6 January 1898, Page 17

COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS' ASSOCIATION.

The thirteenth annual meeting of the New Ztal-tnd Commercial Travellers and Warehousemen* Association was held in the club room?, Moray place, on the 29 bh, and was attended by about 20 members. Mr A. Thomson, presidt nfc, occupied the chair.

ANNUAL BEPOBT.

The annual report (which has already been published) aud the balance sheet were taken as read.

The Chairman moved the adoption of the report and balance sheet, and asked the indulgence of the meeting if he displayed a want of knowledge of the affairs of the association in the few remarks he had to make. His inexpeneuos was due to the fact that it was the Sis!; $hn», he had had the pleasure of presiding at the annual- meeting. He would not bore them with any long comments on the balance shest — the figures were clear, aud seemed to ba well summarised. He did not think it was nece* sary for him fco enter into any explanation, bub if such was needed he was saie the secretary would be - glad fca give it. Jt would bs seen from the figures in. the sheet that the club's revenue had decreased during the past 12 monfcbs, but notwithstanding t&Vu the association was in a thoroughly health; condition. The amount of subscriptions foi the year exceeded previous years, which pointed to Mac fact that the decrease in club revenua was not due to any lack of interest in the essociation by fche members, but fco the obvious unsait&bilily of the ptesenf; club accommodation. The committee when elected foresaw that they would have to face a falling off in revenue, and f ccordiugly set to work with a will to provide accommodation to meet the daily increasing necessities of the association, and, as you know, their efforts have resulted in ith« establishment of club premieea in Dowling street', now in course of erection. These premises when completed will not only amply provide for all requirements but will be an ornament to the city. — (Hear, hear.) He expressed the opinion that under the improved conditions the association would commence a career of increased prosperity, and thereby largely extend its sphere of usefulness. Timy'wefe not "for club purposes only — they had a practical and beneficial object in view, and he considered that they fead advanced the condition of comraerciil travellers in OUgo. The corciaifctee thought that the association deserved to be supported by traders, and if their claims were brought before the merchants and manafacturers iti tLe ciiy good results wouid onßu& in tho wr,v of donations or membership. In the coursa of two or three months they would _ fas installed in their new premises in Dowlia^ street, and the drawbacks incidental to the present premises would be removed. He thought that there was no doubt but that tha occuDation of the new premises would be a redletter day in .their existence. The discomfort of the preaent premises had bsen very apparent of latp, but; when they got posssßßion of the new ones members wjuld enjoy fuller pcivilf ges. The club was & first-class organisation, and quite equal to anything of its kind in New Zealand, at any rate. — (Hear, hear.) He referred to the smallness of the subscription fee, and pointed out that with the new bailding at their success could not bufc attend the association. Reference had been previously made to the death of the late Mr James Wi'sou, a gentleman who always had tbe ibterests of the association at heart, and whose assistance to the essociation members would not readily forgsfc. Sirice tfcea Dr Jtifcoafe, a genial gentleman, had died in the prime of life, and Mr Cannon, their faithful club steward, had disappeared from their ranks. Later Mr Robert Hume had also passed a^ay. He always took an active and energetic interest in the association even up feo the time of his death, and though there might at times have been a* difference of opiaion between him anS others he was always credited with a sincere desire to do ,hiß best for the 'association.— (Hear, hear.) Their firsfc president, Mr George Bel 1 , he might mention was hale and hearty, and able to eDJoy himself ab the advanced age of 90 that day. Mr D. M'Pherson seconded the adoption of the reporb and balance sheet, and thought that the chairman had touched on all the points to be mentioned. He hoped that a littie more enthusiasm would be infused into their midsi-, and thought that members woald take snore interest in the association than they had in the past year or two. The report and balance sheet were adopted unanimously.

OFFICE-BEAREKS

Mr A. Thomson was elected president. On a ballot being taken, Messrs R. Wilson, D. M Thereon, J. Harris, A. Wright, George Tomes, and 3?. H. King were elected vice>presidents. Mr A. Thomson was elected auditor, Mr James Todd treasurer, and Mesar* W. Murphy, J. North, R. Turnbull, R. Hudson, jun., W. Biunie, E. Meloy, and G. C. Cripps a committee.

BE E. HDJIE.

It was resolved that the following resolution be recorded on the minutes and a copy sent fco Mrs Hume :•— *' That this association records its deep senee of sorrow and regret at the recent loss of its esteemed past vice-president, Me Robert Hume, and its sympathy with his wido^ and family in their bereavement, and desires to acknowledge its high appreciation of the services rendered to the association as member and office-bearer by the late Mr Hume."

6KBNERAI..

The Seceetaut mentioned that they would probably get into tbe new building before the end of March.

Votes of thanks tg the retiring committee, coupled with the name 'Of Mr J. Harris, and to the chairman closed the proceedings.