COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS’ ASSOCIATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3071, 22 January 1913, Page 4

COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS’ ASSOCIATION.

ANNUAL MEETING. The New Zealand Commercial Travellers and Warehousemen’s Association held its twenty-eighth annual meeting in the club rooms, Dowling street, on Saturday 11th inst. Mr D. M'Pherson (president) occupied the chair, and there were about 40 members present. The vioe-chair was filled by Mr F. W. Mitchell. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the annual report and balance sheet (already published), expressed his satisfaction at the very able report presented by their executive officer, and congratulated members on the position which the association now occupied. The past year had really been a record one, and their total funds now amounted to the very handsome sum of £10,905 13s lOd. He might explain that if they had not written down as much as they had done they would have had considerably over £II,OOO, but the writing down was advisable, and it had been judiciously done. Then various accounts were all in a very satisfactory position. Their library had been receiving a good deal of attention, and it was proving of great benefit to members. In connection with railway matters, they had had several interviews with the authorities, and while they had not been able to get just all that they wanted the authorities had met them most courteously. They had to report favourably ‘on all their hotels. He confidently commended “ The Australasian Traveller,” the organ of the united association, to all members, arid reminded them that the paper was an •asset of the united association, and that all the affiliated associations benefited in the profits, which would continue to increase. The paper was now the unencumbered property of the association, and the intention was'immediately the reserve ■of the accident insurance fund reached the sum of £2500, to divide the profits of ‘‘The Australasian Traveller ” among the affiliated associations, according to the number of subscribers to each association. He should say that this association had a little over £IOO to its credit in that fund. That was very gratifying. The conference of the united association would be held in Dunedin at Easter time, and arrangements were being made for entertaining the visiting delegates. On the sports side, the football match against Southland was a great success. The billiard tournament as usual attracted a good deal of attention, while they were indebted to Mr James Peake for the excellent wo.rk he did in connection with the bowling match. Their membership had increased very considerably during the past year, and that was mainly due to the efforts of some of their members. They were particularly indebted in that respect to Mr Gillan, who had done excellent work. The subscriptions had been better paid this year than ever before, arid he would like to impress upon members the desirability of paying their subscriptions early in the year. By not doing so they ran the risk of being cut out of the benefits they were entitled to. Since the end of their year they had lost by death another member, Mr W. Sparrow, making six members altogether since their last annual meeting. They all very much regretted the loss of these members. In connection with the position of affairs with regard to the two northern associations he had nothing very definite to place before members. Those associations were at present considering certain proposals, which he might tell them unofficially had been very favourably received. Their great hope and desire was that the conference at Easter would see the union of all the associations in New Zealand.—(Applause.) Mr F. W. Mitchell seconded the motion. He also impressed upon members the desirability of supporting “ The Australasian Traveller.” The paper was well worth subscribing to, and it was helping the united association in a very substantial way. Mr J. T. Gillan also appealed to members to support the paper. Mr James Brown said that the remarks of the president in r ofT ard to the possibility of a union of the New Zealand associations were very gratifying indeed. He was glad to say that the unofficial correspondence which had passed between the northern associations and himself had been of a most encouraging nature. Their friends in .Auckland ■ had pushed this matter along, and they were now nearer arriving at a satisfactory union than ever before. The motion was then carried. The followh-g office-bearers were elected : Presit 1 -nt, Mr D. M'Pherson (re-elected); vice-presidents, Messrs F. Peake, T. C. M. Rallinshav,, J. C. Henton, F. W. Mitchell, E. A. DeCarle, and J. T. Gillan; Committee, Messrs C. Otto, S. T. Mirams, R. Harper, F. Bennett, J. L. Gardiner, J. M'lndoe, and W. Tyne; honorary treasurer Mr James Todd (re-elected); auditor, Mr J. F. Peake (re-elected). The president specially thanked the manager and his staff for their work during the year. Mr DeCarle said they could not value too highly the services of their indefatigable secretary, Mr Brown. On his motion a hearty vote of thanks was accorded that gentleman. Mr John Mitchell, librarian, was also thanked for his work during the year. A vote of thanks was also accorded the president.