DRAPERS’ AND CLOTHIERS’ CONFERENCE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3494, 22 February 1921, Page 53

DRAPERS’ AND CLOTHIERS’ CONFERENCE.

Under the chairmanship of Air J. RRendell (president of the Auckland Association). the first- annual conference of tne newly-formed New Zealand Federation of Drapers, Clotlners. and Afereers opened on the 16th in the Early Settlers’ Hall. Between 36 and 40 representatives w-re present. Mr James Mollison (president of the Otago Association) extended a very hearty welcome to the visitors to Dunedin. The election of officers resulted in Air J. R. Rendell (Auckland) being unanimously elected the first president of the federation, Mr E. H. Wyles (Christchurch) being elected vice-president. Air \A . Shorn (Wellington) was elected to tire Wellington Advisory Board, and Air AY. E. Nieolls (Wellington) as auditor. It was resolved —“That this conference affirms the desirability of closer co-opera-tion between employer and employee, and the inauguration amongst members of a systematic course of instruction to encourage greater efficiency among the junior members of the staff.” On the question of the dumping of German goods, the conference passed a resolution urging the Prime Minister to impress upon the Home Government the need of action to suppress the flow of manufactured goods to the detriment of Home industries and the industries of New Zealand. The annual conference of the New Zealand Federation of Drapers and Clothiers, sitting under the presidency of Mr J. R. Rendell of Auckland, in the Early Sett'ers’ Hall, cont in tied its deliberations on the 17th inst. a discussion on what was regarded as tlie extensive evil of discount giving led to the following resolution being carried: “That the giving of discounts and the amount of same is a matter demanding immediate attention and revision.” On the remit “ Trade information as published in the New Zealand press and newspaper advertising charges,” the opinion of the conference was that access to chartered accountants’ circulation certificates should he afforded to advertisers buying space at" continually increasing charges.” There was a wide discussion on the Board of Trade Act, and certain alleged irregularities of its administration. —A delegate stated that one tribunal had persistently attacked one firm by means of upwards of 20 investigations. Schemes of profit sharing among employees was also widely and extensively discussed.