SEEKING BUSINESS.

Putaruru Press, Volume V, Issue 177, 24 March 1927, Page 4

SEEKING BUSINESS.

f PROPOSED TOWN EFFORT. A Lesson Learned. An interesting discussion took place at the meeting of the Putaruru Chamber of Commerce on Monday on | means of boosting the town. The discussion arose over the endeavours of the chamber to arrange a lecture by Mr. Owen Jones, 8.A., of the N.Z. Perpetual Forests staff, on tree-planting, which lecture had ’ to be postponed on account of Mr. I Jones being called away. Mr. Griffiths stated that he had been struck by the lack of informative evidence in regard to treeplanting which was available to townspeople. Putaruru was the home town in New Zealand of afforestation, and every traveller or tourist who came here naturally made casual inquiries on the subject. The general impression gained was, he thought, not too favourable, and this he considered should be counteracted. Publicity was of little use if first-hand information in the home town was not authoritative. This could he attained by means of lectures, etc., while he also thought something could be done in the schools on Arbor Day and other occasions. It was a most peculiar position when public opinion iri the home town was not thoroughly informed on the point. Mr. Simpson : One lecture is better than a thousand pamphlets. Continuing, the speaker urged the financial benefits to be obtained by the town. Some hundreds of planters were engaged who might visit the town but once a month. To ensure their coming to Putaruru, and to cater for them while in the town, he urged that an organisation be set up to consider ways and means. He felt sure the local band would assist, and carnivals and dances might be arranged. Last football season it had been estimated that £IOOO in additional money had been left ih the town as a result of the match between Putaruru and Afforestation representatives. A solid cash trade was available, but business people would have to go after it else it would go in other directions. •Mr. Spear: I think more could be done in the matter. There are some curious impressions abroad in regard to the work being done. I feel that Putaruru people do not realise the value of afforestation to the town. Mr. Dukeson: That is quite true; it is amazing the views one hears in the town. The chairman: The Rugby Union have done what they can, and will be willing to work in with anyone. More is wanted though, and the union do not get the support they should from business people. Mr. Wilson: I am willing to do what I can. I don’t know anything about football, but am prepared to help to organise any entertainments. Mr. Barr Brown: There is a suggestion to alter the late night to Friday, and the town board is to be asked to consider the matter. A member: They won’t be able to do anything unless the deputation or petition is a weighty one. On the motion of Messrs. Wilson and Simpson all present were elected a committee to consider the matter, and given power to add to their number.