TIRAU CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FORMED

Putaruru Press, Volume XXVII, Issue 1393, 14 September 1950, Page 3

TIRAU CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FORMED

ADDRESS BY DOMINION PRESIDENT Charter Members Sign Up At an enthusiastic meeting of Tirau residents on Thursday evening a motion to form a Tirau Chamber of Commerce was carried without dissent. Mr Bruce Amoore was elected first president and Mr H. F. Morse first secretary. Mr Morse presided over an attendance of about 40 and welcomed to the meeting Mr H. E. Schofield, of Matamata, who is this year’s president of the Associated Chambers of Commerce of New Zealand. At the conclusion of the meeting those present signed up as charter members. Apologies for absence were offered on behalf of several other residents, so that it was anticipated that there would be a membership of probably 50 business men and farmers. Members of the interim commit l tee set up at a recent meeting to take steps to form a chamber of commerce were re-appointed with some additions to draw up a constitution for the Tirau chamber. The committee comprises Messrs W. Rose, H. vjf. Tinkler, P. Lilley, A. J. Coubrough, E. M. Young, T. G. Bear, H. Amoore and J. Donovan. A general meeting will be called early in October to approve the constitution. Advantages of Forming a Chamber of Commerce Mr Morse outlined the steps that had been, taken to form some organisation to further the progress of Tirau. A recent meeting had considered several proposals and had decided in favour of a chamber of commerce. Mr Schofield assured the meeting that he did not think Tirau people could do better than form a chamber of commerce. In country towns about 60 or 70 per cent, of the work of chambers of commerce was civic work. Chambers were taking an active part in promoting the welfare of their districts. The minutes of the Matamata chamber, which had been in existence for 30 years, dealt with many matters for the benefit of the Matamata district. Mr Schofield emphasised that chambers of commerce do not take part in party politics. The chamber of commerce is not a political body. Its members reserve the right to criticise any government, but not because • of that government’s political colour. Mr Schofield j said that ha had represented chambers of comme'oe on deputations tp Messrs Forbes, Fraser and Holland, in turn. us j As a movement the chambers of commerce supported free enterprise and liked to see a man stand on his own feet. There was much work for a chamber to do in discussion on local matters, such as hours of closing shops, or periods of•>-holidays. The opinions of a chamber would carry weight because the public recognised it as a body based on solid foundations. Who Could be Members Those Who could be members were first of all businessmen, including firms and all those who have an executive position in a firm. Farmers were considered as businessmen and could be full members. Others who could attend meetings as associate members were government servants, employees of businesses and representatives of organisations in the comnitinity, including the various women’s organisations. At Taihape there were four or five ladies among the members. The Associated Chambers of Commerce, of which Mr Schofield is this year’s president, consists of over 50 chambers, some in the cities and others in small towns like Matamata. All are linked together through the executive of the Associated Chambers which makes representations to Ministers. Mr Schofield urged Tirau residents to form a chamber of com- , merce and to affiliate with the Associated Chambers so that they ■ could play a part in its important work. In recent years country chambers had been playing an increasing part in the work of the Associated Chambers. The main object stated in the constitution of each chamber was “the furtherance and advancement of the district of .” In Mr Schofield’s opinion a chamber of commerce ranked next to the local body of its district in seniority and should work in co-operation with the local body. Affiliation With Associated Chamber* In concluding the meeting the newly-elected president, Mr Amoore,

expressed the thanks of the meeting to Mr Schofield for his address. It was decided to make application to the Associated Chambers for affiliation. Mr Schofield said he would be pleased to speak on behalf of Tirau at the next meeting in Wellington.