CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Southland Times, Issue 21579, 17 December 1931, Page 2

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

THE GORE BODY MONTHLY MEETING. A meeting of the committee of the Gore Chamber of Commerce was held on Tuesday evening, when there were present Messrs A. J. Kerse (president), T. J. Sherbourne, A. C. Steel, C. Wilkinson, A. B. Caverhill and Miss R. I. V. Aitken. Some time ago representations were made to the local banks in regard to the matter of all banks opening for business (Saturday hours) on the occasion of People’s Day at the Gore A. and P. Show. It was pointed out that retailers complained of risk, inconvenience and possibly loss of trade, which could be obviated throught the banks observing the hours of local business premises. A reply was received stating that ths matter was duly considered at a meeting of local managers. “It is understood,” stated the letter, “that a similar proposal made by the chamber some time ago was not entertained, and after full and careful consideration of the reasons adduced by the retailers in support of their request the banks regret that they cannot see their way to alter their previous decision. li your chamber wishes to carry the matter further, the banks respectfully suggest that it bring the matter before the' Associated Chambers of Commerce at the next annual conference.” Mr Sherborne said he thought the matter should be pushed forward and the Associated Chambers of Commerce be circularized asking that the matter be referred to headquarters. On Mr Sherborne’s motion it was decided that this course be adopted. Mr Kerse referred to the matter of the payment of rents through the local post office to the receiver of land revenue at Invercargill, this question having been discussed at a previous meeting of the chamber. Mr Kerse said he thought something more could be done in the matter. It was not going to rob the Post Office of revenue, but failure to agree to payment through local post offices was only going to cause people inconvenience. Negotiations were still being pursued, and when a reply was received it was intended to communicate with the Associated Chambers of Commerce. Mr Kerse said it had been suggested for some time that something be done in regard to the formation of a committee of vocational guidance. A child knew early in the year what line of work he desired to follow, and the speaker felt it would bo an advantage to parents to have an independent body to go to for advice. Parents bad been advised, when work was not available, to send their children back to school, but this could not go on indefinitely. The subject had been widely discussed in the town, but nobody seemed to have done anything. He was going to suggest that a small committee be set up and function in the meantime. Ho moved that the president, vicepresident and secretary collect evidence regarding committees of vocational guidance: that they be given power to take any temporary action necessary over the holidays, and be given power to add to their numbers. It was decided that this course be adopted. . . Before closing the meeting, the chairman extended the season’s greetings and expressed a hope that the coming year would see an improvement in conditions.