NEED FOR NEW IDEAS

Southland Times, Issue 25796, 6 October 1945, Page 4

NEED FOR NEW IDEAS

ADVICE TO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

(P.A.) AUCKLAND, October 5. “Let me urge you to have new ideas and not to be afraid to advance them,” said the Mayoi’ (Mr J. A. C, Album) welcoming the delegates at the opening of the National Convention of the New Zealand Junior Chamber of Commerce today. “Don’t seek to be popular, but make every endeavour to be right. Life is a condition of constant change, and without new ideas we would become stagnant. People settled in their ways may not like new ideas which involve change, but don’t let that deter you. For instance, the British Commonwealth of Nations has just emerged victoriously from a war catastrophic in its dimensions, and is now faced with grave economic conditions. It is my opinion that the various units of the British Commonwealth should drop their individuality and resolve themselves into a really-united British Empire, and present a common front to the rest of the world. This is an idea which, if adopted, would have wide reactions and would no doubt evoke strong criticism from some quarters; but don’t let us forget the strength of the unity of the United States of America, and also of the United Soviet Socialist Republic.” Expressing pleasure at the interest shown by the members of the chamber in the commercial and civic life of the country, Mr Album said British citizenship gave great privileges, but it also had great responsibilities, which many people did not appear to realize. Chief among those duties was that of unselfish community service. A welcome to the visiting delegates was also extended by Mr J. P. I. Glenie, president of the Auckland Junior Chamber. The luncheon address was given by the Chief of the Air Staff (Air ViceMarshal L. M. Isitt). TOURIST FACILITIES

Remits were dealt with at the afternoon session. Among them was a recommendation that the Government should appoint a full-time director of tourist traffic to take charge of a department completely divorced from that of Industries and Commerce, and having a larger representation overseas.

The improvement of tourist facilities by the Government in co-operation with private enterprise was also recommended. Recommendations were carried that Junior Chambers throughout New Zealand should endeavour to have local services, commercial contact -centres, and also business discussion groups, particularly for former servicemen, established, and provide a scholarship for one or more returned servicemen who up to the time of mobilization had distinguished themselves. That all steps should be taken to taken to foster internationalism in the Junior Chamber movement by an interchange of information and personal liaison between countries, was urged in a remit sponsored by Auckland, and carried unanimously.