YEAR’S ACTIVITIES

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 78, Issue 7016, 7 February 1949, Page 6

YEAR’S ACTIVITIES

KAWHIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESIDENTIAL REVIEWI At the annual meeting of the Kawhia Chamber of Commerce, the retiring President, Mr G. G. Jonathan, who w T as re-elected to that office, presented the following “ It gives me much pleasure in presenting my first annual report on this reinstated Chamber, especially, as I can say with confidence that the year has been most satisfactory in the aspects of the business that has been attended to by the members of the Chamber, which opinion I feel assured will be endorsed by each and every member.

“ There has been a pronounced aspect that each and every member has shown great interest in the matter of doing everything possible in the direction of co-operating with local bodies in the furtherance of progress, even against the great obstacles that naturally lay ahead, which in itself augurs well for the establishment of a very useful and progressive body. “ The original Chamber of Commerce, in existence prior to World War 1, did most valuable work in cheir efforts to enhance the progress of Kawhia, one of which was the laborious work done in regard to the Kawhia Domain, and the present compact area, so suitable for sports gatherings, was the result of years of hard and determined work; and with the co-operation of Mr W. W. Davies, who agreed to exchanges of land, the result is now seen. This is only one of many matters the old Chamber worked hard on, and it is now due to the rejuvenated Chamber to act with similar determination in progress in

its many aspects. “ The Chamber is now well established, with a good and increasing membership, and is affiliated with the established Chambers of New Zealand, and will grow into an important body if the same loyalty continues as in the past, and I have every confidence that this will be so. “ During the past year contact was made with several other bodies, and above all I must express the Chamber’s great appreciation in regard to the most friendly attitude towards this Chamber from the Te Awamutu Chamber of Commerce, which was consummated on the evening of 18th November last, when we were hon-' oured by the visit of no less than six members, including Vice-President Hanna, which is fresh in the minds of our members. The meetings and discussions that took place were most valuable to this Chamber, not only in the informative aspect but in the direction of a determination to act in absolute co-operation in all matters of mutual interest, which is very encouraging. “ It is also the desire of this Chamber to offer the hand of friendship •to Otorohanga, and it is hoped the next annual report will include a favourable reference to this being made, and it is appropriate to express an opinion that if the three Chambers act in distinct co-operation that great benefit must inevitably result in the prospects and nrogress of the area represented by the three Chambers. “At the joint meeting of the Te Awamutu Chamber of Commerce and the Kawhia Chamber of Commerce held on 18th November last the following resolution was carried unanimously: ‘ That the Chambers of Commerce at Te Awamutu and Kawhia make joint representations to the Government for the setting <up of a commission of inquiry to advise the development and use of the Kawhia harbour and the establishment of such enterprise as could be provided with economic distribution from the Kawhia harbour.’

“ It was agreed that all correspondence regarding the above would be exchanged by the two Chambers. “This matter being of such paramount importance it is the intention of both Chambers to pursue the matter with all possible vigour. “In conclusion, I beg to sincerely thank the secretary, M? Graham, the vice-president (now retired), and all members for their helpful and loyal consideration towards me in the past, which has lessened the burden of duties which inevitably fall on my shoulders in regard to the office of President, which has made the work a pleasure; and in regard to the office of secretary I hope that Mr Graham will be able to continue for many years to come and assist in bringing about the greater progress of Kawhia.” >