PRESIDENT'S REPORT

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 79, Issue 7145, 14 December 1949, Page 6

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

PRESENTED TO ANNUAL MEETING TE AWAMUTU JUNIOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The following is the report of the retiring president of the Te Awamutu Junior Chamber of Commerce, Mr F. Miller, as presented to the annual meeting last Monday night:— This year the Chamber derived the benefit of the experience of two previous years’ good efforts and commenced activities on a firm foundation. Early in the year Secretary Tuffy Burchell went overseas for several months, and Dick Finn was appointed to, and ably filled, the position of secretary and treasurer.

Membership: The membership is 45, the same as last year. There has been no need for a drive for new members because, a.though we have lost several members, other worthy young men have been attracted to our organisation. I should like to express my thanks to those who, although over 40, have continued to give their loyal support by attending meetings and assisting with projects. Projects: Projects are the life-blood of Jaycee. Our reputation in the community depends on the service we render to the community. From the following list of work carried out it wi.l be seen that the year has produced much that has been worth while, although it seems that there are some who do not realise the benefit to be obtained froin active membership. The biggest project was the compiling of the Te Awamutu Business Trade Directory which was distributed free to every householder in the district. This job required a lot of hard work before it was brought to a successful conclusion. This year we undertook the selling of Health Stamps to business people and the result was a record. As usual Jaycees conducted the side shows at the Floral Fete and the Beautifying Society benefited to the extent of £35. Two floats were put in the procession to advertise the Plunket Society Baby Contest. One depicted plunket babies and the other non-plunket babies. The sum of £2O was raised within the Chamber for the Cancer Campaign. Jaycees, under the guidance of Mr Frank Mason, spent half a day cleaning up a small triangle of land on the Ohaupo Road. This area was dug over and planted in grass and shrubs. We also combined with the Parent Teacher Association in a canvass of the town to raise £3OO for the College Baths. There are two other activities in which we are taking part in conjunction with other organisations. They are the raising of a Blood Bank for the Waikato Hospital and a Christmas Carnival in the main street of Te Awamutu.

Conventions: The Waikato Regional Convention at Okoroire in April was we 1 attended by Te Awamutu. Eight Jaycees and their wives went to the National Convention at Palmerston North in October. The value of these conventions cannot be too highly stressed. It should be the aim of every Jaycee to attend. The advantages to be gained are: making good friends in other towns , entertainment, education in civic affairs, and character building. Highlight: The highlight of the year was the visit of the National President, Sam Jacobs, in April. The board, in particular, .had much to ’earn from this capable and likeable young man. Other Activities: Social activities were a picnic in March and two ladies’ night dinners, each being followed by a social evening. The outstanding success of these functions is commendable and reflects great credit on those who were responsible for the arrangements. The Te Awamutu Chamber was challenged to a debate with the Young Farmers’ Club. Unfortunately there was a very poor attendance to hear Te Awamutu hold an experienced team to a draw. Cricket: A match with Hamilton resulted in a win for us. Golf: Te Awamutu conducted a Regional Tournament in November. In spite of poor entries from both Matamata and Hamilton a good time was had by all.

In conclusion I must particularly thank the members of the Board, all of whom worked very conscientiously for the good of the Chamber. I must thank, too, all of you for the support you have given me during my year in office. The efficient manner in which you have handled projects, your good attendance record, and your spirit of comradeship augur well for the ..future of the Jaycee movement in Te Awamutu.