CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Timaru Herald, Volume XCIV, Issue 14457, 1 June 1911, Page 3

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual general meeting of. the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce was held in Hutchison's rooms last evening, there being present close on fifty members. _ The president (Mr 0. S. Cray) was in the chair. The report of the committee—already published in the 44 Herald"— was unanimously v adopted. The balance sheet disclosed a credit of £9l 17.4 9d, and was also adopted. The presidential address—reported elsewhere in this issue—was listened to with great interest,' and prov.Vcr'd considerable discussion, during which the president was congratulated cn his very excellent statement.

In sneaking of the report, Mr James Craigie complimented Mr Cray m tl:»< completeness and accuracy' ■>( \m .statement, and the Chamber on '«» i» work do no during the year. Chamber, ho said, was becoming }l very important institution. Speaking of the movement-, for an intercolonial service, Mr . Craigie said he thought the time was vipe for this, as well as for a monthly Home service. It would, lie said, "make important Timaru still nioro important. 5 ' Ko a little, time in dealing with the question of Carolina Jiay, which he characterised as probablv limaru's most important asset. Some ambitious money-making schema—perhaps an industrial exhibition—;n*ght be go|ie about, and the money ;r»«u this source devoted to impiw/ig the Bay. .He mentioned the ness of. the High School .Board in adopting nn .agricultural course.

Mr T. Thomson added a lew wcrds oh the .subjects of the presidents report, dealing specially with die fast j efforts of the Chamber in having a direct shipping service arranged. Mr J. P. Newman also spoke of tlie excellence of Mr Cray's statement and dealt with several of the subjects therein. The Chamber, he found, did not get as much assistance from the commercial community a.s might be the case. On tlie subject of local industries, Mr Xewman sa.d that tlie fostering of needed more attention. Geographically, the place was not specially well and there were other things which retarded Timaru's progress as an industrial centre. .Sorting sheds on the wharves were also very badly wanted, and should be upplied in the early future. The <'coi(s shed accommodation was also exceedingly limited, and this matter needed very urgent attention. A good deal of work had been <lonc bv tlie Chamber during the year, and much of the success met with was due to Mr Cray's , first-class generalship. I Mr Cray thanked those who had complimented }jim on the results of his t?rm of office as president 01 the Chamber. OFFICE-BEABEttS. The following office-bearers wee elected : President, Mr I). C. Turnbull; Vice-President, Mr K. G. Turner.Committee, Mo«rs (i S Crav "\v' Priest, J. h Gillies, \V. Burkns,'J I l ' Atfivman, J. C. Oddie, W. Baxter' n' H. Bowie and Gibbg. ' THANICS. Mr W. Baxter moved a vote of thanks to tJi<j secretary (Mr C. S I Fraser) and on the motion of Mr Cray. I seconded by Mr Baxter, it Wa.s dee'dl?Lvt;> ****** ™* r «t*ry's salary, from to £'2(j. Several members made reference to Mr Fraser's manv excellent qualities and his special secretarial capabilities. Tlie newly-elected president, moved a yots ot thanks to the retiring president (Mr Cray), whom he referred to as being indefatigable. Mr K. G. turner seconded'tlie mot.on which was carried unanimously.