WAIMATE NEED FOR ACTION

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23376, 6 December 1945, Page 3

WAIMATE NEED FOR ACTION

Establishment Of New Industries Formation of Businessmen’s Association

A decision to form a Businessmen’s Association was made at a meeting of representatives of business interests at which the need for the establishment of new industries was discussed. The possibility of an important industry being lost to the town because of the lack of labour was mentioned. “An urgent decision as to what we are going to do is necessary if we want the leather goods factory to be started here,” said Mr W. H. De Joux. The staffing requirement was 25, and only 18 girls had offered. Another town was in the running. The work was permanent and the girls would learn a trade. The Mayor (Mr W. F. Boland) said that three industries starting had been responsible for the only increase in population, and if Waimate was to go ahead they must encourage more to come. “We don’t want more competition in existing business, but we want new industries,” he said. “In the present case we need young girls to volunteer for the work.” He suggested a personal canvass, declaring that there were plenty of girls wanting jobs. “They will not apply in writing,” said Mr R. McDonald. Mr D. Keyes proposed that those present should approach the parents of girls likely to take up the work. This suggestion was adopted. Mr Boland then asked if anyone had further suggestions for new industries. “Everyone knows we need them for progress,” he said. Mr R. McDonald assured the meeting that a footwear firm was inquiring into the prospect of starting a factory in Waimate. Mr De Joux said that a chocolate factory was lost because they had no one to push the matter at the right time. It had now been started in Oamaru. Mr Boland said there was great difficulty in Waimate in getting the secretarial work done for things of this nature. Until they could find someone to do the work all their efforts would be futile. The Progress League had gone out of existence for that very reason. The formation of a businessmen’s committee on Rotary Club lines was suggested by Mr Blackgrove. On one day each week they could have lunch together and discuss such problems as new industries or anything else for the progress of the town. At the present time there was a keenness among the young businessmen for such a body and he had no doubts about its success if adopted.

Mr Keyes. said there was a feeling among the businessmen for such a body. There was a great chance now for establishing a junior Chamber of Commerce or similar body. Mr I. Schrader contended Chat the lack of a secretary was the big handicap, They needed an energetic man for they did not want another failure like the Progress League. After several suggestions had been put to the meeting, Mr G. F, Hewson said they should see the local organisations telling them what it was proposed to do and at a later meeting form the actual organisation. With the added support it would get a greater kick-off. There was some discussion of the name to be given to the body, ana it was pointed out that as the businessmen had no actual body to look after their interests they should form an association. This was agreed to and it was resolved to meet again on Monday. Licensing Committee The quarterly meeting of the Waitaki Licensing Committee, held in the Waimate Courthouse, was brief. Mr G. G. Chisholm, S.M., presided, and members present were Messrs A. R. Cooper and E. Macdonald. Applications for transfers were granted as follows:—William Maurice Smith, Masonic Hotel, St. Andrews, to Robert James Frost; Charles Clark, Georgetown Hotel, Georgetown, to Thomas Robert McGregor; Charles Hammond Donald, Waitaki Hotel, Kurow, to David Samuel Angus Weir. Farewell Social Long associations with a number of local organisations and service to the community in various spheres were mentioned by the speakers at a social evening at which Mr and Mrs C. G. Holmes were entertained on the occasion of their departure from Waimate to take up residence in Christchurch. The programme included a number of concert items. The Mayor (Mr W. F. Boland) presided. Canon A. H. Acheson spoke of the long association of Mr and Mrs Holmes with St. Augustine's Church in Waimate. The speaker expressed thanks to the guests for the good work they had done in the various organisations. Parishioners joined with other members of the community in the expression of good wishes for the future. Mr Holmes would be much missed on the golf links, said Mr T. A. Wilson, who also spoke of services given to educational affairs in Waimate as a member of the High School Board of Governors. The speaker said that Mr Holmes had been a member of the Golf Club since 1904. Although he was not one of the original players, he had been a tower of strength to the club. Mr F. J. Henshaw spoke of the interest taken in the work of the A. and P. Association and the Caledonian Society by their guest. Members of the latter society, he said, had shown appreciation of long service by making Mr Holmes a life member. “Mr Holmes will be able to enjoy privileges to the full should he return to Waimate at a later date.” Mr Henshaw added.

The cordial relationship which had existed as between fellow practitioners was mentioned by Mr E. B. Fraser, whose added comments on the guest’s racing knowledge and interests were endorsed by Major N. A. Rattray. Mr Holmes had been a supporter of racing activities in Waimate for many years. The Mayor said that both Mr and Mrs Holmes had given long service to various organisations for many years, and had taken a full share in the activities of the community generally. All would regret their departure, which entailed a considerable loss to the town. “They have left a fine record wherever they have served,” added the speaker, in expressing best wishes for their future. The presentation of an envelope con-

taining a tangible expression of appreciation and good wishes was made by the Mayoress (Mrs W. F. Boland) In reply, Mr Holmes thanked the speakers and others present for their expressions of regard, and said he felt considerable regret at the severance of many happy associations. Mrs Holmes and himself would look back with the warmest of recollections to the years they had spent in Waimate and the friendshios they bad formed. Songs were contributed by Miss Colville. Messrs A. McLay and D. Mclnnes and instrumental numbers by Messrs D. Jones and Blackman. Welcome Rain A little more than two inches ot rain fell on Tuesday and Wednesday A heavier fall occurred along the foothills, Mr J. w. Armstrong recording 2.86 inches at Hunter. The breaking of the drought relieves a serious situation for farmers, as growth was going back and prospects for the season were causing concern. A fall of snow coated the hills in the vicinity of Mount Studholme.