CO-OPERATION URGED.

Wairarapa Age, 29 July 1925, Page 5

CO-OPERATION URGED.

FOR WAIRARAPA’S BENEFIT. CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE. A deputation from the Greytown Chamber of Commerce, Messrs J. F. Thompson and J. Meiklq, waited on the meeting of the Masterton Chamber yesterday regarding the formation of an Associated Chamber in the Wairarapa. Mr Thompson thought co-operation of the Chambers for the advancement of matters of Wairarapa interest would be beneficial. Matters such as the Rimutaka were illustrations. The Featherston Chamber had not taken an interest in the proposal, and a Martinborough man had classed Chambers of Commerce as “hot air banks.” In railway matters a general opinion voiced by the Association might convince the Department that it had a duty to the country as well-as to the city. In these and many other’ matters the different parts of the district had a common interest. The district was one, he thought, that had not been properly „ advertised. Wellington knew that Wairarapa was a very wealthy and prosperous district, but it went no further. Taranaki and Auckland were much better known. Taranaki had issued booklets; he had never seen a booklet issued from the Wairarapa. The proposal was that Pahiatua, Eketahuna, Masterton, Carterton and Greytown join, and that a central committee, with a quorum of five, meet at various times and discuss matters affecting the whole district. Mr Meikle said the Chamber of Commerce was recognised as the largest union in the world. It was a chain right round the world. Every small district could not afford to affiliate with associated chambers. In a letter in “The Age” that morning Mr J. W. Kershaw, of Martinborough, said the Power Board would welcome the airing of grievances through the Chamber of Commerce, thus showing that the Chamber was a recognised body. Mr J. Caselberg thought, it was a serious matter that all parts of the district should pull together. He moved that the matter be considered at next meeting. Mr D. Smith thought the scheme well worth considering. The executive would then speak for the whole Wairarapa, instead of bearing a purely local interest. He seconded Mr Caselberg’s motion. The resolution was carried.