CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Waipa Post, Volume I, Issue 27, 18 July 1911, Page 2

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

As we anticipated, the proposal to establish a Chamber of Commerce at Te Awamutu has, on the matter being taken in hand, met with the whole-hearted support of residents throughout the town. A largely-signed requisition has been prepared asking that a meeting be held to consider the proposal, in view of which, a meeting will be held in the Town Hall to-morrow (Wednesday) evening at 8 p.m. With this proposal so far in hand, and from the enthusiasm that is being sbowh, there can be little doubt but that the meeting will be largely attended, and the matter discussed and a definite decision arrived at. Te Awamutu is now beginning to take its stand among the leading towns of the Waikato, and is realising the need .of the many consequent necessities which are always in evidence in ail progressive towns. Who better able to cope with the demand than the people of Te Awamutu themselves ? The residents are not only willing but anxious to further the interests of the town, but a great deal of effort has fallen just short of success for want of co-operation and combination ; but, thanks to the move to establish the Chamber of Commerce, we may reasonably expect to see such organisation as will place all the required improvements to our town within our reach. We have little doubt but that to-morrow will see a most enthusiastic meeting, resulting in not only the forming of a Te Awamutu Chamber of Commerce, but the first definite step of the public to make Te Awamutu what it lias every right to be —a self-reliant and consequently progressive township. There are those who may - say that such an institution will only usurp the functions of the Town Board, but a moment’s consideration will show the shallowness of such reasoning, or rather want of cogent reasoning. The Town Board consists of citizens who have their own affairs, as well as those of the public, to attend to, and it is scarcely fair, not to say very short-sighted on the part of the residents, to “ sit tight ” and do nothing, leaving the Town Board io carry the whole of the load. A Chamber of Commerce could filter a lot of detail work into condensed and concrete form, which would not only save the time of the Board, but it would be valuable as an advisory body in matters which called for other opinions than those of Board members. No argument can be advanced against a committee of the whole or part of our commercial and professional men discussing any question affecting the welfare, of the community, and acting with and in support of those to whom we have given the charge of our affairs. Our town has now arrived at that stage when cooperation, combination, and united action are vitally important. The making or marring of our future is in our hands to-day, for “ this is the tide in our affairs,” and “ fortune ” or “ frost ” depend on the handling during the next year or two. We have no doubt that Te Awamutu will rise to. her responsibilities, and we look with confidence for the benefits which must accrue from a live and properly organised Chamber of Commerce.