GARAGE PROPRIETORS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 186, 7 August 1936, Page 4

GARAGE PROPRIETORS

PRESIDENT’S TOUR SOUTH ISLAND VISITED "EXCELLENT NEW CAR TRADE” Accompanied by his wife, Mr. E. Merewether, of Wanganui, president of the New Zealand Garage Proprietors’ Association, recently made a two weeks’ tour of the South Island on association business. Speaking to a “Chronicle” reporter yesterday, Mr. Merewether said that the idea of the trip was to visit the South Island associations. Successful meetings were held at Christchurch, Dunedin, Invercargill and Oamaru, and one could not but be impressed by members’ enthusiasm with regard to their active business interests which, indeed, was refreshing. Mr. Merewether said that there was a general feeling of optimism throughout the motor trade in spite o* a little apprehension regarding the introduction of the 40-hour week. The decision that mechanics should be permitted to work 40 hours over six days was a concession and meant that a continuous service for motorists could be carried on. Used Car Problem, "The trade in new cars is excellent,” declared Mr. Merewether, “but we are always faced with the used car problem. As a result of the number of new cars being sold throughout the Dominion this problem is tending to become very acute and requires careful consideration by the trade in general. .