COMMERCE CHAMBER.

Waikato Times, Volume 110, Issue 18392, 28 July 1931, Page 11

COMMERCE CHAMBER.

THE ANNUAL MEETING.

CONDUCT OF EXAMINATIONS. COMMERCIAL CERTIFICATES. The annual meeting of the Hamllton Chamber of Commerce was Held last evening, the president, Mr D. Seymour, presiding. Commenting upon the annual report and balance sheet, Mr Seymour pointed out that a small excess ovei expenditure was disclosed on the year’s working. Subscriptions had 'been well up to standard but it api neared that they would have to canvass I in the coming year lo maintain their I position. It was gratifying to note, | Mr Seymour added, growing appreciai tion by the public of the relationship between legislation and private affairs. Appreciation of the ,services tendered the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce by the retiring president, Mr D. Seymour, was voiced by several members. Mr A. Sandford, the chairman of the sub-committee, appointed to consider the advisability of the -Hamilton Chamber undertaking the conduct of local examinations for Commercial Education Certificates explained that these examinations were inaugurated by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce in 1929 and were continued by that body in 1930. It bad been suggested to the Associated Chambers that they take over the future conduct of these examinations but owing to tlie many responsibilities of that iboijy at t-htt present 'time, it was felt that in the meantime the Wellington Chamber should continue to undertake the work. The examinations might be conducted locally by any other chamber and in 1930 many chambers availed themselves of the opportunity to conduct local examinations in cooperation with the Wellington Chamber.

Tile examinations held so far had met with great success. In 1929 there were 282 candidates and in 1930 562 sat,

To date the responsibilities Of the Wellington Chamber had been: Appointment of examiners, cost of preparing and printing papers, payment of examiners, postages, cheeking of papers, advising results to candidates, cost of syllabus and general instructions, and issue of certificates (which can be overprinted with a local chamber’s name). The responsibilities of local chambers were: To provide room for examinations, appoint presiding officers and supervisors, attend to any local advertising, appoint competent readers and provide blotting paper and pins.

The local chambers receive entries and entrance fees and to meet local costs a proportion of fees collected were remitted by Wellington. It was Intended that in future equitable arrangements would be made as regards finance.

“In discussing the advisability of this chamber undertaking the conduct of local examinations," said Mr Sandford, “your sub-committee collaborated with Mr Fraser, Principal of the Hamilton Technical School and Mr W. 11. Paul, Chairman of the Board of that school. It was learned from these gentlemen that their school would welcome the advent of the examination and also that a room to conduct the examination would be available. “Tiie matter was exhaustively discussed from all angles and it was recognised that the value of the examination and the certificate attached thereto far outweighed the responsibilities and liabilities that the chamber will have to undertake. To the employer and the employee ID is certificate of competence must be of value and to the aspiring employee its possession must carry weight with the prospective employer.

“Your sub-committee therefore recommend to this chamber that it undertake the conduct of local commercial examinations as outlined and that a sub-committee of this chamber be set up for this purpose with power to act. It may bo added that the question of awards (other than the certificate) for successful competitors rests with the local chamber."

Mr Seymour in seconding the adoption of the report stressed the importance of the movement. The difficulty of obtaining efficient stenographers and typists was also touched upon by the speaker, who considered that the proposal outlined would do much to alleviate the existing state of affairs.

The adoption ,of ithe report was carried unanimously.

Election of Officers,

President, Mr \V. Seavill; vicepreskivmits, Messrs u \. "Sandford, D. Seymour, F. li. Calpham; executive, Messrs E. V. Stace, A. 11. Tompkins, A. M. Bisley, F. H. Ulapham, E. A. Tiseh, F. \V. Mead