Page 24 Advertisements Column 2

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20887, 19 August 1939, Page 24 (Supplement)

(INCORPORATED) Announces its Annual General Meeting on TUESDAY, August 22, in Centreway Tearooms, at 8 p.m. All members and intending members are cordially invited to attend. Mr A. G. Ward, president of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce presents the annual report as under: The membership of the Chamber has during the past year shown an increase from l>r> lo 112. It is gratifying io know that more citizens arc appreciating- the organisation provided by the Chamber, J»ut for a town of the size, importance and prosperity of Hamilton, a greater degree of support is essential. The Chamber is the only body which, divorced from all suggestions of politics, is representative of every phase of business and professional fife. Indeed, the Chamber goes beyond this, since it functions also as a Progress League working for the betterment of the town and district and every person engaged in business, whether on his own account or as an employee, is invited An innovation was made this year in holding general meetings quarterly. it is felt that by frequent open meetings members will be kept more closely in touch with the Executive, and will have a more frequent opportunity of giving expression to their views and ideas. An important step was taken during the year in applying for affiliation with the Associated Chambers of New Zealand, thus linking the local body with similar bodies throughout the Dominion. The object in doing so was threefold, firstly to have a widely representative and influential body to which any suggestions or matters affecting our members may be referred, secondly to keep the business people of Hamilton in touch with the opinions and commercial activities in other parts of the Dominion, and lastly to afford an opportunity of bringing Hamilton and its advantages to the notice of all the larger commercial centres of New Zealand. It is hoped that members will take full advantage of the organisation afforded by this body. The Chamber has also affiliated with the South Auckland Country Chambers of Commerce. This body is representative of Chambers of every town in the Waikato and in addition Paeroa, Tauranga, Rotorua and Te Kuiti, and it provides an efficient organisation to deal with any matter affecting the Waikato as a whole. A quarterly meeting is to be held in Hamilton in September, when members will be invited to attend. Among the many matters dealt with the following may be mentioned : Import Regulations. —The administration of the restrictions concerning importations was discussed on several occasions, and a protest was lodged, particularly in regard to the earlier regulations. Later in the year the opinion was placed before the Government that the restrictions were having a detrimental effect on New Zealand credit overseas, and that lo re-establish funds in Ureal Britain every effort should be made to foster our primary industries. Representations were made in support of one member as a result of which his application for the importation of raw materials was granted. Secondary Industries. —ln view of the expansion of New Zealand industries the advantages which Hamilton could offer as a manufacturing centre were placed before the Minister of Industries and Commerce with an offer to assist in any way possible in establishing industries locally. This possibility is one which should be kept in mind in the future. Centennial Programme. —The Chamber took the initiative in arranging for the calling of a public meeting by the Mayor to discuss fitting celebrations in 1040. A Committee, on which the Chamber is represented, was set up, and its decisions will shortly be made known. Every member is urged to make the Centennial memorials and functions successful both by financial support and even more important by personal enthusiasm. Any suggestions by members in regard to Centennial functions will be welcomed. Frankton Station. —This matter has been continually brought before Hie notice of the authorities and all members will be thankful to know that there at last appears to be sonic prospect of something being done, which will remove the present bugbear of a busy railway passing through the town and almost impossibly inconvenient passenger facilities at Frankton. The Minister of Railways was advised that in the opinion of the Chamber the new station should be called '‘Hamilton Junction.” The lack of warning signals at the present crossings was again brought to the notice of the Department and the Borough Council, and a signal was erected at Grey Street as an outcome. Air Services. —Representations were made to have Hamilton included in the air route from Auckland to Gisborne, but we were advised that nothing could be done until the aerodrome was improved, whereupon a service would operate at Rukuhia. All information received was passed on to the Hamilton Borough Council, and it is gratifying to know that when the Airport Bill, now before the House, has been passed the conversion of the present aerodrome into an up-to-date airport will be commenced. Broadcasting Station. —A request was made that a Broadcasting Station be established in Hamilton, it being pointed out that with over 100,000 people resident within a radius of 50 miles, a station was warranted on the grounds of service in an emergency, broadcasting of local affairs and events, and the encouragement of local talent. A reply was received from the Minister stating that the request will receive consideration when the next station is authorised. Post Office. —General satisfaction is felt at the excellent progress being made with the erection of the new Chief Post Office. The Chamber was honoured by my being invited to speak at the laying of the foundation stone. Licensing Act. —Further efforts have been made with a view to the Licensing Act being amended to provide for a redistribution of licenses, and for existing licenses to provide adequate accommodation for growing populations. Considerable interest is now being manifested in many parts of the Dominion, and it is hoped that these muchneeded reforms will before long receive legislative attention. Freight Rates. —After years of effort by many organisations railway, freight rates have at last been adjusted, doing away with the preference which the large seaports enjoyed as distributing centres, and, being now placed on the same footing Hamilton should progress as a distributing centre to those places which, although beyond Hamilton, formerly found it cheaper to freight their requirements from Auckland. Unfortunately, however, the new rates have also meant many tariff increases and the Department is to be met with a view to having further anomalies reviewed. Holidays.— Members of the Chamber took the initiative in deciding upon the closing days in connection with the Christmas and New Year Holidays. Defence. —Members were addressed by Colonel R. D. McFarland upon the defences of New Zealand and the members of the Council resolved that they support the principle of compulsory training. Tax Returns. —The Commissioner of Taxes requested to simplify the present bulky tax return forms by supplying income returns to those requiring them only, to supply a simple nil declaration for the great majority who have no income other than their wages or salary, and lo exempt other income up to £5 from tax with a view, to avoiding the making of returns by those whose only other income is a small amount of interest on a Savings Bank account. Hamilton East Picture Theatre.— The Chamber supported in principle an application for a theatre in Hamilton East, but in the opinion of the Minister, Hamilton is adequately served with picture theatres already.

" v ' w ' mat wmm m as* '. w~s ■• «« Interior view of auction sale in progress in Hamilton City Markets. TURNERS & FOWS LTD. HAMILTON. We are Members of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.