The Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13th 1939. WHAT OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ?

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 87, 13 November 1939, Page 4

The Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13th 1939. WHAT OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ?

CANDID criticism of the businesmen of Whakatane is voiced by many visitors to the town, who state that civic pride, .or local patriotism, is practically non-existent. However distasteful the accusation, the surprising part of it is that the average business man is the first to admit it, and unhesitatingly deplores the position, which he claims, holds back the town, its development and -its expansion. The anomaly is all the more puzzling in view of the number of firms, substantial ones, the heads of which are crying out for progress, new amenities and additions, but who are apparently quite content to let it go at that without affording any thing by way of practical assistance. The answer to this state of affairs is briefly 'Where is the Chamber of Commerce?' Such a body is urgently needed in a growing town such as Wha,katane, yet the history of the organisation is not a pleasant one. Apathy, non-co-operation, disinclination to pay membership fees, all these have pl'ayed their part in spelling the death of what should have been a sound and use ful body of businessmen. Approximately twelve months ago the Chamber held its last meeting, when owing to the lack of interest 'it finally flickered out, leaving only the name which was kept alive by one or two stalwarts, who incidentally have accomplished a number of important objectives acting on their own initiative. As far as an active, and representative Chamber of Commerce is concerned, however Whakatane is the poorer, for its absence. What is the reason for this gap? If it is purely selfish disinterestedness then the truth is tragic. If however, it is lack of incentive, or objectives in view, there is some degree of excuse, though from the records of the past it would seem that the Chamber had achieved some very worthy and useful objectives. Is there any reason to sit back now ? Surely such an attitude can only spell decadence and head for disaster and any community entertaining it can start writing 'finish' to its progress. A Chamber of Commerce, is a vital asset, and whether it falls foul of the Borough authorities (though this is quite unnecessary) or not, it is still representative of the voice and opinion of those men most definitely interested in the town. In this way a lead is given to public questions often warmly appreciated by the Borough Council. Composed of businessmen who are striving to make .the town a better place to live in by bringing it up to date, the Chamber is often able to undertake much on its own account. Co-operation us its keynote, and there are a dozen and one separate ways by which it can assist the town's sporting, social and civic activities. Again as the voice of the

community, it is a. ready-made critic of the local authorities, and by way of censure and united effort can often act as a brake in the event of any unpopular measure which the City Fathers may have under consideration. As public men, the Councillors will not, of course object to constructive criticism but would rather welcome it, as an indiction of what the people want. An illustration of what it is possible to do, was furnished not long ago when the chairman (acting in isolated capacity for the executive) was able to convene a public meeting and arrest the rot that had set in, by arousing the community from its apathy with regard to the course of the proposed coastal highway. With so much to be done, and .gifted with a town, which by position and nar ture is de,stined to become an important centre of the future

it is vital to Whakatane to have a Chamber of Commerce,

which will provide the business community as a whole with

a say in its progress, and administration