CANVASSING OF BUSINESSMEN

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 45, 5 February 1943, Page 4

CANVASSING OF BUSINESSMEN

THE remarks of a speaker at the recent meeting called by the Mayor for the consideration of the 1943 Patriotic quota, provide food for serious thought. We refer to the mention of the fcanvassing of businesses in Whakatane for the purpose of soliciting money for the town's war effort. In this matter, Whakatane has been spared consistently in the past. As a town it is not called upon in this direction to half the.extent of other centres. This is in some repects a blessing, but when patriotic objectives are under consideration there should be no hesitation whatsoever in approaching the business nouses of the town with.- 1 out exception. In most instances the money subscribed does not come from the individual donor, but is deducted from the annual turnover of the firm concerned. With the recognised healthy state of public spending which obtains at the present time the donation of a few pounds from these sources should constitute no hardship whatsoever. Nor should the agency firms, banks and chain stores be exempted. Each of these draws a splendid turnover from trade received in this town and it is therefore encumbent upon each to give a little in return towards the town's war effort. Too much reticence regarding these facts, has in the [past given rise to a fashion of abstinance which is neither necessary nor fair to tliose other businessmen who with limited establishments give consistently and liberally to every worthy cause.