BUSINESSMEN'S INTERESTS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 68, 27 April 1945, Page 5

BUSINESSMEN'S INTERESTS

LINKING UP WITH ASSOCIATED CHAMBERS

DIVISION OF OPINION

Whether or not the. Wliakatane Chamber of Commerce was justified in linking up with the Associated Chambers of Commerce of New Zealand at an affiliation fee of £12 annually was a point of vigorous debate at tlie meeting held last week, when it was finally decided to approach all existing members suggesting that the annual fee be raised from 10/6 to £1/1/- for the purpose of extending the financial position generally. The president, Mr H. Warren, strongly favoured the move pointing out the broadened scope of the discussion which would ensue as, a result of the information nvhich would be received from time to time in the Association's bulletins. Mr Dillicar thought that the financial position of the Chamber should be strengthened before making such a move. Messrs C. Kingsley-Smith and R. Morpeth opposed the suggestion of joining up on the grounds that Wliakatane had plenty to occupy the Chamber locally in the development of the town without spending £12 a year on an association the powers of which were mos>t limited. At the present time, they contended Whakatane had little or no interests in common with the metropolitan chambers of which the association was largely made up.

Messrs W. Sullivan and A. J. Canning supported the suggestion warmly the former describing himself as amazed at the arguments put forward by the opposition which he hinted smacked of 'parochialism.' He instanced the power of collective action in bringing pressure to bear on the Government to bring about the completion of important public works and contended that there, was. a great deal to be gained by affiliation. Mr Kingsley-Smith asked what powers. ■an Association of Chambers of Commerce with no rating status, and no electoral standing would have with the when the existing Counties ? Hospital Boards and Power Boards j Associations with all the rights in the world to speak for the ratepayers were still unable to move the powers that be, or to accomplish their major objectives? Mr Good thought that the informotion on taxation figures alone would compensate the affiliation fee. It was a most important subject. He was supported by Mr C. F. Thomas. : The decision to increase the annual subscription was carried with a few dissentients*