CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 63, 16 December 1946, Page 5

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT ACTIVITIES OVER YEAR; The following presidential report covering the year’s activities of the Whakatane Chamber of Commerce, will be presented by the president, Mr H. G. Warren, at- the annual meeting on Thursday evening next: Membership: The membership of the Chamber shows a decrease of two. There being eight resignations during the year and six new members joined up. A membership *of 115 for a small Borough is a healthy sign and I appeal to members for their continued support as the Chamber is performing a useful service to the community. Accounts: The financial position of the Chamber is in a healthy condition the total of our assets being £92 17s 2d. Excess of Income oyer Expenditure for the year was £42 Is Id, there being no outstanding subscriptions. 1 Improved Shipping Facilities: Mr W. R.. Boon, Chairman of the Whakatane Harbour Board, very kindly attended the April meeting and addressed members on Shipping facilities and harbour affairs gewexally. Borough Finance: His Worship the Mayor, Mr B. S. Barry, addressed a general meeting of members in July and traced the development of the Borough from Town Board to N its present prosperous state. Figures and facts mentioned by Mr Barry were both interesting and illuminating, and reflect great credit on these gentlemen, who, for m considerable number of years have been entrusted with the administration of Borough affairs.

Education: The Chairman of the Whakatane District High School Committee, Mr J. W. Wilson, and the Headmaster, Mr I. B. Hubbard, addressed members on future development and educational matters. Aero Club: Your Chamber con l vened the, public meeting from which the Aero Club was formed. R.S.A. Queen Carnival: Members of the Chamber gave valuable assistance to the .Old Veterans Section of the R.S.A. Memorial Carnival.

Amateur Boxing: Your Executive Committee convened the meeting from which the new Boxing Association was formed. Three highly successful tournaments have been held throughout the district.

New Post Office and'Access Road: The Chamber is keeping in close touch with the Ministers in connection with these matters.

Crown Lands: The secretary was communicated with/the Minister requesting that he inquire into the development of Crown Lands adjacent to Whakatane. ,

Murupara Branch: This Chamber has received an application for affiliation from Murupara , where a branch has been formed. District Booklet: A sub-committee consisting qf Messrs. C. ,'S. Annstong, C. F. Thomas, E. R. Dillicar and C. W. Good has been working on the production of an appropriate booklet advertising the attractive features of the Borough and County. Some difficulty is being experienced owing to shortage of suitable paper for the publication. Show Amalgamation: I, as President, earnestly appeal to all members to give the Summer and Winter Shows their wholehearted support, as it is only by the enthusiasm of all members of a small community that we-can develop and progress.

Other Activities: Members of the Chamber rendered assistance in erecting stalls for Crippled Children’s Day; St. John Ambulance Day and the selling of Health Stamps. A committee of businessmen headed by the Mayor has been set up for the collection of funds in connection with the Chair of Obstetrics at the Auckland University College. Revised and up-to-date Rural Delivery lists have been issued free of charge to members during the year, and a local branch of the N.Z. National Creditmen’s Association has been formed.

The Passing of a Pioneer: This report would not be complete without reference to our highly esteemed late member, Mr George Brabant. There was nothing our late friend enjoyed better than to take part in the debates held, in this Chamber which he assisted many years ago. We shall miss him, and extend our sincere sympathy to Mrs Brabant and family.

Conclusion: In conclusion, I desire on your behalf to thank those gentlemen were so good as to attend our meetings during the year dresses. I also desire to thank representatives of the Press for their atendance an reports on our activities, and lastly, I wish to thank our energetic secretary for attending so promptly to the business of the Chamber.