CENTRAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 154, 19 March 1918, Page 6

CENTRAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MONTHLY MEETING. Mr. C. M. Luke presided at yesterday's meeting of the Wellington Central Chamber of Commerce. A letter was received advising that the British Engineers' Association was prepared to ."ender assistance to members of the Chamber by providing on request information in regard to engineering matters. The secretary was instructed to reply thanking the association for its offer. On tlio motion of the chairman tlio council resolved to ask as many members of the Chamber as could make it convenient to be present at the public meeting to he held at the instance of the Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke) to protest against ihc return to Gfrhiany of her old possessions in the South J'i'cific, or any of her old colonies. The executive reported that they had no recommendation to make in legard to a request by the New Natives' Association for assistance in their project for the erection 'of a memorial hall to soldiers. The chairman said that, it was more a matter for the attention of individuals than ilim Chamber. ,

The executive reported in favour of altering the articles of association of the Chamber, to provide for separata representation on the council for Potone and Lower Hutt. It was resolved that the articles should be altered accordingly.

It was decided to distribute pamphlets in connection with the Workers' Educational Association which had been forwarded to the Chamber. On this subject the chairman stated that it was a lack of education iliat had brought Russia to its present lamentable pass, and they should do all possible to encourage sound education among all clashes. On tlipt Mibject Mr. L. A. Edwards said he was interesting himself personally in the movement, and he hoped that all members of the Chamber would attend the classes, which were for business men as well as the workers. He quoted President Wilson, saying that lie (the President) did not believe in the specialist, as it narrowed a man down to one subject—to one ;;roove of work and thought. He believed that every man should have the chance of a, general education; that all should have a knowledge of economics; 'ind advocated- that men should have a sound idea of economies before being allowed to submit themselves as'candidates for Parliament. Other members signified their full approval of the movement. A communication from the Pctone branch, dealing with the epiestion of the sugar shortage in 'Wellington, was i taken in committee.