COMMERCE DELEGATION

Evening Star, Issue 22453, 25 September 1936, Page 3

COMMERCE DELEGATION

ENTERTAINMENT IN DUNEDIN LABOUR MAN OBJECTS TO 11 GOOD TIME " Objection to the Harbour Board contributing towards the fund to entertain the Empire Chambers of Commerce delegates on their forthcoming visit to Dunedin was made by a Labour member (Mr D. Copland) at last night’s meeting. He said he had no objection to tho visitors having a good time so long as it was not at the public’s expexxse. Reporting on a letter from the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce making a special appeal for a contribxxtiou to-wai-ds the expenses of entertaining those to tho fox-thcoming Chaanber of Commerce Congress who may visit Dunedin, the Standing Committee recommended that tho sum of £lO he given. “ I am going to protest,” said Mr Copland. “ I am rather surprised that axx organisation like tho Chamber of Commerce should apply to this body for a donation of £lO to give these felloxvs fi'om the Old Country a good tinxe. I have no objection to their Having a good tinxe, but I do not think they should have it at our expense. Ido not like to say too much about it, seeing that our chairman represents the board on the chamber.” Mr Copland said it would bo interesting to hear the views of Mr F. E. Tyson, as this was a donation request. “ I know,” was the only reply from Mr Tyson, who opposes certain donations in season and out, and was not to be drawn on this occasion.Mr J. B. Waters (chairman) said tlxe City Council was making a considerable donation tor the purpose, and a number of firms was also sub-, scribing- ' On previous occasions the board bad entertained visitors by providing a harbour excursion, which cost a great deal more than £lO. The board was not being asked to provide an excursion for the Chamber of Commerce visitox-s, and was “getting off” very lightly with a grant of £lO. Mr Copland: But you might invite them down for a ride in the tug. Mr D. F. H. Sharpe: We can tie your hands and prevent an excursion. Mr Waters said a full programme for the visitors was already mapped out. It was not a question of giving them a good time, bxxt of doing credit to the city in tho way of public entertainment. Mr Sharpe: It is a question of reciprocating. It costs a certain amount and somebody has to foot the expense. The recommendation was adopted.