A Chamber of Commerce

Feilding Star, Volume XIII, Issue 145, 4 June 1892, Page 2

A Chamber of Commerce

The business people of Feilding, and the residents generally, are to be congratulated on the decision arrived at by tliose who met last night in the Foresters' Hall to discuss matters in connection with the trade and commerce of the town and district. A Chamber of Commerce can do much useful work at very little cost or trouble. The members have only one object in view which is the protection of the commercial interests of their district. Such being the case, and from the very fact of their singleness of purpose, the chamber can exercise enormous influence when it is necessary, for any good purpose, to bring pressure to bear on the " powers that be." For example a post office situated in some more central part of the town than the one we now have, and suitable protection, by a verandah, from the weather on the railway platform, are two improvements much wanted. At present our chances of having these things done by the Government and the Railway Commissioners, are very remote indeed, but if our claims for them were urged by a body composed of every business and professional man in the place, they would be treated with respect and consideration and we woulcl soon see the suggested structures in course of eaection. The expense to individual members is very trifling, if we are informed correctly ten shillings a year woulcl be

the maximum cost. A most important point is also, that the business men would be brought into contract with each other at stated, intervals when they would learn to know and respect each other more that at present when their isolation renders that almost impossible, and, not only that, engenders feelings of positive jealousy and dislike, when such feelings ought not to exist. We feel confident that as soon as the scheme is put in working form that the roll of membership will be large, including settlers in the country who, from their former business experience, would be valuable and at the same time welcome acquisitions. Wl2 are pleased to learn that Mr R. 0. Bruce has consented to contest the Rangitikei seat. His reply to the requisition is simple and straightforward and he enters the lists as a pronounced opponent of the present Government. The business of the election may now h& said to have commenced, and we hope it will be conducted on the lines of fairplay and good temper.