BUSINESS MEN'S ASSOCIATION.

Hutt News, Volume 1, Issue 18, 27 September 1928, Page 4

BUSINESS MEN'S ASSOCIATION.

In view of correspondence which, has recently appeared in these columns with. reference to a local institution, enquiring as to the status, membership, objects and other pertinent matters the editor of "The Hutt News" sent a re presentative to wait upon Mr. Justin M, Power to enquire whether he wished to make any statement for publication as to the organisation of which he is President—The Hutt Business Men's Association. Mr. Power at once agreed to give our representative an interview, aud rsost willingly gave the fullest iuCormaliun as to the aims and objects of the l?ve and up-to-date body over which he piesides. "Our membership," said Mr. Power, "is at present 120, and as newcomers are constantly arriving to embark in business in our midst, it vrvl doubtlesa increase. This is only to h*- e.i pelted when the objects we have vi \ lew are fully made known. The chief object of our Association is to make shopping in Lower Hutt attractive and profitable to the public. We want the shopping public to realize that a bright and busy commercial centre in their midst is a considerable asset and tends to create that community spirit which is so essential to progress.

."The efforts of our Executive have been and are unremitting in the interests of the business community, and amongst other matters at present engaging our attention are: Better telephonic facilities for local and city intercommunication; increased lighting for the commercial centre; Main Street sanitation; local commercial credit; local prices, and many other important matters.

Mr. Power continued impressively: '' A point I would like to stress is that it is the Association's affirmed policy that any requests to the Government or Government .Departments shall be made through the proper channel, viz., the local Borough Council; we feel very strongly on this point and 'we also feel that no useful purpose can be served by the great number of direct communications with which Cabinet Ministers and .Government Departments are inundated with from the various parocliial associations in this district.''

Questioned as to the intentions of the Association as to '' Shopping "Week the President was most emphatic as to the prospects of a most successful time. In, Ms own words: "The wheels of the organization are now well in motion to ! provide the shopping public of Lower Hutt with one of the finest carnival ! weeks ever produced in this Valley. There will be exhilirating fun for both young and old and last, but not least, we hope to produce an excellent commeri eial display by the individual shop keepers. We only ask for the hearty co-operation of the residents; we want them to make this tJieir shopping week, and thereby assist to encourage the | efforts of our Association who are right; out to make things a little brighter than | they have been in the past, and to try and produce that, without which, life lis hardly worth living, that is a real, ! true, honest to God, Community Spirit.'' "I would be grateful if you will allow me to conclude with an urgent message to every resident in the Hutt Valley as follows: —It is up to you citizen, you do your part and leave the rest to us. "Why spend your money in the City, anyway? We can supply the goods an 3 at the right prices; this business of shopping in the City is only a habit. The Association ask you to change it and give the local man a chance. "If you see any weakness in our local shopping system don't tell others; tell us and we guarantee to have it rec tified. All communications on thih question addressed to The Secretary, Lower Hutt, will be treated as strictly confidential and will receive urgent and personal attention. "In conclusion, may I on behalf of the Association, remind you that if you fail to do your duty to those who are endeavouring- to serve you, the Commercial Community must fail and without a successful, contented Commercial Community, it simply means goodbye to the progress of your Garden Suburb.' '