BUSINESS MEN MEET.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5425, 17 May 1929, Page 2

BUSINESS MEN MEET.

PROGRESSIVE LEAGUE MOOTED FIRST SATURDAY LONG DAY. Last evening a meeting of Paeroa business men was held, primarily to consider how best to make a big feature of the first late Saturday night opening in the town. From opinions voiced at the meeting it was more than apparent how keenly the absence of a Chamber of Commerce is felt in Paeroa to handle this as well as other important matters vitally affecting the borough. Mr E. V. Slyfield, who presided, put before the meeting a proposal to advertise in a special manner through the “Hauraki Plains Gazette” the first Saturday all-day opening, so that every householder in Paeroa, the Hauraki Plains, and various other localities would have the subject presented to them. The meeting was in accord with the idea, but considerable discussion took place as to he best means of preventing duplication, and as to the sum the whole project would involve. It was finally decided to form a committee of three, consisting’ of Messrs C. M. Gee, D. Leach, and E. V. Slyfield, to confer with the proprietor of the “Gazette” as to the best means of advertising and distribution. Subsidised Buses. Mr Slyfield brought forward another proposal for the first night, that of subsidising buses on the night in question from various outlying districts. This suggestion was left in Mr Slyfield’s hands to be gone into further. Mr Gee thought that the Cadets Band might be allowed to turn out on the occasion, and Mr Cassrels, on the request of', the chairman, agreed to make inquiries to that effect. Mr H. V. Cocks’ suggestion that a carnival week be held to further advertise Paeroa was agreeably received, the matter of formulating a scheme being left to him. Progressive League. Mr L. E. Cassrels suggested ‘ the formation of a Paeroa Progressive League, a proposal that met with the hearty approval of all present. Mr G. P. de Castro spoke in support, and voiced the opinion of the meeting. Mr Leach emphasised the need for an active Chamber of Commerce in the town, and suggested, that if it could not be revived it should be taken over or a progressive league take its place. As for the establishing of the latter, he was of opinion nothing could be done that night. The subject needed going into, and could not be done in a few minutes. It should be thoroughly gone into and a proper body formed. Mr E. S. Masters also thought that the meeting could not deal with the matter at the moment. It was not, representative enough. As for the, furthering of the scheme for advertising the first Saturday late night, he was strongly in favour of it; it should be carried out. At the same time, he did not want it to be only one splash. Something permanent was wanted, of a more substantial nature, to make for continual future progress. The forming of a progressive league should be gone into more fully and the town canvassed to make it as representative as possible. The meeting decided to go into the matter thoroughly at a later date, with a view to forming the league suggested.

It was decided to hold the next meeting on Wednesday, the 22nd inst.