BUSINESS MEN MEET.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5476, 18 September 1929, Page 2

BUSINESS MEN MEET.

LOCAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RESUSCITATION OF BODY. After lying quiescent for some two years the Paeroa Chamber of Commerce took a new lease of life last evening, when a meeting, called by requisition by a number of members, was held in the Coronation Chambers. Mr P. Williams was voted to the chair, and presided over Messrs F. E. Flatt, G. Gamble, J. P. Gamble, C. M. Gee, H. J. Hare, A. F. Jones, W. Marshall, R. N. Robson, R. Wells, and E. Edwards, who volunteered to act as minute secretary in the absence of Mr E. A. Porritt, the secretary and treasurer of the old Chamber, who was absent owing to a prior engagement. In proposing the resurrection of the Chamber the Mayor of Paeroa, Mi’ W. Marshall, said that there was no question of the fact that had forced itself on him of late of how necessary a chamber of commerce in Paeroa was. A chamber was needed to undertake matters which no other body, however willing, could handle. Paeroa as a commercial centre and as a potential centre of much greater trade needed a chamber of commerce very badly to further its interests. Enthusiasm was needed to make it a live chamber,— one which would benefit the commerce and life of the town.

It being unanimously decided to reform and continue the Chamber, the meeting proceeded with the election of officers, which resulted as follows : President, Mr P. Williams; vicepresident, Mr A. F. Jones ; executive committee, Messrs P. E. Brenan, E. Edwards, F. E. Flatt, C. M. Gee, D? Leach, W. > Marshall, R. N. Rbbson, J. McLean, R. Wells ; secretary and treasurer, Mr H. H. Bray. New members elected were : Messrs G. Gamble, C. M. Gee, A. F. Jones, J. McLean, R. N. Robson, and R. Wells. Mr Williams, in accepting the office of president, which he held in the old chamber, said that two years ago it had died for want of enthusiasm. Enthusiasm was now wanted, and he would do his level best in the interests of the Chamber provided everyone helped. Letters of apology for absence, in which the desire to remain members and. aid was affirmed, were received from Messrs P. E. Brenan, S. J. Hedge, L. Cassrels, W. D. Nicholas, C. N. O’Neill, and A. F. Steedmah, while Mr J. McLean, of the Te Aroha Dairy Co., wrote expressing his desire to join and stating that his company had offered a donation to the Chamber’s funds. It was decided that the secretary write to the Registrar of Companies and ask what the status of the Chamber was, as far as registration was concerned, as the Chamber had never actually ceased to exist, although its activities had lapsed. . It was also decided that arrears in membership fees as at March 31, 1929, should be written off, so as to recommence with a clean sheet. Accounts. The balance at the bank showed a credit of £ll 10s 7d, and there was one debt amounting to £2 8s outstanding, payment of which was passed subject to it being found to be correct. Formal business over, the meeting proceeded to deal with questions of interest to the community, details of which appear elsewhere.