Manawatu Herald. FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 1879. A BUSINESS ASSOCIATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume II, Issue 2, 29 August 1879, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 1879. A BUSINESS ASSOCIATION.

We would suggest to the businlss men of Foxton the desirability of forming an association for then- mutual protection. In all towns matters are constantly arising which need co-operation amongst business people. Jm present no organisation to promote and secure this exists here. All cities have their Chambers of Commerce and similar institutions, which exert an immense influence in conserving the mercantile interests of the place. If the wharf management is not good, or if railway charges are excessive, or if certain public works are required, these bodies on behalf of the business portion of the community, represent thek wants to the Government, or other authorities, generally with the best results. In a shipping port like Foxton such an asrociation might do incalculable good. We do not say airs should be assumed, and a high-soundjhg title adopted. That course would only lead to ridicule. But we assert that the banding together of the busings people of the place to represent flreir wants and grievances to !)he Government, would be productive of great good. A newspaper can ventilate a grievance, but a letter directly bringing the matter under notice of the Government, must be more effectual. An individual naturally shrinks from taking upon himself the onus of communicating with the authorities upon matters of public importance. Where this is done, however desirable, bilious people are apt to write it down as " officiousness." But such action would naturally come within the province of a Business Association, and we believe would carry weight with the Government. In one or two cases united action of the kind we suggest has been taken, and with good results, the business men of the place having met and forwarded their views to the . authorities. What we suggest is that \ueh co-operation should be made permanent, and say monthly meetingt* held. The interests of the businesswomen of the town are closely bound up, and we trust the suggestions -we have thrown out will be acted upon.