A Diligent Chamber of Commerce.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3614, 23 December 1905, Page 3

A Diligent Chamber of Commerce.

TO THE EDITOR OP THE MANAWATU HERALD. Sir, —May I crave space in your valuable paper to sound a note of warning to the people of Foxton, as to their own interest.

Some six months ago a Chamber of Commerce was formed, the project met with general approval, and I for one thought that we had done the one thing necessary for the welfare of the town. There can be no question that it was a move in the right direction, but I am sorry to say that the people who at the inception seemed to take such interest in the project have quite forgotten the matter. I am warranted in this statement by facts, as the following will bear me outAt our last quarterly meeting, out of a membership of 44, we had the appalling number of six members that attended the meeting, I would ask why is it that people are so dead to their own interests in a matter that so materially effects the interests of the town. Is it through the lack of interest shown by the Press ? I certainly do not know whether a representative of the Press has been asked to our meetings or not; in any case had they chose to do so they could have been present, and so let the public know what we were trying to do, but with little success without we get the support of the people. Why is it that men in business are so dead to their own interests? I have used the term “men in business ’’ in contradistinction, because if they were business-men they would be alive to their own interests, and I take it, Sir, their interest would or should be in the progression of our town. Prosperity to the town means prosperity to the people. Are we satisfied to remain as we are, or are we to progress with the times; we are at least 40 yeaVs behind any town that I know of in New Zealand, for the simple reason we are to apathetic, and so let other towns get ahead of us. There are some who know the requirements of the place and are doing their best to get the place ahead, but what is the use of the few ;we want the many. Let us see if I am not right in my statements. We have one of the most valuable assets in the shape of a river, but it requires attention, and we must get control of all its resources ; this is one thing that is absolutely necessary, and for more reasons than one, as I have been assured that if we do not get to work the Palmerston people will. Do we fully understand the importance and significance of the statement. Are we through our neglect to allow this valuable asset to slip through our fingers ? Rouse yourselves up and show that you are determined to hold what is your property. Take your stand, let us take the lead ; the people of Palmerston will support us, but if we will not take the lead they will. I ask you again to fight for the good of the town and not let any other body usurp your rights. Surely there are brains enough in Foxton to hold our own, we must have combination —in it is strength. One more appeal to the business men. Surely you can spare one little hour in the month, and put in an appearance at the meetings and give a hand for the benefit of the town and your own interests. At an early date, if you will grant me the space, I will endeavour to show as well as I can ray views as to the requirements of the river and town, from a commercial point of view. Thanking you for your space. I have the honour to sign myself, G. A. Simpson, President Chamber of Commerce.

[We have never been invited to attend Chamber of Commerce mee* ings, but realise that our svfpoit may be oi some use, an;. aotified of same, will be found in attendance.—Ed. M.H.]