CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 136, 9 May 1940, Page 5

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SHORTAGE OF GOODS. LONGER HOURS SUGGESTED. Several matters affecting businessmen and industry generally were discussed at a meeting of the Palmerston North Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday. Mr H. L. Cunningliame presided. The chairman stated that tlio attention of the Government should be drawn to the shortage of some manufactured goods for domestic use, and lie suggested that as a war measure tlio 44-hour week should ho introduced in the secondary industries. At present Dominion manufacturers were a long way behind domestic requirements. Mr W. M. Sexton considered the Associated Chambers -should be asked to carry out a-rapid investigation as to tho ability of local manufacturers to supply goods, and ask for some relaxation in import control to pirovide goods of which the shops were short. It was impossible to place orders for handkerchiefs in New Zealand, and gloves and hosiery were in much the same position. Mr Cunningliame stated that if the hours were increased by four a week the output would increase by approximately 10 per cent. I It was decided to ask the Associated Chambers to investigate the difficulties of obtaining goods and to press for a 44-hour week in industry. THE JUNIOR CHAMBER.

Mr J. B. Smillie, on bolialf of the junior chamber, presented a resolution passed by the latter, as follows: “That m view of the declining interest shown by members of tho junior chamber, probably duo to the war and other conditions, the junior chamber should suspend its activities for the duration of the war.” Mr Smillie explained that there had been declining attendances, and several members had enlisted. The junior chamber recommended that elected members from that body be invited to attend meetings of tho senior chamber. In moving that two elected representatives of the junior chamber be permitted to attend the meetings of the executive of the senior body, Mr J. A. Nash expressed tho view that the junior organisation should bo assisted in every way. Tlio motion was carried. In connection with representations made by the Associated Chambers regarding the Local Government (Amalgamation Schemes) Bill, tho Minister of Internal Affairs (Hon. W. E. Parry) advised that finality regarding the measure was directly affected by the outbreak of war and it became necessary for tho Bill, and other measures which the Government had proposed, to be abandoned for the time being. Whether it would be possible for the matter to be raised again in tho near future he could not say at the moment, as these points were dependent on various factors arising out of the international situation. However, lie would keep the matter in view with the idea of making progress with the legislation when and if an opportunity occurred.—The circular was received. It was decided to forward a letter of congratulation to Hon. P. Eraser on his appointment as Prime Minister.