COMMERCE CHAMBER

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 3, Issue 667, 20 October 1933, Page 6

COMMERCE CHAMBER

REPORT FOR PRESENTATION AT THE ANNUAL MEETING FINANCES IMPROVE The annual meeting of the Rotorua Chamber of Commerce, associated with the Retail Traders' Association, will be held on Friday, October 27, when the following report will be submitted. Amalgamation of Chamber of Commerce and Retail Traders' Association. As no doubt members are aware the amalgamation was satisfactorily completed and we f eel sure has proved beneficial to business people and the public generally. One of the results is that we have a membership of sixty financial members. The amalgamation necessitated the compiling of new rules; this of course entailed a considerable amount of thought and work early in the year and we wish to thank the president and Mr. Hale for their labour and guidance. Meetings. — Twelve meetings (executive and general) , were held during the year, a pleasing feature being that members showed a keen interest in all matters brought forward for discussion. Closing of Shops, etc. — Many requests were made during the year for alteration of the usual half holiday, but your executive found it necessary to make a hard and fast rule to adhere to the statutory day of closing. Several complaints were received that

unfair methods of trading were being carried on. This meeting was take?* up and a considerable improvement has been brought about. Charges for Telephones. — The question of high charges for telephone rentals was taken up with the Post-master-General, unfortunately up to the present time our efforts have not met with success. Special General Meeting. — During ! the month of May, a visit was paid by the vice-president and secretary of the Associated Chambers, Wellington. Important matters were brought to the notice of the meeting, chief of which was Government interference with private trading. It was pointed out that unfair competition is being carried out by State enterprise. That publicly-owned trading concerns do not pay rates, depreciation, land, income and general taxes the same as private enterprise. Our parent body

in Wellington will leave no stone unturned until existing legislation and regulations governing trade are thoroughly overhauled. Transport. — This matter has received a great deal of attention by members of your executive. They are fully alive to the fact that the Government is endeavouring to eliminate competition by road transport, and your executive quite realises tbat it must continue to act in the interests of business people in tbis connection in the future. Re Mail to Bay of Plenty. — The unsatisfactory mail serviee between Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty has been taken up with the Postmaster-General, and there is every prospect of a considerable improvement in the near future. Re Borough Council Purchases. — On 29th September, 1933, a letter was forwarded to the Rotorua Borough Council pointing out that as business people are heavy ratepayers, they should receive preference for all purchases of goods by the council where possible. Financial. — Members will see from the balance sheet that tlie finances of your association are iti a very satisfactory position, showing a credit balance of £37 7s 7d. Secretary. — Your executive wishes to place on record special thanlcs to Mr. A. Budd for the very efficient manner in which he has carried out his duties during the year,