OUR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 4435, 13 July 1909, Page 3

OUR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

(To the Editor )

Sir, —It is deeply to bo regretted that our Chamber of Commerce has to all intents and purposes fallen through, and why it is difficult to understand ? The gentlemen who were nominated all held property, and it certainly was to their interest to do all in their power to assist in forwarding the commercial prospects of tha district. I have heard it stated as one of the reasons why the Chamber of Commerce had not succeeded was because of it interfering with the work of the Borough Council. Now, sir. in my humble opinion this is a groat mistake. In every town of any importance there are two distinct bodies, their interests are entirely separate, while they mutually assist each other in all questions which are in the interest of the district. It is a well-known fact in every community there are a certain class of citizens who will not co ne forward to contest a Borough Election for reasons I need not go into. These men are mostly successful business men whose suggestions the Government are always willing to entertain and treat with respect. If there is one town in the Dominion more than another needs a pushing Chamber of Commerce it is Te Aroha, and with all due respect to the gentlemen who form the present Chamber of Commerce I would suggest they resign and begin again. Let our worthy Mayor call a public meeting of ratepayers and elect a Chamber of Commerce. I should like to see every trade represented, as in that case the Government would have the expert opinion of the wants of the district, and I am sure the suggestions of such a body would be respected by v the Government/ I sincerely hope I am not treading on any person’s corns as I have not the least intention of doing so.—l am, etc.,

John Williams.