The Daily News. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1921. CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 November 1921, Page 4

The Daily News. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1921. CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE.

It may be presumed that all business men thoroughly realise that ehamberg of commerce perform a useful and important part, in the well-being of a country, though it is quite possible the public in general do not fully appreciate the work done by these bodies. Trade, commerce and industry are the vital forces of a nation, therefore it is largely due to the keen interest and intelligent comprehension of these chambers that all matters affecting the working activities of national life are smoothed, regulated and stimulated with the single purpose of assisting the people to be prosperous and contented. Under such circumstances, special interest attaches to the annual conference of the Associated Chambers of Commerce, which are invariably marked by outstanding ability in approaching and deciding matters of special importance to all classes of community, but particularly to those engaged in trade, commerce and industry. The conference which concluded at Christchurch on Thursday gave striking proof of concentration and business acumen. It has left a record of good work that cannot fail to produce beneficial results, and the delegates are deserving of the highest.commendation, not only for the excellent example shown in the despatch of their agenda, but also for the propriety of the decisions arrived at. The president (Mr. Martin), when opening the proceedings, reminded, the delegates they were meeting at a time of falling prices, and he struck exactly the right note when he said “he was sure they had unbounded faith in the future of the country, and that the constructive genius of the race would manifest itself in finding a way out of the present difficulties.’' The erux of that remark is to be found in the words, “the constructive genius of the race.” In a time of stress like that which the world has been experiencing of late, it is only constructive genius that can restore national and industrial affairs to normality. Unfortunately it is the few that possess this genius, while the many are equipped only with those two emblems of the jinntdenial and destruction—-which create chaos and disorder, instead of order and progression. Never has there been such an urgent need for constructive genius as at the present time, nor has there ever been witnessed such an array of destructive forces. Yet history has shown conclusively that it is when difficulties and troubles are at their worst the indomitable spirit of the race comes to the fore and battles through to victory, or at least finds a way ou t • In describing the adjustment of wages and taxation as the most serious problems that have to be faced, Mr. Martin was on safe ground, for there can be no appreciable betterment of the present situation until production is not only increased, but the output brought within reach of the financial resources of the people, and that can only be achieved by reducing the burden of taxation

and practising rigid economy. It is not necessary to recapitulate the decisions arrived at by the conference, all of which have been published. They cover almost every department of national activity and affect every section of the community, not omitting the workers, approval being expressed of the principle of profitsharing and payment by results—two important matters that the workers would do well to bring to fruition. The absence of political bias from the discussions, and the businesslike nature of the remits were outstanding features of the conference, and though some of the items lent themselves to more or less academic treatment, the majority were practical and had a decided influence towards solving difficult problems, or advancing the best interests of the country. It does not follow that all the decisions will be productive of the benefits for which they were intended, but the good seed sown will at least have a. chance of growth, especially if fostered by the public.