DRAPERS & CLOTHIERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 May 1922, Page 7

DRAPERS & CLOTHIERS.

THE TARANAKI ASSOCIATION. TRADE POSITION REVIEWED. At the second annual meeting of the Taranaki Drapers and Clothiers’ -Association, at Hawera last week, there were present: Messrs. P. J. H. White, N. Howell, and the secretary, Mr. C. H. Wynyard (New Plymouth), R. D. Lewers, G. T. Walters, R. H. White, B. Rawles, and W. Amesbury (Stratford), E. H. Harrop, J. C. Gillett, —. Westaway, and C. Murch (Hawera). The secretary of the New Zealand Federation of Drapers (Mr. J. S. Sykes) was also present. The president of the association (Mr. R. D. Lewers) occupied the chair. The chairman’s annual report remarked' that the federation stood for good-fellow-ship among members. The desire generally was to have a higher standard in the drapery and clothing trade. Lack of confidence had passed away, and members met and traded in friendly rivalry. They had passed through a strenuous year, beginning with high stocks, and then, prices came tumbling down. He thought they were getting on firmer ground now, although considerable losses had been made by some traders. Continuing, the president said that during the year it had been his desire that each town in Taranaki should be visited by the executive. There were some difficulties in the way, but eventually these were overcome. The towns visited were New Plymouth, Waitara, Stratford,. Eltham, Hawera, Kaponga, Manaia, and Opunake. Meetings were held in each of these places, and were much appreciated by the drapers and clothiers in the respective towns. Visiting members were always liberally entertained. Mr. Lewers trusted that the same spirit of goodwill would be displayed towards the new president. Referring to other activities during the year, the president remarked that a very successful picnic had been held at Ngaere by the association. He had attended the annual conference of the New Zealand drapers and clothiers at Christchurch, at which various subjects of interest were discussed. Mr. P. J. White, of New Plymouth, represented the association on the advisory’ board. In concluding, the chairman made appreciative reference to the work of the secretary. The finances were touched on briefly by the president, the statement being a satisfactory one. The accounts were adopted on the motion of Messrs. Harrop and White. Officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows: President, Mr. E. H. Harrop; vice-president, Mr. Gillett; committee, Messrs. P. J. White and W. T. Hookham' (New Plymouth), R. D. Lewers and W. Amesbury (Stratford), J. Parry (Waitara), E. C. Goldstone (Eltham), T. P. Hughson junr. (Opunake), C. Murch and —. Westaway (Hawera). The Dominion secretary addressed the meeting at length on the work of the federation. Other matters discussed by the meeting included the question of holidays and dis, counts.