CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2255, 29 July 1908, Page 2

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

iSUCCESSF U L IN AU GER AL MEETING.

In response to (lie invitation of Mr John Town Icy, a largo number of commercial men mot in the Farmer’s Club room to discuss the advisability of re-forming the Gisborne Chamber of Commerce; which ' becamo extinct about two years ago. Among those present were Colonel Porter, Messrs G. Evans, A. F. Kennedy, A. L. Muir, Preston, Hallimoro, C. F. Ccdorwall, A: Dewing, W. Pettie, F. H. W. Traill, J. AV. Bright, Shierlaw and AY. Morgan. Mr John Townley oocu]iied the chair, 'and said that lie and tlio exsecretary (Air Maude) had taken it upon themselves to call u. meeting to see if the Chamber of Commerco could not be revived so that business men would have a representative body to watch over the commercial and other interests of the people. There were many questions that could bo considered by the Chamber, and he would remind them that tho old Chamber, although now non-existent, owed debts amounting to £l2 15s. The old Chamber once had a little life in it, but the reserving of space at tho Exhibition brought about its death. Ho would liko to hear some expressions of opinion upon the desirability of forming, a vminibor of Commerce lor Gisborne again. Mr J. W. Bright said he had no doubt that a live Chamber of Commerce would have many avenues in which to do good; but he thought it would bo better to have an entirely new Chamber formed and tho constitution and rules revised. He would like to see >a committee appointed to do that work, ami report to a subsequent meeting. Colonel Porter suggested that members 'should first be enrolled.

Mr AV. Pettio said lie agreed with Mr Bright’s suggestion. He thought the liabilities of the old .Chamber should bo taken, over by the new body. Mr Bright’s suggestion was then put before the meeting in tho form of a motion.

Mr Peckover thought the membership should bo opened first. Mr Bright said the old subscription was too small. A new •constitution would have t 0 be drawn up. Mr Bright’s motion was then put and carried.

Mr Pettie thought tho next meet:ug/ should be well advertised, and ■.embers bo informed that at that nn 'ting tho office-bearers would be elected.

The following were appointed on the committee: —Messrs AA r . Pettie, Shierlaw, Bright. Iliach, A. F. Kennedy, Dewing, Traill, and J. Townloy.

Mr Pettie said the committee might also consider the best time for holding meetings. He knew of many business men, whose sympathies were with the movement who had been unable to attend.

Air Peckover suggested that tho subscription should bo fixed, at £1 Is a year and members enrolled.

The suggestion was not adopted. Mr Cederwall suggested that the liability of the old Chamber should be exterminated by those in the room. This was readily agreed to and the amount was promptly subscribed. Air Townley said the meeting had been a most successful one and be hoped it would mark tho establishment of a thoroughly live Chamber of Commerce. The meeting then dispersed.