Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1897-03-18
Business Mems Association.

''''N IL CbSIp NCh, u hlCSbIhS VI IlIO
Business Mems association of Grand
Rapids and Centralia was held in the
business mems rooms, Centralia, Tues
day evening, March Is. The attend
ance, though small, was composed Of a
number of our leading citizens and
some business of importance was con-
sidered. The session was called to
order by Vice President F. J. Wood.
A report of the financial standing Of
the association was read, showing an
Indebtedness of abont S115 for rent,
lighting. postage, etc. A reference to
the list of 'paying members" revealed
the fact that about thirteen persons
were bearing all expenses of the asso-
citation, while many others who had
signed their names to the articles of
organization and thereby pledged their
support, were not contributing anything.
A lack Of interest has been evident and
the books show disvision of burdens
it was decided to turn the session into
an association funeral, make arrange
ments for the disposition Of debts, and
adjourn side die.
a resolution was presented by Mr.. j.
A. Gaynor and adopted as the sense Of
all present as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Bust
ness Mems association of the cities of
Grand Rapids and Centralia, hereby de-
clare ourselves in favor of the passage
of Bill No. 15S S, and respectfully ask
our representatives in the legislature TO
use their influence in favor of the pas
sage Of that bill and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies
of this resolution be forwarded to our
senator and member of assembly.
Bill No. 158 S has reference to tele-
phones, and if adopted would force the
long distance phone owners to connect
with our local telephones, and all other
lines, when requested. The sender of
the long distance message, Of course,
standing in the same relation for pay
ment of tolls as if he entered the booth
at the long distance exchange. What
the bill aims at especially is to enable
renters of local phones to use long dis
lance wires from their Office or home
instead Of the necessity Of going out to
the booth. 1t is intended to secure a
transfer Of telephone messages on the
same principle that intersecting lines
of railway are forced to build a switch
or Y and transfer cars from one system
to another.
Some decisive statements were made
concerning the poor electric lighting
service which these cities have enjoyed
so long, and a system of relief was sug-
gested which seemed to meet the ap-
prevail Of all. AS a result the following
motion was presented and adopted by
full vote:
RESOLVED, That cooperative cleo
trio light company of Grand Rapids
and Centralia be organized at once and
that a committee be appointed to draw
up the proper articles of Incorporation
Messrs J. A. Gaynor and F. MacKin-
non were appointed by the chair as
such committee
Before adjournment, a movement
was started toward the organization of
another association on different plan
and with a stronger and more united
membership. 1t certainly seems too
bad that the twin cities should be with
out an active business mems association.
The interests of our towns and of the
community demand it, and we can
point to no stronger argument for the
benefits desired than the prospecting
Wood County Telephone Co. which is
direct result Of the efforts Of the asso-
citation just dissolved. We know not
what moment questions of importance
may arise requiring the concerted action
of our business men. The very matter
of electric lights already under consid-
alton will require some such Organiza
ton and there are a few other things
which are bound to come up very soon.
Messrs. Alex Muir and Frank P. DAILY
have been appointed a committee to
see what can be done toward another
organization, and it is hoped that all
business men will take hold afresh and
give impetus to their efforts so that we
shall stand ready at all times to get in
line with the lively cities that surround
US.