New Britain herald., 1915-10-28

1 vestigation, for the benefit of the en- tire membership of the Chamber was installed. The purpose of this bureau is to investigate upon request, all | applicants for cash or other dona- l tionS, and the solicitors making such | applications, to determine if the ob- l jects and solicitors are worthy of sup port. Many investigations have been | made, and in many cases, have been proven unworthy of support. The Chamber is affiliated with some organization in nearly every city of any size where information in re- gard to projects reported to be from any particular section can be investi- gated promptly.
 Opinions obtained from business men by others than officers or em- ployes of the Chamber have been that reduction in application for dona- tions has been at least fifty per cent. since this service was started. Vol untary statements have been made by two large business houses that their dues have been saved in two months by this service rendered by the Cham Der.
 Manufacturers.
 From time to time, bulletins have 
 been sent out to manufacturers, giv- ing special information which has come to the attention of the Cham Der, through it's affiliations and gov ernment bureaus. Through it's aff1lia- tion with the Chamber of Commerce of the U. S. A., whose headquarters are in Washington, the Chamber is able to render a very important ser vice to manufacturers and others who desire information in regard to vari- ouS questions which can be secured in Washington. The national cham Der is closely associated with all the departments of the federal govern ment and has facilities for giving in- formation superior to those had by any other organization or service bu- reau. Special information on almost any subject can be secured promptly.
 some time ago, two or the large manufacturers brought to the atten- tion of the chamber, a difficulty in express service which one of their customers in the middle west was having in securing material from New Britain. AS the manufacturer bring ing this to our attention has a traf- fic department of his own, possibly he desired to test the ability of the chamber to investigate such matters. It was found that this customer has having difficulty in securing prompt express service from the large manu- featuring concerns in New Britain. Tn short time, the chamber made report to the customer and to the two New Britain manufacturers, show ing the principal difficulty. An agreement was secured from the ex- press company for a change in hand ling of these shipments which would remove considerable of the difficulty. Different routings were also suggest ed, which would insure better service.
 "An exhibit of the department of foreign and domestic commerce of hardware sold in South American countries was held in the chamber of commerce rooms. An expert of the department was present to explain all matters in connection with the hard ware trade in South America, and many of our New Britain manufac- turers, as we'll as those from sur rounding towns and cities, visited the exhibit during the two days on which it was held.
 Tt is probable that an Industrial or manufacturers bureau will be or ganized early in the new year.
 Information Bureau.
 During the year, a considerable amount of time has been devoted to the accommodating of material in perfecting an information bureau. Much information has already been accumulated and tabulated for the use of our members, and the public at large. Much special information for the use of committees has also been accumulated.
 "A library of federal and state re- ports, bulletins, census and other pub lications has been collected, which we are rapidly adding to from week to week so that a large amount of valuable information is on file at all times for the use of those who desire l it.
 "As I have already stated, our af- filiations are such that special in | formation can be secured from almost | any locality at short notice and, | should any member desire immediate | information on an important matter | and be willing to stand the expense of l telephone or telegraph charges, al- most immediate service can be rem dered.
 Outing.
 On July 21, the chamber of com merce held it's first outing, which was successful and much enjoyed by those