Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-04-13

Of achievements in its first year. That
is why the Chamber Of Commerce is
based on a three-year period to begin
with. He pointed out the reasons why
the Chamber of Commerce has come
to stay both locally and countrywide,
and he asked the question. where
would Augusta stand in the rank of
Chamber of Commerce as working
organization"
Round Table Discussion
The meeting was then turned over
TO round table discussion of Chamber;
of Commerce activities which are most
important in this city. Ernest \. Gray,
superintendent OF the Eaton shoe fac
tory, stated that in his opinion the
housing problem was the most impor-
tantsand he spoke of the great de-
mand for houses and apartments in
Augusta
James +. Bagley, secretary of the
State Board of Charities and Correc-
tions, spoke of the advantage of the
Chamber of Commerce as a substitute
for the New England town meeting in
communities where, on account Of their
size that form of government has been
abandoned. 1t provides a splendid
opportunity for people to get together
to discuss community affairs
Rev A. Francis Walch pastor of the
Universalist church. spoke of the big
idea behind the whole Chamber of
commerce movement, that of colIec-
tive influence. And he pointed out
that Augusta needs a collective inf1u-
ence that will function in such mat
ters as the housing problem. etc.
Harry H. Pierce called upon Secreta-
~ Clarke of the Augusta Chamber to
say a few words about the financial
condition of the Chamber of Com
merce which he thought would be of
interest to all He said he had been
surprised when he had learned of such
good condition financially of the or
ganiZation
Secretary Clarke
secretary Clarke stated that this
was not the annual meeting of the
Chamber..and regarding the financial
SITUATION, he said that although at the
end of the year an audited report
VIII be sent to all members. for the
present he would say that the total
Indebtedness of the organization was
less than $4,000. which would be
ABOUT the total indebtedness at the
end of the fiscal year.
Mr.. Clarke then stated that he be-
heved in preserving Augusta the
American type of a city that we have,
pointing out that here the people are
about 80 per cent. American citizens.
lie spoke of the ACCESSIBILITY of care
fully investigating the conditions of
the workers of any industry that
might think of coming to Augusta to-
locate. And he said that his idea was
not TO bring in new industries simply
tod oublethe population of the city.
Tic spoke of the need of the city ,ex-
tending beyond it's city lines.
Concerning the Chamber of Com
merceactivities during the past nine
months, he said that he had no apol-
ogy to offer. He spoke of the change
IN feeling on the part of some people
toward the organization-a change
first from opposition to indifference.
and in the past three months from
indifference to keen interest and a.
desire to be of service. He said that
this was very healthy sign and that
ne had no fear for the future Of the
Chamber.
In closing his address, Secretary
Clarke announced the following pro
gram for the Chamber of Commerce
stock taking week: Today at 1245.
meeting of the merchants at weev
er's restaurant: 8 p. NJ. today. meet
ing OF the women of the Chamber of
commerce at City hall. Thursday:
l2.45 +. M. meeting of teams at
viewers restaurant: p. NJ. meet
ing OF directors. Friday: 7.30 p. M
Interest group meeting on Good
Roads.
me meeting gave everyone in at
tendance an opportunity to learn
more concerning the methods, aims
and progress Of the Chamber of
commerce, and it proved most pro
ntapie. and during the addresses
number Of speakers paid fine tributes
TO Secretary Clarke for his most ,f.
'icient work III the Office which he
holds