Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-05-27


OF their business and to foster laws
for the protection of both the Gus
toners and the dealers, the 18th An
nual Convention of the Maine Retail
jewelers. Association opened in this
city, Monday morning to continue
through today with morning and at
ternoon sessions and a banquet pro-
gram in the evening.
The Augusta House Is the head
quarters for the retail dealers and
their guests attending the conven-
ton, and the business sessions are
being held in the Senate chamber at
the State House. A splendid pro-
gram of recreational activities and
sightseeing has been arranged for
the ladies. and the jewellers started
Of meetings and conferences which
will continue through today.
Registration occupied the morning
yesterday with the first general ses-
sion Of the convention occurring at
2.30 in the afternoon, at which time
Mayor Ernest l.. Mclean welcomed
the jewelers. to the Capital City.
President Matson Tucker of Portland
presented his address, reports of the
association officers were read and
accepted, and q forceful talk on con-
structive merchandising was deliv-
cred by Harold J.. Thurlow of Bos-'
ton. president Of the Thurlow Adver-
Using Service and director of the
Sale and Advertising Division, of the
Babson Institute, Wellesley Hills,
Mass.
Mayor Mclean
In welcoming the jewelers. to Au,
gusta, Mayor Ernest L. Mclean said
tht he believed q jewelers. associa-
ton must be an association of men
who are dealing in a large measure
with the aesthetic-the making Of
jewelry by taking the thing in the
raw state and developing it. He
said that as evidence of this improve
ment Of the thing in the rough state,
there was the very attractive SOU
venir program for the association
meetings which was one of the most
artistic that has been prepared by
any organizati ton holding its conven-
ton in this city.
He declared that he felt that the
ASSOCIATION Is doing a great service
not only to themselves but to the
State, and that Augusta extended
hea rty. cordial and sincere greeting
to all In attendance.
Presidents Address
President Matson Tucker OF Port
land, who has served the association
for years, indicated that he would not
again be a candidate in his address. Mr..
Tucker spoke in part as follows:
For IL years the jewellers of Maine
have met in convention to endeavor to
improve the conditions of their busi-
ness, and who can look back to tie
days before this movement started ana
compare the conditions then with now
and not be a firm believer in assoc.a-
ton work?
"This has been my second and last
year ms your president and l have en-
loved the work. Not only has 1t given
ma n broader view of the general re-
tail tewelry business, but I have made
clorer acquaintance with the men en-
gagged in our business and have formed
many firm friendships which I shall
value all my life.
1.-THE work Of the tax elimination
COMMITTEES has been watched by rhe
trade of the whole country. Without
doubt a mistake was made in the pre-
.entation of the jewelers. case before
the WAYS and means committee, but
that In past and as a result II the Dill
masses at all the jeweler will get
suhstantial reduction In his excise TAX
and made in such a way that the small
jeweler will profit by it more than his
larger brother.
II am pleased to see that Maine SUD
scribed so nearly up to her quota TOT
the work of the tax elimination 'o
mittee. and trust that the small pai-
ance will be subscribed to in the near
future.
1T wish at this point to express my
appreciation Of the fine work or ali
the officers and committees OF this es-
sociation with whom 1t has oeen
Mas sure 70 work and who have given
me- their support and assistance IN car
rvinr out the work OF the ASSOCIATION
the past two years.. =:
Mr.. Tinker then outlined VIVA. ne
considered the most pressing matters
which should be taken UP by the as
.ociation. and decided upon at this
Convention, amongst which were mat
ters of special jewelers. laws to pro-
tect both the jeweler and the public
( Increased Membership
George T. Springer OF Port!and,
secretary treasurer. reported tnat tne
reduction Of dues had enabled many
of tine smaller retail jewelers. to re-
new their membership in the Assoc
ciation, which resulted this past year
IN an Increased membership as well
A a substantial bank balance. Ine
severinR Of the alliance with the he.
tail Merchants Federation also served
to tighten the financial burdens ap-
probably. .s
The observation-disclosures further re,
|.norted that an amount has been neid
n the treasury with the view OF es-
tablishing . fund which may De
nIsced at the disposal OF the legis-
iatiye committee under the direction
Of the president. This fund to pe
used to pay necessary expenses sucn
A win be Incurred by sending rep
resentative to Augusta during tns
session of Legislature. securing Ieea,
| the Jewelers. Lien Law. and to ap-
near when necessary before commit