Of Commerce

Honiara Gets A

Junior Chamber

From Gabrielle Lawson At the beginning of the year, a couple of Honiara’s- up and coming young men suddenly be came enthusiastic about the for mation of a Junior Chamber of Commerce in the Solomons.

IT took quite a while for them to put the idea across to others, but eventually, in July, a meeting of people interested was arranged.

Even though it was explained at this meeting that the organisation was world-wide, with the exception of Communist countries, and that it had about 300,000 members, it was viewed with suspicion by a Govern ment official.

He thought it would have to go under a different name in the Solo mons, as anything to do with com merce was not for Government men!

Further explanations that it had nothing to do with commerce, and that the idea was for young men to take a more active part in community affairs and development of their country, were only partly believed.

Vice-President's Visit However, the young men went ahead with their plans and got Mr.

Peter Baker, executive vice-president of the Australian Junior Chamber of Commerce, to visit Honiara in Sep tember.

On his arrival, there was no more fiddling about. An interview was ar ranged with the High Commissioner, Sir David Trench, who gave them his blessing.

In no time, the Junior Chamber of Commerce was formed in Honiara, and office bearers were elected.

Sir David Trench and about 40 young men attended the inaugural dinner.

Both Chinese and Melanesians were represented, two of whom are on the committee.

Mr. Baker said he was very im pressed with the enthusiasm in Honiara, and felt the chamber would fill a vital role in the community.

Office bearers are: Mr. W. Ramsay, president; Mr. F. Torpie, vice president; Mr. Ron Lawson, secre tary; Mr. B. Thompson, treasurer; and Messrs. J. L. Gina, T. Chan and R. Hungerford-Morgan, committee members.