“Who's Who” on the Train.

The travellers were a friendly family from the outset, almost half of the number having been together the previous year. The “father” of all is Mr. H. T. Merritt, who was travelling for the second year in succession as president of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. With him again was Dr. E. P. Neale, secretary to the Chamber; in all matters relating to the welfare of the party, as well as to the social arrangements of the tour, page break

Commerce Train Scenes In The Dargaville District.
(Rly. Publicity photo.)
Top: At Dargaville Station. Centre: Donnelly's Crossing: The Stationmaster, his wife, his dog, and his garden. Below: The Commerce Train party at Kaihu.

page 11 they were a most effective combination. Another valued leader was Mr. A. G. Lunn, immediate past-president and an honorary life member of the Chamber. The vice-president, Mr. Malcolm Stewart, also made the trip. Among the guests were Mr. A. Spencer, president Auckland Employers’ Association, and Mr. S. E. Wright, the secretary.

“An importantce factor in the brilliant success which was achieved last year in the running of the first commerce train,” said the Auckland Star in a preliminary description of the tour, “was the presence of leading officials of the New Zealand Railways, and members of the party are gratified that most of them have again been able to make of table he next few days, and meanwhile he is represented by the Divisional Superintendent, Mr. E. Casey. (Mr. Sterling joined up during the North Auckland journey.) The Commercial Manager, Mr. D. Rodie, is in charge of the arrangements on the train, and with him is the Business Agent, Mr. A. W. Wellsted, who for two years running has toured the districts in advance to make plans in conjunction with local committees. The Publicity Manager, Mr. G. G. Stewart, is again travelling, and to his department are due the thanks of the party for an excellent brochure descriptive of the places to be visited. Mr. R. B. Morris is acting as secretary, and Mr. A. H. W. Eveden, Supervisor of the Refreshment Branch, is again giving efficient oversight to the catering on the train and in wayside refreshment rooms.”

The “Commerce Train” Party
(rly, publicity photo
member of the auckland chamber of commerce after nine days'tour of northern new zealand by train, motor, and launch

There was that important group known as the “diplomatic corps,” and consisting of the Trade Commissioners, who welcome the opportunity of touring on the Commerce Train. A newcomer this time was the British Trade Commissioner, Mr. L. A. Paish, but old friends were Messrs. C. M. Croft and Julian B. Foster, Commissioners respectively for Canada and the United States, and Mr. L. J. Thedens, Trade Commissioner for Austria. Members of the “corps” played an important part in the speechmaking at the various social gatherings along the route.

A pleasing feature was the presence of representatives of Chambers of Commerce in other parts of the Dominion. These included Messrs. H. A. Brown and A. Seed (Wellington), C. H. Burgess (New Plymouth), W. Lock (Nelson), A. R. Crane (Whangarei), H. D. M. Hazard (Waihi), and H. C. Ernest (Papatoetoe).