CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 195, 16 August 1907, Page 3

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

A meeting of the Council of the Chamber of Conierce was held at 3 p.m. yesterday, when there were present: Messrs Nathan, A. Nathan (President), S. Nathan, J. Uunson, J. B. liacfarlane, Graves Aickin, W. M. Mennie, and A. Burt.

Excess Luggage Charges.—Mr T. W. Waite, district traffic manager of railways, wrote re excess luggage charges, pointing out that no special distinction was made in regard to storekeepers. Iv the case referred to, Mr Chapman was asked by the porter whether the parcel contained goods tor sale. Upon his stating that it did the regulation charge for excess luggage was made. It was resolved to forward to the complainant.

Commercial Travellers' Railway Tickets. —Sir J. Ward wrote re charges for commercial travellers' tickets, stating that a sectional season ticket for the whole of Auckland district could be obtained for £35 to £40. As these rates exceptionally low, any alteration would be in the direction of for the extended mileage. The President said the charges were similar to those in the South, where there was a much larger railway mileage to travel. Mr Philson said the rate for Auckland should be less as the mileage was less. Mr S. Nathan said a sectional ticket for the whole of the North Island could be obtained, but not for the Auckland section separately. On the suggestion of Mr Atkinson the matter was deferred, the secretary to make further inquiry as to the tickets.

Shipping Rings.—The Shipping Committee recommended. "That the Chamber is not in a position to supply the information asked for by the Marine Department re shipping rings." The President said the home of the rings was not New Zealand, and they had no means of kuowing anything about them, beyond the freights charged. They could not ascertain what the tactics of the rings were, as the rings would be ruled rotn either London or Sew York. Under the circumstauces the recommendation of the Shipping Committee was adopted.

Bankruptcy Laws. —The secretary to the Minister of Justice wrote expressing ,the Minister's regret that time woud not permit of bankruptcy legislation being dealt with this year. The President said the matter was a very important one, and must not be lost sight of in the future. They must press the carrying of the amendments.

Pure Food Bill.—The secretary of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce wrote stating that as the Pure Foods Bill -would shut out well known standard British preparations, the deputation from that body had waited upon Mr Fowlds and pressed the matter upon his attention. A subsequent telegram was received stating: "Minister promises to provide in the regnlatiou to admit imported standard preparations known to be harmless." The President said the Wholesale Grocers" Association had recommended certain amendments, which were mostly agreed to by the Hon. G. Fon-lds.

Rotorua Town Bill.—The President of the Rotoroa Chamber of Commerce wrote asking the Auckland Chamber to get mc members to oppose jthe third reading of the Rotorua Town Bill. The President saJd they had wired as requested, and the matter was delayed. He understood the bill had since been passed in a form satisfactory to the Rotorua Chamber.