CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19144, 29 October 1927, Page 17

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE. WORK DONE IN PAST YEAR. In the Chamber of Commerce Hall yesterday the -first session was held of the annual conference of the Associated Chambers of Commerce. Those present were Messrs W. Machin (president), D. J. McGowan ("vice-president). A. H. Mackrell, C P. Agar (executive members). A. G. Lunn, H. P. Caughey A. F. Wright, H. S. E. Turner, A. 0. Wilkinson (Canterbury), E. A. Rosevear, 11. C. Campbell, >\. Gow (Dunedin), P. 13. Desmond (Feilding). H- F. Forster (Gisborne), E. C. Smith (Gore), D. Sevraour (Hamilton), C. H. Weston (New Plvmouth), T. W. Vickery, D. J. Wesney, C. Bradfield (Invercargill), A. G. Houldswori.li (Onehunga), J. B. Richards (Stratford). R. B. Bell (South Canterbury), W. J. Gilberd, H. Hague Smith, T. H. Rice (Wanganui), C. M. Bowden. A. J. Seed. A. T. Markman, H. £>. Fairchild (Wellington), W. J. Butler (Wesiland), H. C. Campbell (Oamaru), J. McLean (Greymouth), and C. M. Bowden (secretary). Apologies for absence were received from Messrs J. It. Simpson (Wellington i. A. Mackenzie (Wellington), and F. A. Hellaby (Auckland), members of the executive, and from Messrs A. Fletcher, H. C. South (Wellington), and M. A. Eliott (Palmerston North).

Mr Machin, in opening the conference, welcomed the delegates. The Canterbury Chamber, he said, had displayed a good deal of acumen in obtaining such a hall, and in gathering round it such important bodies as the Employers' Association Department for Industries and Commerce, and others. The president accorded the ladies and visitors a. warm welcome. The latter were as follows: —Mr J. W. Collins (Under-Secretary of the Department for Industries and Commerce), Mr L. B. Beale (His Majesty's Trade Commissioner), Mr G. T, Wilson (Commercial Department of the New Zealand Railways), M. Armand Nihotte (Belgian Consul). Mr Julian T. Foster (Trade Commissioner for the United States), and Mr L. J. W. Gardner (Wellington). Mr Machin read the following telegram received from the Hon. Mr McLeod, Minister for Industries and Commerce) :—"Please present my compliments to delegates attending your meeting and accept best wishes for successful conference." The following reply had been sent: —'-"Delegates to conference highly appreciate your good wishes and congratulate you on your restoration to health."

Annual Report. The annual report of the executive was asjlnllows:— On completion of the printed report of the conference at "Wellington in November last, a copy was forwarded to each member of Parliament, with a covering letter from the president, calling attention to the various subjects discussed. A good deal of publicity was also given through the daily Press of the Dominion. The executive takes this opportunity of extending thanks to the proprietors of the Press for their courtesy, not only to the Association, but to all Chambers of Commerce. Various .matters have been dealt with as under: — Naval Defence.—Tho Government was urged to provide for a more adequate contribution to the cost of Empire naval defence, and was assured of the support of the Association in such action as it might take along these lines, on tho ground that the per capita contribution from New Zealand was less than that in Great Britain. State and Local Body Trading.--Nothing more than mere acknowledgments have been given to our representations in this matter, and there is no cessation of activity in this field. Verv o-eneral dissatisfaction at the extent "of Government interference in business exists in regard both to the unequal conditions under which trading is carried on, and the harassing resti lotions imposed on general trading.. Strong representations are being mafl© alonjfthese lines from a conference of eftenske and diverse interests at which the Association was represented, and this matter will not be allowed to laP wlth regard to the representation .gjinrt incased facilities b«mg given to local bodies to raise loans under the special legislation of 1926, * th out the sanction of ratepayer*, it was pointed out by the Minister for finance that no moneys shall be bor rowed under the authority ot th* act after June 30th, 1927, but unfortunately the Act was renewed for another yC Stam P Duties-No success has; been obtained in the way of obtaining remission of stamp duties. The answer «iven by the Government is that re mission made in this way must inevitably be recouped by general taxa tion from other sources. Tftith. regard to the duty on orders, the Department has pointed out that if an order is unconditional, it pays duty.at -a, only, bv adhesive stamp, but if ine a-specific fund from which monejs are to be drawn, it must be treated as an assignment paying duty at os per ~ Postal Notes-Repeated representations bare been made regarding the charges on postal notes. Tho of the Post and Telegraph Department Ins promised to create orders ot otner which will eliminate the anomalies in poundages when niaKine up broken amounts; but will not recommend to the Government any general reduction in charges. Trustees' Indemnity—The New /*a land Law Society has had under consideration a scheme for the creation or an indemnity fund, and negotiations are still proceeding. It legislation be introduced on the lin« su SS*stf, rt should be made applicable to all *no hold trust funds . Statistics— Improvements in ■ tins branch of the records is at present delaved owing to the death of the late Minister for Internal Affairs, witn whom the negotiations had been conducted. Our representations regaling ! statistics of imports and exports have been given effect to, and the Government is favourable to the amplification of the mortgage statistics, ««*»%*£ the question of cost. Widening of the scope of the banking statistics is a more difficult matter, .owing to the opposition of the associated banks but further specific representations line been made after consultation with ceitain authorities on economics, and itis hoped that this improvement niaj yet be-gained. ' Overseas Publicity and Tourist Traffic— Delegates will recollect that a special conference. was called in May last to consider various phases of this subject. Full representations we.e made to the Minister, and later he suggested that local committees should be established in various centres -o take charge of tourists on arrival and arrange their itineraries, Lfforts haye been made in various centres to comply with this suggestion,'but with no great decree of success. Local committees are doing good work in certain districts, and in other places similar work is being carried out by Progress Leagues, but there is no co-ordmatel scheme throughout New Zealand Your executive is satisfied that a great deal of good work is being done by tne Tourist Office, the .Railway Depart ment, and the Publicity Office, who are in close co-operation one with another and in fact may later be merged into one Department.. Recent developments include the meeting of tourists on tha mail steamers at Sura and Earotonga;

utilisation of the services of mail agents of other lines; co-operation ot well-known tourist __ agencies and Dublicity houses in United States and Canada; extensire distribution of cinematograph films, booklets, and views; and meeting of tourists and visitors by officers of the Railway Department, on arrival from overseas. Your executive expresses appreciation of the work which is being done by Government Departments in thus very efficiently advertising the Dominion, and in "loosing after the comfort and travel of overseas visitors.

Motor Regulations —The proposed amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act were fully explained to the Minister for Justice, who opposed the taking of evidence on commission, holding personal appearance to be much more satisfactory and equitable. The Department is fully seized of the desirability of giving car-owners prompt no tico of an intended prosecution for breach of by-laws, and instructions have been given to obviate delays where possible. Main Highways—A lengthy reply was received from the chairman of the Board, and this has been transmitted to the Chamber which introduced the matter at our last .-onferenee.

Telephone Charges—The subject of telephone charges, telegraph charges, and charges for toll communications, has engaged attention from time to time, and the executive is of opinion that it is inopportune to ask for reduction. Whilst there is a surplus in one branch of activity- there is deficiency in others, and concessions to telephone users would eliminate the profits of the Post and Telegraph Department as a whole. In view of the vastly extended service now provided, compared with that of previous years, it is felt that reduction of costs cannot justifiably be sought at present. C.o.d. Parcels—Not only this Association, but other bodies* have made repeated representations qd this subject, but the Government declines to rescind the provisions now 'existing. Mail Routes —Existing mail contracts do not expire until March 31st, 1929, and the Postmaster-General points our. that in 1924. when tenders were called on the basis of flat rate of freights to main New Zealand ports, no tender was received, nor was any offer made regarding the service via Panama. Representations have been made regarding late arrival of bills of lading, and some improvements have recently been effected in services from the Old" Country. The direct steamers now call at Falmouth for mails, and sailing dates of direct steamers have been altered, so that documents for goods by those steamers can catch the fast mails via America a week later.

South Island Shipping—Reply received to representations made to the Union Steamship Company regarding the Melbourne-Bluff service was that the company ' cannot see its way to provide additional facilities. A lengthy reply was also received from the Overseas Shipowners' Allotment Committee indicating that the difficulties of providing equal treatment to the North and South Islands appear to be insoluble. The Government is shortly instituting a steamer service from the Cook Island, whieh it is hoped will provide more adequate and moro regular supplies of fresh fruits at reasonable prices. It is understood that the Parliamentary Committee set up as promised by the Prime Minister will shortly meet; and request has been made for extension of its order of reference to include other phases of the subject. Railway Matters—Delegates will have read the new railway policy as outlined by the Prune Minister recently. Several suggestions appear to be along right lines, but strong exception has been taken generally to the establishment of a Ministry for Transport. This Association will welcome any amendments for the co-ordination of the transport services, and the reduction of the excessive charges now ruling, but fears that the establishment of this new portfolio will but increase the burdens borne by the mercantile community. Land —The Government is still experimenting with gum lands and pumice lands, and further experimental stations are being established to try out various methods of treatment. The "ValuerGeneral recognises the need for revision in many districts and has promised to expedite this work to the greatest possible degree. , Impounding Cattle—The Minister for Justice is not favourable to our proposals. He considers it desirable that the law should be uniform throughout New Zealand, and does not favour its variation by the mere passing of a resolution by a local authority. Summer-Time —On behalf of the Association a message of congratulation has been dispatched to Mr T. K. Sidey, M.P-, and the effect of the new Aet will be watched with considerable interest. This Association has consistently supported the proposals which hare now been adopted. Australasia —The Executive has carried on propaganda where opportunity offers; in particular, letters were sent to all foreign Consuls resident in New Zealand. The American Consul-General recently kindly forwarded a copy of a State Bulletin and cuttings from papers, showing that our letter had received widespread publicity throughout the United States of America. Dairy Control—Whilst it is satisfactory to note that certain undesirable features of this legislation have been dropped for the time being, it must not be overlooked that the compulsory clauses still remain on the Statute Book as a menace to the trading community which might be used capriciously under certain circumstances. • Municipal Corporations Act—lt is satisfactory to note that certain amendments have been introduced making more reasonable provisions with regard to the trading limits imposed under the above Act,

Bankruptcy—The Bankruptcy Amendment Bill provides a number of desirable amendments to the existing legislation. A number of the representations made bv the Association have been' given effect to, and the secretary has recently given evidence before . Statutes Kevision Committee on 'other suggested amendments, in , particular that provision should be made whereby estatea may be administered by trustees, and more specific provision regarding the keeping of books of account. A great deal of opposition was shown to the inclusion in the Bill of the section prohibiting publication of evidence. This matter has been satisfactorily dealt with by alteration of the Bill to make the amendment apply to Section 92, which has reference to preliminary investigation only, not to Section' 93, which covers all examinations and meetings. It is also pointed out that there is "some conflict between provisions of the Bankruptcy Act, the Administration Act, and the Public Trust Office Amendment Act, and a memorandum on this matter has been forwarded to the Attorney-General. Dominion Trade —Prom time to time during the year the opinions of the Executive have been expressed by the president in speeches and in communications to the public Press, on the necessity for redressing the unfavourable trade balances; the need for larger production; reduction in overhead; and greater economy. It is gratifying to notice that the trade returns for September are' moving very satisfactorily in the right direction: and the real progress of New Zealand in this respect contrasts most favourably with the reports from Australia.

Bank Bates —The increase in tie bank rates in May to 7 per cent- for best accounts, provided a shock for the commercial community, and probably did more to bring home to the people of the Dominion the need for economy than all the warnings of the economist*. Ig

response to several requests the president j pointed out through the Press, the causes j which produced the situation which was ■. met by the banks in this painful but , historic manner, and his letter was ; widely circulated, and endorsed by lead- j iflg authorities on the subject. Your ex- , ecutive hopes that circumstances will j render a reduction in the bank rate pos- j sibie at an earlv date. . |

Trade with " Fiji—Representations have been made from time to time that a reciprocal tariff with Fiji would probablv increase our Dominion s share of the trade in goods imported bv the colonv. The Government was not able to 'deal with this subject pending the acceptance of our general tariff proposals; but now that this important question has been dealt with, further representations will be made. There are several matters which have come before the executive during the year on which some time might profitably be spent by this conference, namely: Empire Shopping "Week— Hastings Chamber suggests the occasion ot the visit of Mr L. M. Amery to tho Dominion in November would be an opportune time for a concerted effort throughout the Dominion to stimulate the demand for British and Empire goods. In particular it is suggested,':--fa) To offer prizes to State bchool scholars; (b) To supply a concise summary of the reasons why Empire goods should receive preference; (c) That the Education Department should make special reference in their November Journals; (d) That the Empire chopping Week might he repeated; i.e) That British films might be shown. The Association welcomes Mr Amery to our Dominion and looks forward to his utterances on the work of the Empire Marketing Board and the promotion of Empire trade. We regret having to record that two Chambers have resigned on financial grounds, namely, Thames and Taumarunui. New affiliations are the Chambers at Otaki and at Papakura Best wishes are extended! to those Chambers for their advancement and progress. The report was adopted, on tne motion of Messrs Machin and McGowan. Nominations for Offices. Nominations for the various offices were received as follows: —President, Mr D. J. McGowan (elected); vice•presidents, Messrs C. ?. Agar and H. P. R. Caughey; executive, Messrs J. R. Simpson, A Mackenzie, A. Fletcher, W. J. Gilberd. 11. S. E. Turner, and PI. C. Campbell. Messrs Turner and Campbell, being the only members from the South Island nominated, were declared elected, under tho rules. The election of three members to represent the North Island will be held on Monday. Consideration of Bemits. Numerous remits were dealt with during the day. Mr Markman moved the adoption of the following remit: —"That this conference recommends tho Government to introduce during the present session of Parliament legislation similar to the rejected clause of the 1924 Finance Bill to place employers in the same position as Government Departments inasmuch as military pay granted to employees while attending a military training caiiip should be regarded as a set off against the wages paid to such employees whilst in camp.'' "It is another case of the Arbitration Court overruling the Government,'' he said, after giving particulars of the provisions of the Defence Act. The Government had a quite sufficient majority to do what was intended by Mr Mnssey .in 1921. The Government should do its duty, and not shoulder its responsibility on to the Arbitration Court.

Mr Lunn (Auckland) seconded the motion pro forma, and it was carried. Mr Campbell (Dunedlin) moved the adoption of the following remit: "That the Government be requested to acquire as soon as possible, a fullrigged ship or barque, having Diesel machinery with low power for calm weather, in order that the youth of the Dominion may have an opportunity of obtaining a thorough training in seamanship and navigation." He said the proposal was of immense commercial importance. It was unnecessary for him to tell them that there were not many ship-owners in New Zealand to whom representations could be made. Opportunities in the mercantile marine were not very numerous for New Zealand boys. The training they would receive on a steamer was not suitable in the acquisition of seamanship. He recalled the Dartford, which, he claimed, had turned out useful men. No boy could learn the profession without soiling his bands. The boat would! hardly pay in its running, but in the interests of the Vominion the proposal should be adopted. Mr Lunn (Auckland) said the cost would run into thousands of pounds, and the time was inopportune lor t-ne Government to undertake such an expenditure. , v ~, Mr McLean (Greymouth) suppoited this view. He said some of the best officers had risen from the bottom rung of the ladder. The amended remit, which was as follows, was passed :-"That the executive be requested to take such steps_ as may be necessary to enquire into the best ways and means by which the Dominion may acquire a full-rigged ship or barque, having Diesel machinery ot low power for use in calm weather in order that the youth of the Dominion may have an opportunity of obtauun a thorough training m seanWupland navigation, it oeing „•*, _. plirp that the Dominion be able to.secure officers well educated and well trained. A COMPLIMENTARY DINNER. Last evening the visiting delegates to the Conference of the Associated Chambers of Commerce were guests of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce at a complimentary dinner. The president of the Canterbury Chamber (Air C P was in the chair. 'The opportunity was takeji by the Mayor (Mr J. K. Archer) to estend a civic welcome to the visitors, and Mr A. 6 Lunn (Auckland) acknowledged the Mayor's courtesy. Ql <. T ) lft Mr H, S. E. Turner proposed lue Trade Commissioner and Other Commissioners," the responses being made bv Mr L. B. Beale. H.M. Trade Commissioner in New Zealand, Mr Julian B Foster f.S. Trade Commissioner, Mr Armand Nihotte. Consul for Belgium, and Mr J. W. Collins, Secretary to the Department of Industries and Commerce. The chairman proposed "The Associated Chambers of Commerce," and Mr W. Machin responded. U appropriate intervals, songs were sung bv Messrs P Hockley F. F. Morrison, and H. S. Hobbs. Mr R. A. Home acting as accompanist.