CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 481, 14 April 1909, Page 2

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE. < IMPORTANT SUBJECTS DISCUSSED. ' Tlio annual conference of tho New Zealand ] Chambers of Commcrco commenced in \\u\- ■ lington yesterday. The agenda paper is a ' very large one, and includes many subjects of , great importance- to the commercial com- • mimity. ' Mr. W. G. Duthie, president of tho Wellington Chamber, presided. The follow-- | ing are tho delegates representing tho various Chambers of Commcrco throughout tho Dominion: — LIST OP DELEGATES. Auckland—Messrs. M. M. M'Callum, A. B. Robertson, and S. A. Longuet. Napier—Messrs. I). A. Baxter and N. Kettle. Mastcrlon—Messrs. M. Casclberg and J. D. Cruicicsliank. Palmerston North—Mr. J. M. Johnston. Feilding—Messrs. H. Tolley and H. Atkinson. ; Hawcra—Mr. E. L. Barton. Hastings—Messrs. Basil Jones and J. A. Eraser. Christelmrch—Messrs. A. Kayo, 'Wilfred Hall, M. J. Marrincr, and H. Broadhead. Blenheim—Mr. J. Roid. Nelson—Mr. A. 11. Bisley. t ■■ Timaru—Messrs. J. P. Newman, G. S. Cray, and C. S. Eraser. Onmarn—Messrs. W. H. Roso and J. Maitland Jones. Dunedin—Messrs. D, M'Pherson and P. Barr. Invorcargill—Mr. J. R. Watson. Westport—Messrs. T. Bailio and F. P. Munro. Marlon—Messrs. C. B. Collins, F. Puniell, and E. Newman, M.P. Patoa—Mr. A. Cliristenscn. Wangaiiui—Mr. E. A. Cameron, J. T. ' Hogan, M.P., and T. B. Williams. Wellington-Messrs. W. G. Duthie, G. Shirteliffo, J. G. Harkuess, D. J. Nathan, and H. C. Tewsloy. Mr. W. G. Duthio was unanimously elected chairman of tho conference. The hours of sitting were fixed at 10 a.m. to 12.30, and 2.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. It was resolved that the chambers of the four largo cities have two votes on all questions, the other chambers to havo one vote. THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. In opening tho conforenco tho president (Mr. W. G. Duthie) said:—"lt gives me very great pleasure to bo able to-day to welcome you to the present conference of the Chambers of Commcrco of New Zealand. No doubt tho exchange of views between tlio various chambers represented will be to the advantage of tho commercial people of New Zealand and to tho general community as well. It is now oVer soven years since tho last conference of the Chambers of' Commcrco met, and on that occasion it was in Wellington. It was then projrasod that a similar meeting should take place tho following year, but for various reasons it did not take place, but now another start has been made, and it is to bo hoped that these conferences will become annual. Tho subjects suggested to bo discussed are numerous, and include, among others, proposed amendments to the bankruptcy law. Both Auckland and Wellington Chambers (as well as others, no doubt) have been giving this subject serious consideration, and wo will havo tho benefit of tho delegates' views. It is understood tho Government will bring the subject forward during tho coming session of Parliament, when we may look forward to theso laws being put on a more satisfactory basis. It is expected that the mortgago tax and the graduated tax will also receive attention during tho coming session. Theso subjects will also bo before you for consideration. Another subject which requires to he thoroughly dealt with by all chambers is the representation of tho'mer-cantile-community on harhmir boards. This is a subject over .'which' Chambers' of' Commcrco require to make themselves strongly felt, as if their representation is removed it would ho a serious thing for importers and exporters alike. Federation of -the Chambers of Commerce of New Zealand is no new subject to come beforo such a conference as this. It was beforo the last, conference; but whilo tho principle of_ federation was affirmed, no actual federation has taken placo. You will havo an _ opportunity of considering the question again, and probably some moans will ho found of making federatjon an accomplished fact. In this connection, it is suggested that a Parliamentary committee should be formed in Wellington to watch the interest of commerce. If a federation of chambers takes placo tho setting up of tho proposed committee would necessarily ho orio of tho duties of tho fedcrated bodies. Railway matters will also ho given consideration, including proposed now fines, such as the completion of tho South island Main Trunk, tho Napicr-Gisbornc-Rotorua lino, and the North Auckland Main Trunk, as well as questions of charges, regulations, and administration. Another very important subject that will be considered is tho question of oceiu mail services, including tlio Vancouver and the San Francisco mail routes. Something more satisfactory than tho present arrangement is required. While ' tho mails leave- hero for Sydney regularly and only miss tho connection in Sydney occasionally, it is never certain when tho inward mail will arrive Under this liead- ■ ing I might also mention tlio subject of i cablo rates and telephone charges, which call for consideration. We want to know ' whether reductions cannot ho mado. Trado I terms is another subject that will como ' beforo you. At tho present timo _ tlicro is no uniformity as between tho various centres of the colony in respect to tbo_ terms of credit and cash discounts. _ Wo will also hear sonic papers read on subjects of special, importance to New Zealand, among them being one on tho Arbitration Act in relation to industrial progress, a subject of special interest at tho present time. The hemp industry and tho coal industry will also bo dealt with. The latter requires special attention at tho moment, on account of tho poor return that is being secured as against tho cost of production. Wo will also havo a paper on colonial defenco, ono o? tho most important subjects that can bo brought forward nt any lime, and especially at the moment. It has been decided by tho Ministry to bring beforo Parliament a new scheme of defenco for tho colony, doing away with. tho Council of Defenco, which was only initiated some two years ago. New Zealand is to present one or two warships of the Dreadnought class to Great Britain. Under theso circumstances the paper on this subject will bo of peculiar interest. Bank holidays will bo discussed; I am sure you will all agree that some chango should bo made as regards theso holidays. When the question was beforo tho llouso the result was an increase in tho number of holidays instead of a docrease. To-day, for example, tho banks are closed, while all business premises are open. This should not be. Tho banks should make their holidays suit the general commercial interest of the colony." (Applause.) Ho concluded by stating that it was expected tho conference would conclude on Thursday. REPRESENTATION ON HARBOUR BOARDS. Mr. G. Shirteliffo (Wellington) said that at tlio last genoral meeting of the Wellington Chamber a resolution was passed referring to the conference for consideration the desirability of every possible means being taken to ensure an elfectivo representation on harbour boards by men well qualified in matters of commerce, insurance, and finance. He had been asked, therefore, to move the following resolution: "That this conference of representatives of New Zealand Chambers of Commerce strongly affirms tlio desirability of such provision being made as will ensure the election to harbour boards of an effective proportion of members of experience and ability in commerce, shipping, and finance, and recommend that all possible means bo taken for the attainment of this object." Ho said that through the principal ports of tho Dominion tlicro flowed an annual oversea trade, inward and outward, approximating in tho aggregate £35,000,000 sterling, and this fact alone pointed to tho necessity for the affairs of such ports : being administered by theso who from their ■ experience and training were best qualified ! to safeguard the various interests involved. ' "In former times," continued Mr. Shirlj! cliffe. "and until recent years tho various

harbour boards of llio Dominion have boon for t!iu most part composed of men with tho high qualifications and training that I conceive to be necessary, and tlio general success and prosperity of tho boar.', r'evo, I suggest, that their ali'airs lmvo prudently, and at the same time pr "ol.v, administered. Of late, however, ti 1 appears to be a tendency, to not onij widen the held of selection, but to deliberately suggest the exclusion of the very class of men who have in the past assisted so ably ill the, development and equipment .of the various ports and the successful administration of these affairs." If the Harbours Hill, introduced last.session, became law, the, privilege of being represented on harbour boards would lie. withdrawn from the Chambers of Commerce, and the constitution of the hoards would become entirely elective, 'with the exception of tho Government nominees and tlio representatives of the payers of dues. Ho thought increased representation should ho given to tho throo principal'' interests involved, viz., importers and exporters, and that tlio representation of Chambers of Commerce should be continued as heretofore. Tho resolution was supported. by. Messrs. Baxter, Kayo, M'l'horson, 'J'ewsley, Darkness, and M.'titbnd, and was unanimously adopted. „■, •■ - MORTGAGE DEBENTURES. Mr. S. A. Longuet (Auckland) moved:— "Th.it in view of the recent' cases which have occurred in the Dominion of limited companies giving preference to oorta.in creditors by issuing debentures to them to cover their debt, that Uic Honourable the Minister for Justice Ik\ requested to have an amendment of the Companies Act made at tlio next session of Parliament, providing that all debentures and mortgages given by any company, whether registered either in or out of New Zealand, and intended as security on slich company's assets or undertaking shall bo registered, construed, o.nd take eifect in all respects in the same manlier as an ' instrument,' as defined by the Clia-ttels Transfer Act, 1908. Anything in the Companies 'Act, 1908, to the eoiitrory to he repealed." After a brief discussion further consideration of I3ic question was adjourned till next (lay. INCOME TAX. Mr. Marrincr (Christelmrch) drew attention to tilio fact that, in the ca«o of a certain; meat export company, tho Tax Department had refused to allow the company to deduct losses made outsido New Zealand from iln Statement of income. Only half the auiovnt paid for insurance in another caso wa.i allowed to bo deducted, instead of the full Amount. He moved:—" That, in the opinion of -this conference, tho Amended Land and Income Tax Act of 1903 be cancelled, and that ttie law stand as in the Act of 1900."

'' T'iio resolution was, after sonic discussion, withdrawn on Die understanding that Sir. Marrinor submits the facts to the Parliaiaentary Committee of tlio coiifcrcnco which it is proposed to set up.