CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 482, 15 April 1909, Page 9

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE.

« CONFERENCE OF DEUECATES. SECOND DAI'S SESSION. The conference of delegates of tho Now Zealand Chambers of Commerce was continued yesterday. Mr. J. G. Flarkness (Wellington) brought up tho question of tho federation of the Now Zealand Chambers of Commerce, lie traced the progress of tho movement, and pointed out tho necessity of combining for mutual benefit and protection. Affiliation would materially strengthen the representations of tho various chambers. Ho moved tho following resolutions: 1. That this Conference reaffirms tho resolution adopted at the conference held in Wellington on February 6, 1902, that it is c?esirabio to have a federation of Chambers of Commerce in tho Dominion. 2. Thai tho council of tho Wellington Chamber of Commerce lie authorised to draft, with as little, delay as : possible, a memorandum of Constitution on tho lines of tho Associated Chambers of Commerco of the Commonwealth. 3. That the Constitution when drafted bo submitted to all Chambers of Commerce throughout tho 'Dominion' for their approval. 4. That as soon as 15 chambers havo signified their intention of becoming members of the federation, and paid their first annual subscription, tho association be formed. Mr. j, M. Johnston (Palmerston No/tfi, Seconded tho resolutions. In supporting the resolutions, Mr. A. Roberton (Auckland) said that whilst tho headquarters of the federation must necessarily bo in Wellington, it would ho a wise provision if tho annual meetings of the federation were held alternately in tho various centres of tho Dominion. Mr. G. Shirtcliffo' (Wellington) said that in the United States the Governmental authorities had recognised the importance of having a body of commercial men with whom thoy could at any timo confer on com/nercial subjects. Something of that sort might be established in New Zealand—an intermediary between the Government and tho individual Chambers of Commerce. Mr. M. J. Marriner (Ohristchurch) thought that in the past Chambers of Commorce had not occupied tho position they ought to havo done. D. M'Phorson (Dunedin), M. M. M'Callum (Auckland), C. S. Fraser (Timaru), and H. C. Tewslev (Wellington) supported theresolutions, which wero unanimously adopted. It AIL AGE ON AUSTRALIAN TIMBER. Mr. Wilfred Hall (Christchurch)' drew attention to the fact that our Railway Department differentiated in. the matter of rates between Now Zealand coal and timber, and Australian coal and timber.' Ho said that there was no commercial cause for making any difference in tho charges. It might bo right to assist local production by means of the tariff,, but not jby a differentiation in railway rates., He moved:."That it is unjustifiable to discriminate in tho matter of railway freights between New Zealand and •Australian coal and timber." Mr. G. S. Cray (Timaru) said that tho extra charge on Australian hardwood was no doubt imposed because of its greater weight-. Mr. H. T'olley (Feilding) supported lh-> resolution. Tho resolution was amended to read as follows: "That it is unjustifiable to discriminate between, imported goods, and those produced in the_ Dominion." It was-agreed to refer it in this form to the Parliamentary Committee. LONG-DISTANCE TELEPHONES. Mr. J. Maifcland Jones (Oamaru) moved: "That the time has arrived when some reduction in the long-distance telephone rates should be made, and that tho Government be asked to take the question into consideration." Mr. J. M. Johnston (Palmerston North) opposed the motion, stating that New Zealand had -tho cheapest telephone service' in the world. The Government could not possibly further reduce charges. Tho motion was agreed to. TRADE DISCOUNTS. Mr. G. Shirtcliffe. (Wellington) moved: "That this conference reaffirms the trade terms in wholesale grocery and hardware adopted -in 1889, and recommends the various chambers throughout the Dominion to secure, if possible, tho adoption of same in the-ir respective districts, and that it be a recommendation from the conference that all chambers should form sub-secrtions of the various trades for tho- purpose of arranging uniform terms for each section." " Mr. Robcrton (Auckland), seconded the motion, which was "adopted. PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE. Mr. D. A. Baxter (Napier) urged the importance of a Parliamentary committee in Wellington to represent .chamber of commerco interests. Ho moved that it be a recommendation to tho committee appointed to draw up., a constitution to consider the appointment.of a Parliamentary committee. The motion was, 'seconded by Mr. M. J. Marriner (Clmstchurch)' and agreed to. l'he council ,of tho Wellington Chamber was appointed a. Parliamentary .Committee. A number of questions wero referred to that committeo to-,deal with, including the fol- , lowing standing in tho name of Mr. J. IVLaitland Jones (Oamaru): —"Railway haulago at ports," "railway charges for overtime at ports," "railway regulation re maximum weight of grain in sacks," and "woolpacks to bo carried by rail under Class E (same as cornsacks)." AN IMPORTANT GATHERING. ? as announced that a conference of delegates of Chambers of Commerco of the Empire is to bo held in Sydney in, September next. It was agreed that it was desirable that Now Zealand should be adequately represented at the gathering. The Wellington Chamber was requested to mako preliminary arrangements for tho reception of delegates who may come over to New Zealaud, at the conclusion of the conference, MORTGAGE DEBENTURES. • Mr. Longuet (Auckland) moved a resolution on the previous day in reference to a case in which a company gave preference to certain creditors by issuing debentures to them to cover their debt. The subject-was again brought up, and, alter a brief discussion, Mr. Longuet withdrew tho motion, on tho understanding that tne attention of the Government would be drawn to the matter. - WEEK-END RAIL FARES. Mr. D. A. Baxter (Napier) moved: "That this conference respectfully suggests for tho favourable consideration, of tlie X'iuister for .Railways the desirablity of issuing cheap week-end railway tickets under similar conditions to those obtaining in the Old World/' The motion was agreed to.