FOR THE PROTECTION OF BRITISH TRADE

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2523, 26 July 1915, Page 7

FOR THE PROTECTION OF BRITISH TRADE

IMPORTANT REMITS' 'TO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE . CONFERENCE Matters of commercial importanco arising out of tlio international disruption are likely to occupy ' the bulk of the time of the conference of New Zealand Chambers 'of Commerce, to commence here on August. 4. The following for example, is a remit to bo presented by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce :—

"That this conference of Chambers of Commerce consider the advisability of inaugurating a movement to take advantage of the suspension of trade with enemy countries, with a view, wlien peace is declared, of diverting sucli trade, and of developing trado within the Empire and with allied nations: —

"(a) By compiling lists of articles formerly imported from enemy countries, with a ' view to ascertaining whether sncli articles can ho manufactured in New Zealand, obtained from within the Empire, or from allied countries.

"(b) By 1 impressing upon British manufacturers the necessity of adapting themselves to Now Zealand requirements, and giving New Zealand importers equal advantages in the matter of freight and _hn,inco arrangements as liavo been hitherto afforded by foreign manufacturers.

"(c) By taking euch' action as is necessary' to urge _cn the- Government that from the termination of tho war all imports from Germany and Austria shall bo subject to a surtax ofat least 25 per cont.

"(d) By taking steps to arouse and keep alive public interest' in this question, so that consumers may be induced to ask for British-made goods, or goods, made by Britain's allies."

"To give effect to clausos (c) and (d) it is proposed: ' . r . "(1) That the delegates to this conference arrange for the holding of British patriotic trade protection meotings at each city and town of moment throughout the Pominion on the evening of, say,' September 13, simultaneously, at which addresses by representative men shall be given in support of the above resolutions with a view to impressing the gravity.of the question on the public mind. (The okpendituro involved to bo borne by each local chamber.)

"(2) That a full report of each such meeting he communicated to the Primo Minister.

"(3) That each Chamber bo asked to appoint a special committee to watch this question and to report to a general committee which shall meet alternately in the four chief .centres ovej'y six months, or earlier if the occasion warrants. This general committee to consist of\tlie president (or liis delegate) of each of the four Chambers _ named and the British Trade Commissioner.

"(4) That this general committee ha empowered to call a further conference when the time seems ; "(5) That delegates to this, conference Tecommend tlieir respective Chambers to request :their members to notify the; special committee,' set up under Clause (3), of anj' Ger©an. or Austrian trade tactics coming under their notice which they consider may be detrimental to British trade interests.

"(6) That with a view to impressing the j'ouiig mind of tlio community, a system' of prizes he instituted for the ■best essays, on 'British v.. German Trade,' sucli essays to ho open to scholars of secondary and technical schools. The arrangements for the carrying out of this olauso to be in the hands of the gfiioral committeo set up wider Clause (3)."Interned Vessels. Dunedin will movo"That in view of the increasing shortage of tonnage,and the seriousness of the general outlook as regards freight, the Government be requested to communicate with the Imporial Government and the Governments of the other British Dominions, ivith a view to securing the services for British trade of interned enemy vessels."-