CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2568, 16 September 1915, Page 8

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

WELLINGTON CENTRAL BODY ANNUAL MEETING Tho annual meeting of members of the ■\Yelliustoji Central Chamber of Commeroo was held last night, the president (Mr. C. JI. Luke) presiding. Tho annual report and the statement of accounts were adopted. The annual report referred to the steps taken by the Chamber to foster trade within the Empire, to tlio efforts matlo to set up arbitration tribunals, and to the various matters placed before the recent'conference of Chambers of Commerce. l>urinjr the year the council made representations to the Government on the matter of trade with North and South America, on the action of the Government in. deciding to import American locomotives, on various railway matters, and on the question of companies trading in Australasia with foreign capital. The vice-president had introduced a commercial defence fund proposal, which was adopted by the council, confirmed by the Chamber,. and subsequently accepted by the Associated Chambers of Commerce of New Zealand. - Details are to lie arranged by which tho scheme may be brought into operation throughout the Dominion.. In moving the adoption of the report, the president paid a tribute to tlio British Navy and to the men who had . been responsible for building up the Fleet to the high standard of efficiency at -which it'stood to-day. It was to the excellentwork. of, tho Navy that the position, of the Empire and the Dominion was what it was to-day. He. referred to the condition of New Zealand trade and to the large volume of exports during the past year. While some difficulty had been experienced in ' obtaining shipping facilities soon after the outbreak of 'war, the authorities had since been aWe to cope with the situation, which had now considerably improved. ' After quoting •figures •in connection with exports and' imports, the president went on to refer to the dock question, which, he said had not been lost sight of by the Council and which was under consideration by the Harbour Board. Ho also touched upon the neces-, sity of every man and woman putting forth their efforts tx> keep the industries of the Dominion going. He had given a little thought to tho question of the manufacture of munitions and agreed that New Zealand should give assistance in whatever direction was possible. He contended, however, that we wpro already giving very valuable assistance by the clothing and foodstuffs being produced hero for thoso products were really munitions of' war at this time. He questioned whether the necessary machinery .or material could be obtained to produce big arms or small nrms and if "the machinery or material could be obtained it was doubtful whether the arms could bo produced in sufficient volume, in reasonable time ,or at a cost that would render the production worth while. It seemed to him that it would be botter if we, concentrated on producing! those commodities .with-'.which we were already rendering the Empire such : valuable assistance. .-

Mr. A, Leigh Hunt, in speaking to the motion, expressed satisfaction at - the work accomplished by.: the ChazToor during the year. He thought it could claim to have done something in furthering the progress of the city and the Dominion us ,2. whole. . ' Members, of the Council were elected as follow:—Messrs. S. H. Horner, H. liortgers, Or. Magnus,' C. M. Luke, A. Leigh Hunt, L. Ashcroft-lidwards, H. G. Hill, J. F. Atkins, G. Winder, R. Hall, J. Eieid, W. Smith.'W. J. Gaudin, and A. E. Hislop. Mr. J. L. Arcus was re-elected auditor.' Mr. L. Ashcroft-Edwards moved: "That consideration bo .given to. matters connected, with tKe Patriotic' Exhibition of British goods, botv being arranged by the'■ Chamber." In' speaking to the motion,. ho said that tho public did not realise how much against their interest it was to buy foreign goods. Tho object of the patriotic exhibition was to appeal directly to tho people most concerned.. Tho movement had already met with generous support, but members should, not fail to do all in their power to popularise the exhibition and onsure its'success.v. . Mr. J. F. Atkins seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.