TRADE & COMMERCE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 56, 29 November 1917, Page 7

TRADE & COMMERCE

ASSOCIATION OF CHAMBERS OP COMMERCE ■ THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The annual conference of the Association of .Now Zealand Chambers o£ Commorco was opened in tho rooms of tho Wellington chamber of Commerce yesterday. Tho president, Mr. James Macintosh, was in the chair., and tho delegates woro as follow:—Whangarei, Mr. E. Anderson (proxy); lloducy, Messrs. J. Blair and iloydhouse; Auckland, Mr. E. Anderson; Hamilton, Mr. J. A. Young, M.1 , .; Cambridge, Mr. J. A. Young, M.J. , , (proxy); Napier, Messrs. C. H. Edwards, C. Ellison, and R. L- Peterson; Hastings, Messrs. J. A. Miller and T. Cla/kson; Danne virke, Messrs. A. M'Nicol and W. Dodson; Taranaki (New Plymouth), Mr. I' , . W. Manton (proxy); Feilding; Messrs. J. S.'Tingoy' and JJ. E. Murphy; Wanganui, Messrs. T. B. Williams, G. H. Pownell, and H. Hague Smith; Pnlmerston North, Messrs. L. H. Collinson and F. J. Nathan; Masterton, Mr. H. H. Donald; -Wellington, Messrs. J. G. Harkness, J. 8.. MacEwan, James Macintosh, and F. W. 'Manton; Wellington Central, Messrs. C. M. Luke, A. Leigh Hunt, and J. S. Barton; Marlborough (Blenheim), Mr. J. M. Lightfoot; Westland (Hokitika), Mr. F. W. Maiiton (proxy); Canterbury (Christchurch), Messrs. C. H. Hewlett, H. S. Bourn, and H. J. Marriner; South Canterbury (Timaru), Mr. G. Rawnsley; Oamaru, Mr. J. B. Waters (proxy); Dunedin, Messrs. W. Gow, J. B. Waters, and M. K. Wilkinson; Invercargill, Messrs. J. H. Heed and Loughnan; Gore, Mr. G. J. Anderson, M.P. The British Trade Commissioner (Mr. R, W. Dalton) was also present. The president briefly welcomed the delegates, and referred to the assistance he had received during the year from every member of the executive. He gave special thanks to the secretary, Mr. *H. D. Vickery, who had been indefatigable, he said, in his attention to. the work of the association. Tho report and balance-sheet, as already summarised, were- adopted after several delegates had complimented tho president on the.able manner in which he had prepared the report. The Prime Minister addressed tho conference, as reported in another column. The delegates then proceeded to the consideration of remits, which had been forwarded by various chambers throughout . New Zealand.

Locally Built Ships. Mr. E.'Anderson. (Auckland) moved: "That in the next amending Tariff Bill provision be made for the removal of tno disabilities imposed on .New Zealand shipbuilders Tinder existing regulations as compared with those of the Australian tariff, the position being as follows:— "If a ship is built in New Zealand and is transferred from the New Zealand to the Australian Register, she has to pay a duty pf 25 per cent, to the Australian Government, but a ship built in Australia coming into New Zealand is admitted free. Further, it tho engines and boilers of a steamer built in New Zealand have- to be imported, a duty of 22}- per cont. has to be paid on them, while in the case of a boat built in Sydney, engines and boilers are permitted to come in free if it is shown to the Customs authorities there that the ship is being built for export. The shipowner, therefore, placing an order with a New Zealand firm of shipbuilders is penalised to the extent of 22} per cent, on all machinery installed." This remit was adopted after a brief discussion. Legislation Wanted. • Mr. H. S. Bourn (Canterbury) moved: "That in view of the shortage of shipping tonnage, Parliament be asked to givo consideration _to tlio question of shipbuilding during the next session of Parliament, as a matter of urgency, requiring 'war regulations." Ho said that the encouragement of shipbuilding in New Zealand was most important. It should be possiblo to produce small ships suitable for the coastal trade, and thus bring within reach, of the markets many small harbours and bays that were not served adequately by roads or railways. Mr. E. Anderson and Mr. 0. M. Luke (Wellington Central) supported tho motion, and said they hoped tho Government would not make the usual stereotyped reply about attending to the matter' after the war.

Mr. J. B. Waters (Dunedin) protested that private enterpriso was killed by the continued demands for State action. He did not think the Government had mado • such a success of the State coal mine .as would justify tho conference in, asking for a'State shipping line.

' A delegate: The State coalmine made a profit' of £30,000 last year. "■ Mr. Waters: It paid neither wharfage nor interest. • The remit was adopted. Empire Trade Mr. J. S. Barton (Wellington Central) moved that resolutions adopted at the conference of 1916 should bo adopted as follow:—"That this conforence desires to reaffirm the principles contained in the resolutions agreed to at the Conference of Chambers of Comnierco held on August 4, 5, and 6,1915, and to urge on the National Government to. make such arrangements at the earliest possible moment as will provide: (a) For preferential reciprocal trading relations between all parts of the British Empire, (b) For reciprocal trading between all parts of the British Empire and the Allied countries, (c) For the favourable treatment of neutral countries. (d)_ For restricting by tariffs and otherwise trade relations with, all enemy countries, so as te render dumping or a return to pro-war conditions impossible" "That in view of the varied an 3 vital nature of tho offect of tho abovo resolution on tho fiscal and immigration policies of tho Overseas Dominions, ample opportunity bo given whereby their views shall bo placed before the Imperial Government prior to the adoption of the international compact."

Breeding Wars. The Hon. G. Fowlds said he must protest against the tendency of the resolution. It contained a suggestion thit the people 'of the British raco were not ablo to hold their own in competition with other nations. The practical result of tho policy outlined in the motion would bo to breed wars in tho future. Tariffs of the kind proposed would bo Bound to create international suspicious, jealousies, and hatred, and would do a great deal moro harm than good to the British Empire. Mr. J. Gow said that Mr. Fowlds took an extreme view. The motion did not involvo merely the restriction of trade with enemy countries. Its purposo was to promote inter-Imperial-trade and to prevent a recurrence of the old evils of dumping and Stateaided anti-British competition. The British nation must watcli its own interests. Mr. R. L. Paterson (Napier) said the fact was that Britain had not hold its own in trade matters before the war. If tho war had been delayed another ten years. Britain would have been a back number. "Praotical patriotism." Mr. Roydhouso (Rodney) said the snbject could not be discussed too often

or too fully. It appeared that thero was always a voico to be raised in favour ot tho Germans. Tho resolutions wero not framed merely to prevent dumping, and ho did not believe that their spirit went too far at all. Tho enemy should ho hit hard and often through tho tariff. Germany, if beaten in tho war, would havo low wages and cheap production after tho war, and a moderate tariff would not sulfico to keep German goods out and promote inter-Imperial trade. If all British people had a proper personal, practical patriotism, the resolution would not bo necessary, since importers would not bring German goods into tho Empire But tho Empire could not count upon tho existence of that sort of patriotism in all quarters. Mr. T. Clarkson (Hastings) said that Mr. Fowlds's protest would have been in order if tho end of the war was going to brins about ideal international relationships. But the old trade- rivalries would continue, and British people should not forget that before tho war Germany had been competing successfully for British trade. His own idea was that no Germans should be admitted to British territory for a period of years after tho war. Experience had shown that the Germans wero not trustworthy, and could not bo relied upon to do business fairly. Mr. G. J. Anderson, M.P. (Gore), said he did not agreo altogether with tho motion. Wore the people of Now Zealand prepared to accept preferential reciprocal trading relations betwen all parts of . tho British Empire, if that means giving facilities for the admission ot. goods produced by the cheap labour ot India? Tho motion went too far. Reciprocal trading relations should be established as far as was practicable, but the general encouragement of trade with India aid not seem to be feasible or desirable.

Mr. F. W. Manton (Wellington) urged that commercial war against Germany was a necessary outcome of the present war. Mr. H. S. Bourn (Christchurch) said that dear products would be a necessary consequence of tho enormous war debt, and dear products would mean high wages and high cost of living after the war.

Mr. J. G. Harkncss (Wellington) said the motion simply affirmed a principle, and the conference did not need to go any further at tho present time. Mr. FoM'lds surely was out. of touch with commercial opinion as developed by the war. Tho great commercial and industrial organisations of the United Kingdom, once the centres of free-trade sentiment, had supported the resolution now before the conference. Talk about not encouraging international hatred was mere nonsense and flapdoodle. It was right that the Empiro should givo preference to its ■ own people in matters of trade and special consideration to its Allies and friends. Tho enemy countries had struck the British Einpiro hard, and the duty of tho Empiro now was to hit back all tho time. Mr. Fowlds said lie had not presented any argument in favour of Germany. , Ho had spoken in support of the British interests. The remit was adopted. British Preference, Mr. Bourn (Canterbury) moved: "That ; with a view to encouraging tho establishment of new industries in tho British Empire, and 'giving a ineaeure of confidence and security to capital to bo embarked therein, as well as assisting the expansion of existing industries, tho Governments of the Empire bo urged to make it obligatory on all Government Departments, municipalities, railways, dock and harbour boards, gas, water, and electFio light corporations, and all such bodies spending public moneys, or enjoying charters from Government or other publio authorities, to purchase Em-pire-made goods and to place all contracts with British firms, exceptions to bo made, by special permission of proper authority, only in cases where such a course is considered to be at variance with public interests." Mr. Roydhouse (Kodney) suggested tho addition of the words "tho exceptions to bo in favour only of Allied countries." Mr. W. Gow (Dunedin) objected to the addition. He said that there were some articles thnt could not be obtained within the Empiro or within the alliance. Certain electrical goods, for example, had to bo got from Norway. Mr. lloydhouse moved his addition in tho form of ah amendment. Ho said that anybody who did not accept tho suggestion was obviously willing to trado with the enemy, who would make full use of neutral channels of trade.

Mr. 11. W. Dalton, British Trade Commissioner, speaking by request, said thero was no ground for the suggestion that. Britain could not supply olectrical goods. Britain even in war timo could sell Now Zealand practically everything in the way of manufactured goods required by the Dominion. He thought the amendment.weakened the motion.

Tlio amendment was rejected, and the romit was adopted. Branding Goods, Mr. C. M. Luto (Wellington Central) moved: "That this conference reaffirms the resolution passed by last conference that .legislation be introduced making it compulsory. for all goods imported into tho Dominion to liavo tho country of origin clearly marked on tho goods and packages. In every case the seller should bo bound to give true information regarding the country of origin." Ho said that the people wore entitled to know the country of origin of all imported goods. Mr. A. Leigh Hunt (Wellington Central) seconded the motion, which was carried. Future of Samoa. Mr. A. Jl'Nicol (Dannevirke) moved: "That tho New Zealand Government he asked to stipulate when peace negotiations are in progress that aa a basis of future security in the Pacific German Samoa be retained as a British possession, and in view of the future development the Government bo further requested to appoint a Trade Commissioner to cultivato commercial relationship between the island and the Dominion." He said it had been made clear that the Germans were most anxious to securo tho return of their colonics after the war. The safety of the British Dominions demanded that tho German colonies should be retained. New Zealand could not afford to have the Germans as neighbours in Samoa. Bwas unfortunate that New Zealand business men had been slow to take advantage of the opportunity to develop trade Wl Mr. tT' Williams (Wanganui) proposed that the motion should bo amended to read: "That the New Zealand Government bo asked to endeavour whon peace negotiations are in progress to arrange that as a basis of future security in the Pacific, Gorman Samoa bo retained as a British possession. The-Hon. G.'Fowlds (Auckland) said that trade with Samoa could not be promoted without an adequate steamer service. Tho question was almost erttiroly one of transport facilities. The Government should be urged to secure a ereatlv improved steamer service betwenn Now Zealand and the islands of tho Pacific. , ~ In the course of further remarks Mr. Ellison (Napier) said it was absurd to suggest that a trade commissioner could help matters or that tho Government was in a position to provide shipping for tho island trade. The Auckland merchants had done all Hint could bo done to develop the trade, and they know that no real prowess could be mnrlc under war conditions^ The ainondmont was carried. Draft and Wastage. A remit from the 'Canterbury Chamber proposing that steps should be

taken to abolish the practice of allowing lib. per cwt. draft on wool was moved by Mr. Eouni (Canterbury). A similar remit had been proposed by tlio "Wellington Central Chamber. Mr. Bourn said that tlio allowances for draft and shrinkage wero unfair and vexatious. The- remit was adopted unanimously. Bills of Lading. Mr. Loughnan (Invcrcarjjill) moved: "That, with tho view to action being taken to preserve the rights of shippers, tho attention of tlio conference bo directed to tho increasing practice of shipping companies endorsing all bills of lading for coastal and intercolonial shipments with tho remark 'either frail" or insufficient packages,' irrespective of tho actual condition of the packages." He said that tho shipping companies used rubber Etamps in order to avoid giving clean bills of lading. They sought to bluff shippers out of just claims. Other delegates supported tho motion. They stated that the shipping companies stamped bills of lading in the way indicated even when tho goods were properly packed and were in goon order. Sydney merchants had protected themselves" by forming a Claims Dofenco Association. Tho remit was adopted. "Ship for Ship." Mr. C. H. Hewlett (Canterbury) moved: "That in any negotiations lur peace between the Allies and the Central Powers, enemy Governments be compelled to make- compensation for ships destroyed, ship for ship, or ton for ton." The Germans, ho said, must be taught that it did not pay to break tho rules of war. Mr. -Williams (Wanganui) said the timo was not opportune for passing such a motion. The motion was carried, with the -addition of the word "illegally" before "destroyed." Mr. J. G. liarkness (Wellington) moved: "Thatfollowing tho recommendations of the Special Committee gi the Executive of the British Imperial Council of Commerce (on which chambers, of coniinerco throughout tho Empire are represented), that, inter alia: (1) A lower scale of tonnago dues and ports charges should apply in all British ports to British-owned vessels: (2) privileges in British ports should be accorded to Allied and neutral shipping equivalent only to the corresponding privileges accorded British shipping by Allied and neutral countries; and (3) enemy shipping should pay in British ports at least double the dues paid by any other shipping; this conference recommends that the Government should, by legislation, empowor harbour board authorities in tho Dominion to impose differential rates of tonnage, dock and wharf dues, ar-d port charges." Ho hoped that the Government would take this matter in hand vigorously, and that never again would enemy traders receive favourable treatment in British ports and on British ships. The remit was adopted. Commercial Trusts. Mr. A. Leigh Hunt (Wellington Central) moved: "That tho resolutions passed at the conferences of 1015 and 1916, urging upon the Government that the provisions of tho Commercial Trusts Act, 1910, be made to apply to shipping companies, he reaffirmed." Ho said that shipping companies should bo -übject to the checks that had been applied to ordinary merchants in connection with prices and charges. The motion, was carried. Produce and Shipping, Md. J. Blair (Rodney), moved: "That in order to prevent tho exploitation of Now Zealand foodstuffs by any trust or organisation the Government bo urged to continue and expand tho present co-operation between tho Imperial and tho New Zealand Governments with particular regard to provision boing made for after-war distribution of such foods, and that their trans-oceanic shipment shall be owned or controlled by the two respective Governments." Mr. W. Gow (Dunedin) said the motion was crude and would not produce good, results. Mr. J. B. Waters (Oamani) moved as an amendment that it should be an instruction to the executive to watch this subject. Ho «aid that Stato ships would bo a perilous venture Tho conference should not encourago State interference in commerce. Mr. J. A. Young, M.P. (Hamilton) said tho remit was conceived in tho interests of the country producers, and ho was not surprised that it was opposed by some city interests. Tho threat of tho Meat Trust was a real one. The trust was trying to control freezing works, and it already had an interest in shipping. If tho trust controlled freezing works and chipping the outlook for the farmer, and also for the' commercial interests, would be a poor ono. ' The amendment was curried. The conference adjourned at 5.30 p.m. until 10.30 a.m. to-day.