TRADE AND COMMERCE.

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 32, 1 November 1918, Page 7

TRADE AND COMMERCE.

REMITS OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE

CONFERENCE CONCLUDED

The annual-'conference of the Association of Nov Zealand Chambers of Com'liierce resumed «t 10 a.m. yesterday, and did not conclude until 6 p.m. Sir. James Macintosh presided over a fair attendance of delegates. Following are the remits passed by the conference:—

Control of Shipping

Moved by Pnlmerston North:—"(1) Tliat this conference affirms the -desirability of the Dominion controlling sufficient steamships to ensure the carrying of tho Dominion's produce at reasonable rates, thus extending our lines of communication irem our producers to-the Home consumers; and (2) lo urge upon the Government to tiike any available preliminary steps to carry into effect the foregoing resolution." - i j During the discussion on -this remit Mr. C'rabb (Palmerston North) pointed out how entirely New/Zealand was in the hands of shipping companies whose headquarters were in London. Being wholly dependent on such companies, they were entirely in their hands,, and tho position was notono. which gave-them any sense of security. ' ■ '

Moved by Invercargill :—"That the matter of issue of hills of lading froni Flustorn ports to only final port of discliargo in Australia lie inquired into, and, if possible, arrangements he made to secure relief 'for New Zealand importers."

• Moved by Wellington :—"That in'the opinion of,this conference tho limitation of liability of shipping companies in bills of lading to .£5 per cubic foot for cargo not delivered is not justifiable, in view of the present high price of commodities and o'f the high freight rates now ruling."- "That in respect of overseas shipments, and in view of the fact that owing to the uncertainty of tho mails, importers do not always receive shipping documents prior to the arrival of tho carrying vessel, representations be mado lo shipping, companies requesting them to modify as a matter of practice tho stipulation in bills of lading that claims must bo mado in writing'within' seven days aftor the discharge of cargo."'

Shipping Affairs, Mo.vwl by Invercargill:—"That the' Government bo urged to take fhe necessary stops to secure adequate transport for both overseas and coastal shipping traffic, not only during but immediately following the dose of the war."

Moved by Palmerstbn North:—"That tho resolutions adopted by the Shipping Sub-Coinmittee .of the Imperial Council of Commerce 'be affirmed, and it is desirable that tho following sh.6uld.be added: —Vessels of.the greatest value to trade; such as refrigerated steamers, should ba. released first."' ••■ ■ v

[Refrigerated tonnage for the dominions overseas is'-'urgently required to lift the large stocks of produce, which have accumulated, and which will be held in tho' Dominion when 'peace is declared.] Moved by Hastings :—"That some .effort should be made to prevent the exploitation of shippers by' the present speculation in shipping .space, which, particu-' iarly in regard.to Japanese importations, tends to raise freights to an abnormal' degree." ■''..•

Moved by Marlborough:—"That the shipping-'companies, harbour boards, and Railway Department be urged to devise more careful ''methods of handling benzine, fruit, and other perishable goods."

Repatriation of Soldiers, Moved by Dunedin:—"That" the Minister in charge of the Returned.Soldiers' Department be-asked lo inform the conference as to the Government's policy in regard to providing employment for returned soldiers, in,order that the mercantile, community may jco-operatc as far as" possible."—Referred to the executive. Moved by Wanganui:-j"That in connection with the repatriation of soldiers, preference be given to placing men in the Railway and Post and Telegraph Departments, with a view of restoring tho full services of such Departments at tho earliest possible date."—Referred to executive. ... .'..,.'. ' ■■. Railway Charges, . Palmerston North moved:—"That the' question of'-railway charges for handling and sorting of.cargo bo considered with a view to an alteration of tho 'present most'unsatisfactory .conditions."

1 Arterial Roads. ■ Moved' by Wanganui :—"That the following remit at last annual conference' bo reaffirmed • and kept under tho notice of tho Government: 'That the Gov-ffl eminent be requestod to solvo tho diffl- ] culty associated with avteriul roads by putting into operation a scheme similar to the Victorian system or that of the Central Government of tho United States, which provides for construction and maintemuico on a basis of stl per cent. State payment and a B per cent, time repayment. system for the balnnco apportioned among interested local bodies. Such a scheme would be useful in furmining employment for unskilled returned soldiers.' '■'

Jl"ved 'by Wellington Central: "That conference request Government to introduce a Bill providing for the taxation of motors ami otlier power-driven vehicles, the revenue derived from such tax to bo allocated by three Commissioners appointed for the purpose by the Government to local bodies solely for the ini-

provement of arterial and main district roads." ■British Empire Union. Moved by Canterbury:—"That the support of the Associated Charhbors of Commerce of New Zealand be accorded to tho British Empire Union, its main objects being: (a) The consolidation of the British Empire; (b) the development of trade and commerce within the Empire and with our Allies; (c) tho'elimination of German influence from our political, financial, and social life." Taxation of War Loans. U'cmils lo and It! were referred lo a sub-committee to redraft in clearer form. The following resolution was submitted and passed:—"That this conference of the Associated Chambers of Commerce of New Zealand affirms the principle that \v;tr loans should bo issued subject to income tax, and that tho executive bo requested to place this resolution in the hands of tho Minister, of Finauco, and to respectfully suggest, to him that ho take, into serious consideration the representalidns made by this conference before issuing) the next war loan." -

Bank Holidays. Moved by Auckland:—"Thai, in view ■of the great inconvenience ( caused-lo the business community by the banks closing on so many days not observed by commercial houses, as holidays, the cxecuhvo of the Associated Banks, andi it necessary, the Government, be approached with tho object of having these 'special' holidays curtailed; also, that it is desirable that some system of co-operation between the banks and the local municipal authorities to govern the fixing of such holidays should bo devised," Hydro-Electric Power, Moved by Napier:—"That this conference, considering the- national benefits which would aecruo to the Dominion by • the immediate adoption of hydro-electric power schemes, cbllb upon tho Government to undertake forthwith such preliminary constructional work as niny be possible under present labour conditions." Moved ; by Wellington Central:—"That conference take further steps to impress upon tho Government the importance of carrying out hydro-electric power schemes and the necessity of making a start on preliminary works connected with such schemes, that valuable, time may not be lost and work provided for relumed soldiers.",

Moved by Pdmerston . North:—"That this, conference urges upon the Government tho imperative, need of immediate steps to provide the necessary hydroelectric power to enable the industries of the Dominion lomeet tlio after-war competition, and-the; preparatory work >e immediately put in hand." ' Moved by Maryborough :-"'That tho Government be. urged to facilitate in every way possible the immediate development of oi>r natural power resources; aivd to facilitate the establishment of local power hoards for the utilisation of powers in districts which cannot bo immediately brought within tho scope of the schemes wtiich,thc Government have at'present in view." The Alien Question,

Moved' by Canterbury!—" That tho, general conference bo requested to recommend a firmer altitude towards enemy aliens, suggesting-that those who cannot prove conclusively that they havo as : much to fear from a German-invasion of this country as Britishers should bo interned':—'(n) That in-the case of aliens from late enemy countries, British citizenship or naturalisation should not bo allowed until after twenty years' uninterrupted residence under, police registration arid supervision in the- British) Empire; but in the case of aliens from neu--tail countries after five years, (b) That tho oath of .allegiance should be accompanied by an oath of divestment of allegiance to the power of'■which tho person has hitherto been a subject, preceded by a certificate from tho Government of his native country declaring that he is released from all obligations and allegiance as a citizen thereof. That 'the above conditions be also applicable to tho employment; of alien labour.'" Moved' by 'Hastings :—"That it 'be, a suggestion to tho Government that no German subjects bo allowed to enter New Zealand territory for a period of not less than ten years. --

; ■ 'Miscellaneous Remits, Moved by Wellington Central:—"That this conference urge upon the Government to immediately establish a Forestry Department in charge of a competent scientific forester."

Moved by Napier:—"That a uniform scale of mercantile charges, especially those charged by land agents, should be brought into operation throughout the Dominion."

Wellington.moved:—"That this conference expresses its appreciation of tho attitude adopted by the Dominion's" representatives (the Kt. Hon. W. F. Ma6sey and the Bt. Hon. Sir Joseph at the Imperial Conference in urging that tho Gorman islands in tho Pacific now in occupation ot the British should bo retained as British possessions."

Moved by Canterbury—"That the Government bo strongly recommonded to take the necessary steps to counteract the anti-militarist, pro-Gorman, .anti-war propaganda! which is being preached, aim spread broadcast throughout tho Do. minion.''. * i Moved by Canterbury:—"That, it being apparent that enemy firms are endeavouring to establish agencies .in neutral countries for the purpose of ipost-war 'trade with the 'British Dominions, the Government be asked to lintroducu legislation making it an offence to receive correspondence, of such a nature from firms in neutral countries without submitting same to the Board of Trade, so as to ascertain the.bona fides of'such communication."

Moved by Dunedin:—"That the chambers of commerce represented at the conference endeavour to assist and cooperate with the Workers' Educational Association."

Moved by Wellington Central:—"That conference draw tho attention of chambers of commerce throughout New Zealand to the desirability of' giving more active support and financial assistance"to the Workers' Educational Association than Was accorded during the past twelve months." •

Moved by Palmorston North;—" That this conference urges upon the Government tho need of assisting in solving the housing problem, and recommends, an inquiry into the cost of building materials, especially timber."

ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Tho election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows:—President, Mr. W. Gow (Dunedin), vice-president, Mr. James M'Lellan (Wellington); executive, Messrs;. Hubert Bums (Auckland)'; .]?. L. Paterson "(Nnpicr), J. B. AVaters (Dunedin), aud C. H. Hewlett (Canterbury). • A vote of-thanks was accorded to Mr. 1 C. M. Luke for his long and valuable services as a member of the .executive. The Chairman Eulogised.

At the conclusion, of the conference a hearty voto of thanks was moved by Mr. W. Gow to Mr. James Macintosh,'- who lias presided over the conference for the i past four years. He dwelt upon tho marked courtesy, kindness, and consideration that all delegates had experienced at his,'hands. Messrs. CM. Luke, John Burns, H. L. Vateraon, and C. 11. Bdwards endorsed tho sentiments . of the mover in tho heartiest manner. In reply, Mr! Macintosh thanked all delegates for tho courtesy and consideration he had always received from delegates. They had pnssed through a strenuous lime, but thero was perhaps an even more strenuous. 'one ahead sifter the war, when all bodies, .and particularly chambers of commerce,, would require'to be vigilant, active, aud alive. Before tho association was Conned they had been scattered units all over the country, with their own standards, but now they were railing into line, and were doing Rome ; root good for the community at. large. The conference concluded' with the singing uf tho "National Anlhciu."