CENTRAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 93, 14 January 1919, Page 8

CENTRAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MEETING OF THE COUNCIL. Tho first council meeting of the Wellington Central -Chamber of Commerce for tho current year was held, in Winder's Building yesterday afternoon. Mr. C. M. Luke, who presided, referred briefly to tho present world conditions, and contended that the problems of peace presented greater dilficulties than the war problems. Bolshevism was taxing' the administrative powers of tho statesmen of Europe, but no doubt in time order would be restored. Affairs in Europe were in a state of flux, but perhaps after tho peace delegates had held their conference matters might bo straightened out. Wβ must look for a solution of the world problems in co-operation. It was a time for building up and not for tearing down, and it was for everyone in the community, and especially for a Chamber of Commerce, to help in "this matter. We must increase our production, as that was tho only way in which we could help to , make good the enormous wastage of war. Tho relationship between Capital and Labour must bo greatly improved, and there must bo a better distribution of tho world's output of goods. Tho council decided to meet the members of the French Mission tomorrow.

The secretary reported that the Kegietrar of Companies had been interviewed, and tho latter had etafced that a company registered first was protected against any later _ registered company as rogards similarity of names. Tho Department had no jurisdiction over -businesses not registered, and a company applying for registration might be- registered\witli a name similar to tnat possessed by a business not registered. Mr. Leigh Hunt'stated that the position was altogether unsatisfactory. A registered company had to pay a good deal in fees and taxation, and naturally expected some consideration. It appeared that any business firm could style itself a. company and could also USB the word * without being registered as a limited liability company. It was decided to refer the matter of attending and giving evidence before tho Parliamentary Committee on Industries, which is to begin its sittings next month, to the Manufacturers' Committee of the Chamber, the committee to submit a report. _ • A question of some general importance was submitted to the council by a firm of general merchants ■ and manufacturers' agents. The firm wrote: "We bought through a broker here goods f.o.b. Melbourne against demand draft. Tho vendors in Melbourne havo been unable to ship on account of tho present ishipping trouble, so havo stored the goods and obtained a warehouse warrant which they have forwarded through the bank accompanied with tho draft. The vendors state in a letter that they have a legal right to claim payment on a warehouse warrant, as the'onus rests with the buyer to find tho ship." Tho council decided to refer the matter to tho Commerce Committee for consideration. Many of the members expressed the opinion that the case was one for a legal opinion.