CHRISTCHURCH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3857, 27 November 1883, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Christchurch, This day

At the quarterly meeting of the Chamber of Commei co yesterday the President delivered an address to the following effect: — " There isno great improvement in business, and there is very little hope of a change for the better till the money from the wool and grain sales is in circulation. The imports to the province have, however, diminished, and lighter stocks can be worked with in consequence of the despatch with which they can bo replenished by direct steamers. Another hopeful sign is that money is no longer locked in land speculations, but is gradually coming back to legitimate uses. It is satisfactory to know that the wool prices at Home are firm, and the competition of buyers active. The frozen mutton trade is a marked succe.'-s, meaning a considerable addition to the wealth of the colony. To date 158,900 carcases have been shipped front New Zealand. As some set-off to this Now Zealand wheat is low in price at Homo for even best samples, and there is little reason to expect a rise for some time. It is not necessary to enlarge on tho advantages of the New Zealand Shipping Company's direct steam service, as those advantages have become patent to the mercantile community, and it is much to be desired that the Government be empowered to fairly subsidise the line. A good illustration, of the value of the .service is presented in the fact that the Doric on her last trip took Home wool in time for the November sales which otherwise Avould have had to wait for the February sales. In this connection it is worthy of note that the Union Steamship Company are having a coastal steamer built with a refrigerating' chamber, for conveying frozen meat from one port to another." The President then referred to the Bankruptcy Act, and expressed a hope that it would prove useful. With regard to bills of lading, more especially for steamships, he said: "There are ten clauses open to objection. An agitation on the subject has been commenced in London, which it is to be hoped will result in a change for the better." The address concluded with a reference to tho ominous intelligence of the immediate probability of war between France and China, which would be specially disastrous to British and colonial interests.

It was resolved that a telegram be sent to the Premier, drawing his attention to the fact that the presence in Sydney of rcprotatives of tho various Australian Governments presents a favorable opportunity for taking action in the matter of the reduction of the cost of cable messages, including the charge between New Zealand and Australia, with a view to a reduction being made in the cost of tho same, and asking him to take such action.

It was also resolved to issue a circular letter to other Chambers throughout the colony suggesting an annual conference and inviting co-operation.