Chambers of Commerce.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 9, 11 January 1901, Page 4

Chambers of Commerce.

[By Telegraph—Press Association.] Christchurch, last night.

The Chamber of Commerce was resumed to-day with a discussion on the federation of the New Zealand Chambers. A sub-commit-tee’s favorable report on the subject was adopted, and it was resolved that there be a formal federation of the New Zealand Chambers, the AVellington Chamber of Commerce to be requested to draw up a constitution and by-laws, and to ciroulate them among the various Chambers for approval or alteration; further, that there should be a permanent executive committee in AVellington, whose Chairman should be President for the time being of the AVellington Chamber of Commerce, and that the secretary of the federated Chambers and Executive Committee should be the secretary for the time being of the Wellington Chamber. It was resolved that all Presidents of Chambers be ex-ofiicio membeis of the Council. The Conference resolved to recommend to the Government the advisability of an exended geological survey of the Buller coal field, consideration of the adjustment of railway haulage on the AVestport-Mokihinui line, defence of Westport harbor, and the connection of that district with the general South Island railways system. During a discussion on Mr Roper’s paper, on “ Commercial Reciprocity of the Australian Commonwealth,” Mr Laurenson, M.H.R., said history showed no example where federation had afterwards been repented of. His sympathies were with federation, but he could not form a definite opinion without more information. The more the question was advertised and ventilated the better. Some resolutions in reference to reciprocity were withdrawn, as the Conference was unwilling to express an opinion on the subject of federation until further facts were before it. It was resolved that representations be made to the bank authorities that the closing of banks on non-public holidays is unnecessary and inconvenient, and should be discontinued.