AUCKLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 345, 20 February 1902, Page 2

AUCKLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS.

By Tolegraph—Press Association. Auckland, last night. At the annual meeting of the Chamber of Commerce, tho retiring Chairman, Mr Caldwell, in the course of an address, referring to the statistics of tho colony for 1901, said that we had not much cause for congratulation. We were certainly not progressing by leaps and bounds, but as the decrease in exports was principally caused by tho fall in the price of wool, which may prove temporary, the retrogression was not serious. There had been a considerable increase in imports, the principal reason being the effects of unionism and labor laws, which, however right ethically, could not fail to restrict tho manufacturing interests when placed in competition with other countries. Mr Caldwell then dealt with the great increase in the dairying industry and land settlement, urging that the Government should cease acquiring estates from those who did not want to sell, and turn their attention to tho North, where they possessed the largest estates and would neither sell nor lease. He also advocated reciprocity or a preferential tariff in favor of Great Britain. As to insurance rates, he said the Underwriters’ Association should take heed of the widespread dissatisfaction caused by the excessive rates. Referring to legislation, he urged Unionists to cry content for a bit, or disaster to themselves and others might result. Mr J. H, Upton was elected President for the ensuing year.