CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 194, 22 January 1875, Page 2

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

The usual monthly meeting of the Chamber of Commerce was held on Thursday afternoon. Present—Messrs L. B, Nathan (chairman), Murray-Aynsley, Dymock, Duncan, Macpherson, Stead, H. Matson, Inglis, Jenkins, Roper, Sawtell, Bird (hon sec), Hassal, and Palmer. The minutes of the pterions meeting held were read and confirmed. The Chairman said that since they had last met he was sorry to tell them that the telegraphic arrangements previously mads had fallen through. He had deemed it his duty to cancel the arrangements that had been made, in consequence of the incomplete manner in which they had been carried out. He might add that, the gentleman who had undertaken the work had not been backed up with information by the Press Agency, as he had anticipated. That agency had offered to do the work, but the committee did not deem it advisable to comply with their terms. Since then, for the convenience of the members of the Chamber, the board at the telegraph office had been copied twice a day, and was suspended at the chamber. The Minister of Justice had promised a deputation of the Chamber an interviewto discuss the advisability of amending the Insolvency Act, immediately after the election. He had waited upon the General Manager of Railways in deference to the wish of the committee, asking that he would have notices issued to consignees on arrival of their goods. That gentleman had met him cordially, and had promised to submit the proposition to the Government, and probably it would be in practice in about a month. Since they had last met, as the Suez mail bad arrived on a Friday, he had considered it his duty to wait upon the Chief Postmaster, urging him to communicate with the General Government asking to have the mail sorted on that day for the convenience of the public. That gentleman had pointed out to him that the discretion of having this done rested with him, and he kindly had the mail sorted, and box-holders were enabled to receive their letters on Sunday. In an article in the Lyttelton Times of 16th inst. the necessity of having a steam tug in port had been advanced. He understood this General Government purposed doing something in this direction. He did not know

much of the matter Or requirements, and before the meeting separated ha would be glad to hear the opinion of the Chamber on this subject. At the instance of a member, Mr A. Dancan said he understood the Government had ordered two hopper barges and one steam dredge, but he did not think it. would be powerful enough to tow a vessel. Mr Macpherson said the necessity of having a steamer for towage purposes was forcibly brought under his notice in Lyttelton on Thursday last. A strong north-easter had been blowing, and many of the vessels had dragged their anchors and drifted towards the rocks. Had the gale not abated, the result might have been most serious, and this contingency would have been obviated had there been a steam tug in port. He had been informed that the Otago Government subsidised a steamer for towage purposes at £I2OO a year. The owners were free to use her when not required for this purpose, but she was expected to be always ready at the heads when wanted.

The chairman said that a messenger had been sent up to the Government offices to inquire if it was known that a tug steamer had been ordered for Lyttelton. On the motion of Mr Macpherson, this matter was left in the bands of the committee. The meeting then adjourned.