CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Globe, Volume V, Issue 521, 18 February 1876, Page 2

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

The quarterly general meeting of the Chamber of Commerce was held on Thursday afternoon, at 3 o’clock. Present—Messrs P. Cunningham (chairman), A. Duncan, G. Gould, A. Cuff, J. Goss, G, Stead, H. P. Murray-Aynsley, H. Matson, D. Craig, Connal, Moore, J. A. Bird (secretary), J. L. Coster, W. H. Hargreaves, Cobb, J. D. Mac* pherson, and J. Inglia, The following members were elected by ballot Messrs S. Smith (New Zealand Shipping Company), C. H. Williams, and Hon G. Buckley. The chairman said that in the absence of Mr Lane he had to observe that during the last three months the committee had little to do. It had been thought well not to pass any resolution with reference to The Debtors’ and Creditors’ Act, but to allow it to work for six months, when doubtless its faults would be found out. With regard to the public buildings he was sorry to state that little (progress had [been made. The General and Provincial Governments were squabbling about the site, and so for the present they would have to content themselves with the present unsatisfactory'buildings. As to the revision of therailway charges, committees had sat thereon, but the Government seemed determined to maintain the present high rate of charges until they had been thoroughly tested ; the only thing the Government had promised to do was to intimate the probability of a slight reduction in the rates of wharfage. He might state that the committee had ordered 100 copies of a pamphlet published by the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce on “ Tribunals of Commerce.” These copies were for circulation amongst the members. With 1 regard to the laying the cable, which would complete telegraphic communication with Great Britain, he (the chairman) had telegraphed to the Hon B. Richardson, forgettingtbat gentleman wasdownSoutb, that telegram had been opened by Sir J. Vogel, who had courteously sent the following reply, “ P. Cunningham, Esq, •* Deputy Chairman Chamber Commerce, “ Christchurch, *• Wellington, February 17th, 1.30 p.m.

“In Mr Richardson’s absence, I hare pleasure in replying to your telegram. Cable laid to ij within sixty miles of Nelson and buoyed. As soon as weather permits shore en 4 will be laid and cable carried out and spliced to end buoyed. Probably finished within a week, “ Julius Vogel.” He (tLo qL thonght that they might congratulatipTHMlltelvea on the successful approach oftfelegraptic communication with Great Britain. Mr Murray-Aynsley gloved, “That the thanks of the Chamber begften to Sir Julius VogjPfor his prompt reply,Had congratulates him on telegraphic communication with Great Britain being so near completion.” ■ - Mr D. Craig seconded the motion, which was agreed to.

Mr A. Cuff called attention to the new regulations for berthing steamers, by which interprovincial steamers were not to have a berth reserved for them. If that were carried into effect, the result would be that they would have to return to the old system of lighterage. Mr Coster failed to see why a preference should be given to steamers in having bertha reserved for them—a privilege which was not afforded to sailing vessels. He saw no reason why London ships should be excluded from the Gladstone Pier for the accommodation of foreign, intercolonial, or interprovincial steamers . Mr Stead coincided with the remarks made by Mr Coster. Mr Duncan feared that the regulations, if carried into effect, would have the effect of damaging their interprovincial trade. Mr Murray-Aynsley deprecated the use q| the berthing regulations. If they were carried into effect they would materially injure the trade of the port. Mr Connal moved the following resolution—“ That this Chamber is of opinion that steamers should always have a preference over sailing vessels for a berth.” Mr A. Cuff seconded the motion.

Mr G. Stead moved as an amendment—- “ That the clauses referring to berthing ships at the Gladstone Pier, in the port of Lyttelton, having brought before the Ch&nbef

of Commerce, this Chamber is of opinion that the new regulations generally are considered satisfactory.” Mr Coster seconded the amendment. Mr Inglis should be compelled to vote for the amendment, as he could not vote for the sweeping resolution proposed by Mr Connal. After some further discussion, the amendment was carried on the voices. A letter was read from Mr W, H. Lane, resigning the office of chairman. The chairman said it would be the duty of the committee to recommend some one to the next quarterly meeting for appointment as chairman. Mr Duncan trusted that the matter of the public buildings would not be lost sight of. The chairman said that the chairman was instructed to see the Hon Mr Richard c on on his return from the South, and press the matter strongly on his notice. The meeting then adjourned.