CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1954, 29 May 1880, Page 3

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

A special meeting of the Chamber of Commerce was held yesterday, to consider the question of forwarding a petition to America re the admission of wool into that country on an od valorem rate of duty.

Mr G. G. Stead, the President of tho Chamber, occupied the chair. The Chairman said that since the last general meeting he had received tho draft of a petition from Auckland to tho President of America. He could not say that after read ing it through ho hud altered his opinion as to the undesirability of signing it. He thought it would be useless and childish in tho extreme for a small community like this to ask America to alter tho whole of their fiscal policy just to oblige a few. He, therefore, thought that if the petition wore signed it would bo of no practical use. As, perhaps, members had not aeon the petition, ho would ask the secretary to read it. Mr Bird read the petition, which has already been published. The Chairman said that tho letter ho had received from Mr Beardsley simply asked them to sign tho petition and forward the same to tho Secretary for State at Washington. As he had received tho letter only on the 27th inst. ho could not reply by the mail leaving on tho 25th May, as requested. Mr Pavitt thought that if they could take joint action witn the Dunedin and Auckland Chambers of Commerce it would have more weight with the American Government, and it would bo a very great thing if the rates oa wool were reduced. The President could understand that if the Government of New Zealand addressed the Government of tho United States on a matter of reciprocal duties, something might come of it, but not from the petition of a few persons representing a small community such as Now Zealand.

Mr laglis thought that tho petition itself would at once prevent its signature by that Chamber, as it was a wretched document. Any measures which were taken to this end should be through their own Government addressing the Government of the United States.

Mr Cunningham moved—“ That the matter bo referred to the committee for their consideration.” The general meeting held some time since had decided almost unanimously that no action should be taken, so that really this meeting itself need not have been called. Tho President explained the reasons which had induced him to call the special meeting of the Chamber, pointing out that more detailed information had come to hand since the last mce ing Mr Wood thought that the meeting need not have been called to consider a petition forwarded to it by a private individual. He thought the matter should be allowed to drop. He would more—“ That tho petition he on the table for tho purpose of any person signing it that may think proper.” Mr Pavitt seconded Mr Cunningham’s motion.

The President could not seo any good in referring to the committee. What could they do with it ? It would be much better to settle the matter at once at that meeting. Mr Inglia would move—“ That the Chamber is of opinion that if any action is taken by the United States Government, on the subject of reduction of the duty on wool, the initiative should be taken by the Government of New Zealand.” Mr Pratt would second the motion if Mr Inglis would consent to the resolution being altered so as to allow of the Chambers of Commerce taking the initiative by bringing the matter before the Government of Now Zealand, and getting it to move in the matter.

After some discussion, Mr Pratt agreed to second the motion as it stood.

Mr A. C. Wilson said he thought that a resolution something after this style would be the proper thing : —“ That this Chamber, while expressing every sympathy with the object of inducing the United States Government to materially lower or even take off the duty on wool imported into America from New Zealand, desires to express an opinion that that the Chamber of Commerce, New York, or some similar body, is the only body that the Chamber could hope to interest in this matter.”

Mr Inglis’ amendment was put and carried. Mr Wood’s motion not being seconded, Mr Inglis’ amendment thus became the substantive motion, and

Mr Wilson then moved the amendment as above. , Mr Pavitt seconded the amendment.

Mr O. B. Taylor suggested that the only way of getting this matter put in train would bo for the Chambers of Commerce throughout New Zealand to unite and address the Chambers of Commerce in Now York, Boston, and Philadelphia, who could interest themselves with the Government of the United States.

Mr Wilson agreed to add this to his a mendment—“ And that the president of the Chambsr be requested to bring this important matter before the Chambers of Oommorea in the principal oilios of the United States.” Mr Taylor thought, now the whole of the discussion had been heard, it would be better to let the matter go to the committee. Mr Wilson’s amendment was put and lost.

Mr Oonnal moved as a further amendment —“ That the matter be referred to the committee.” Mr Pavitt seconded the amendment. Mr Cunningham raised the question whether a resolution which Lad been rejected could again be moved. The President ruled that the amendment was not in order, and could not bo put. Mr Inglis’ motion was then put and carried.

Mr Inglis then moved—“ That the resolution now passed be referred to the committee, to take such further action as they may deem advisable.” Mr McD.iugal seconded the motion, which was agreed to. This concluded the business.