CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2380, 18 November 1881, Page 3

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

The quarterly meeting of the Chamber of Commerce was held at three o’clock yesterday afternoon, in its offices, Cashel street. Mr W. Ohryatall occupied the chair. There was a good attendance of members, Messrs W. Hockley, H. Gordon, and George Bing were elected by ballot as new members, and M. Harris as a rejoining member.

The President stated that the resolution passed at a recent meeting respecting the advisability of the direct steam service had been forwarded to Wellington, but no communication had been received in reply. He would direct the attention of members to the steps that were being taken in the matter of frozen meat export. It had been ascertained that 5000 fat sheep per month could be obtained for the above purpose. That alone would represent 1000 tons per annum, and besides that a lot of fat cattle would be available. Ho did not think that the low price obtained for a recent consignment to London meant anything more than a combination of butchers. The committee of the association bad also made representations to the Government that the reductions by the Customs Tariff Bill in cotton goods coming into effect on the Ist October, showed a want of consideration in not allowing any chance of selling their old stock plus duty. He thought the Customs duties were altered too frequently, and it would be well if the tariff was so drafted as to remain unaltered for two or three years, and thus prove beneficial to traders. He was glad to report that favorable arrangements had been made with adjoining occupiers respecting the party walls of the now Chamber of Commerce. He regretted that, speaking generally, trade was very inactive. Many persons in business were complaining. This, he thought, arose through so many people leaving the place since the stoppage of public works. It was also to bo regretted that the Bankruptcy Laws had not been altered, and it was noticeable how many working men even went to the Court as to a city of refuge. He thought it ought to be made more stringent on the debtors. As regarded the railway tariff, he was sorry that the new promulgation on November Ist showed no alteration in rates on grain in favor of farmers, which was naturally looked for by that class, and as regarded the regulation for bagging the various kinds of grain—that too should be altered. At present the ton of wheat was made up of twelve four-bushel bags; that of barley at ten four-bushel bags ; whilst that of oats was fourteen four-bushel bags; the result being that if more than four bushels were put in each sack a penalty was enforced, as it was said that the railway men could not carry heavier burdens. The hardship on the farmer was that it entailed a loss of one-fifth on the farmer in the matter of sacks, as each would bold five bushels. He did not think this was known at headquarters, and if a representation to that effect was made an alteration would probably result. He would read a letter from the chairman of the promoters of the Bast and West Coast railway, accompanied by a resolution passed at a recent meeting of those gentlemen. The resolution was to the effect that the Chamber of Commerce be asked to appoint' a deputation of competent and disinterested individuals to go over the proposed route of the Blast and West Coast railway with a view of reporting upon the features of the scheme, also to report on its commercial advantages, the expenses to be borne by the promoters. The letter covering same stated that Mr Thornton would accompany the deputation. The chairman said the committee of the Chamber suggested that they should be authorised to meet the promoters, and if that was the wish of the present meeting they would no doubt express their opinion accordingly. Mr Weston said if this was done they (the promoters) could ask no more. He saw that stops were being taken in the matter of two proposed railways in the North Island, and he thought no time should be lost. If the proposed deputation reported favorably, the work could go on ; if not, of course it would not. As regarded the remarks of the chairman respecting the grain tariff, be hoped to see the railways placed under the control of a Board, by which matters could be better arranged. If the East and West Coast railway was established, the directors would take a broader view than the Government would in such matters. He had been reminded that the favorable report of the deputation would give the proposed scheme a status not only here but elsewhere. Ho would move—“ That the committee of the Chamber meet the promoters of the proposed Wes* Coast Eailway, and confer with them on the subject, reporting to the Chamber as to the merits of the soheme, and further, that the committee have power to act."

Mr L. E. Nathan seconded the resolution, aud took it as a proof of good faith, and as a sign that the promoters wished to get every reliable information. Their suggestion that an impartial body like this Chamber should appoint a deputation spoke well for it, because if the report was unfavorable the soheme would collapse, as in the interests of the colony it should do if it was found impracticable.

Hr A. O. Wilson asked if there was any likelihood of the Act being repealed next session.

Mr Weston replied that as its provisions in the matter of granting land were so liberal there were many who would like to see it repealed. The motion was then carried unanimously. Mr L. E. Nathan wished to know if the committee had decided to take any steps to memorialise the Government re the grain

traffic, if not he would move they be instructed to do sc.

The President replied that steps would be taken. It was calculated that ten sacks of wheat, each of 4 bushels, weighed 24001 b, eleven do of barley, each of 4i bushels, weighed 24751b5, whilst twelve 5 bushel sacks of oats filled weighed 25001b5. They would suggest that these measures and weights should be allowed. This was all the business.