CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 March 1922, Page 1

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

TUESDAY, MARCH 7. The Chamber met at 7.5 p.m. Present : Messrs W. J. Butler (Vice President, in the ohair), W. Wilson, J. Ritchie, T. W. Duff, C. J. Nightingale, S. W. Ford, R. F. Perham, R. Wild, D. j. Evans and Dr Teichelmann. The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed, and the outward correspondence approved. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE. From Minister of Public Works, in reference to his approaching visit, and conveying thanks for offer of car from Mr Clements, which would not be required as the departmental car would be used.—Received. From Ceneral Manager, N.Z. Railways, giving particulars of the amended Ross time-table.—Received. From T. E. Y. Seddon, M.P., on same subject forwarding letter received from Acting Minister of Railways.—Received. From Resident Engineer, stating a copy of the report on the Bruce Bay. Landing survey would be furnished by tbe Public Works Department in due course. —Received with thanks. From Secretary, State Forest Service, acknowledging letter expressing satisfaction with late amendment to tbe Forests Bill.—Received. From Will Lawson, organiser Forestry League, with reference to proposed lecturing tour, stating Hokitika would be visited providing that there was some assurance that twelve residents at £1 a year, would join the League.—Received and resolved to reply the assurance could not be given, and that the amount of local support to tbe League would depend on the merits of the case put forward. . From Imperial Council of Commerce, London, forwarding circular regarding canned goods trade section. —Received. Resolved same be forwarded to Mr G. A. Wood. From Collector of Customs, forwarding particulars of rates of exchange. Received with thanks. From Taihape Chamber of Commerce, forwarding printed copy of correspondence with Railway Department relative to goods consigned to and from flag stations, and the responsibility of tWo Department in tbe matter.—Received. From N.Z. Taxpayers’ Federation, Wellington, outlining the scope ot organisation, notifying branches formed, and asking list of members for further communication, with the ultimate object of forming a local branch.—Received and approved, lists to be supplied. Tlie Chairman explained that the Federation was non-political, and had approached the Government already indicating where considerable savings could lie affected in departmental expenditure. From Whangarei Chamber of Commerce, forwarding booklet of local scenic views.— Received with thanks. GENERAL. With reference to the visit of Hon j G. Coates at the week-end it was explained a County deputation would be formed and tbe Minister waited on in regard to roads and bridges, and tbe hastening of tbe completion of the Otira tunnel for traffic. It was resolved to ask the President, to attend and support tbe County representations. On tbe motion of Mr Wild seconded l, v Mr Duff, £3 was voted towards car hire to take Chautauqua lecturers to Lake Kanieri during their visit to the town. . Mr Ritchie (Hon. Treasurer) reported the credit balance at date was £h 10s 3d. Several subscriptions had been received during tbe month. As quarterly payments were now due, the \yisn was expressed outstanding subscriptions would be paid promptly by members. the price of bread. Mr Wild referred to the price of bread which instead of being 10d with wheat at 5s 6d a bushel, was now Is Id The Government evidently proposed to make the consumers pay the loss on the wheat ileal. The loss should be put on the Consolidated Fund, and the public act the benefit of cheap bread. ” The Chairman said tl.o Government hnil adjusted the tariff duty on wheat, to safeguard their own arrangements with the wheat growers. When the Government guaranteed a price to the wheat powers there was a prospect ot a shortage. But the guarantee bad induced more extensive planting. The estimated requirements of tbe Dominion were seven million bushels, and tbe estimated vield in sight was upwards of nine million bushels. There would be considerably over a million bushels of a surplus—which was better than a corresponding shortage, involving buying in a dearer market still. Mr Wild said a million bushels bad been sold to Japan, but the pnee was not disclosed. Doubtless it was below tbe staple price. The Chairman pointed out that the world’s wheat was now at the lowest parity prices, owing to prolific supplies l The Governmeut would lose heavily on wheat sent out of the country. . Mr Wild remarked that his point was that the Government bought from the farmer at a price, and put on 7jd profit when selling in New Zealand H considered the Government had no right to impose that profit, which was against the consumer. Any loss, e maintained, should be spread over the Consolidated fund. The Chairman explained that last v ear there was a loss borne by the Consolidated fund through the bonus ?aid to the millers to keep the pnee ot bread down. The bread consumei, as a matter of fact, was already a debtor to the Consolidated fund for previous losses to save the consumer’s pocket. Air Wild stated the question was m the method of- handling the matter m the best way for the benefit of the people as a whole. The Chairman said it was evident the Government w anted to ensure a better wheat supply for New Zealand to avoid going out of the country, and buying in a dearer market, hern* the Liberal guarantee to the growers who took fuller advantage of the price than was ex- '

pccted. Mr Butler went on to say that the wheat control was fairly satisfactory on the whole. It was very much like the coal position -which had been relieved by the buying of foreign coal There was every prospect of a stick up by the New Zealand coal miners if the outside coal had not be n brought in. Stocks reuire to he kept up They were an insurance against industrial troubles. What was done was arranged at the time when the Government wag face, to face with crave difficulties, and no doubt for the future supplies would kept up at all hazards. In regard to the wheat, it was the Government price which induced the increased sowing and the enhanced supplies thus making the position assured, with ample resources. Mr Wild thanked the Chairman for the full explanation given and for the information conveyed. The meeting rose at 7.60 p.m.