BOARD OF TRADE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1512, 19 February 1916, Page 3

BOARD OF TRADE.

MEMBERS APPOINTED,

The Prime Minister announced yesterday that the following gentlemen had been appointed members of the Board of Trade, created under the provisions of the Cost of Living Act, passed last session :—■

Mr P. Hally, Wellington. Mr J. R. Hart, Ashburton. Mr G. A. M’Donald, Westport. Mr Hally is the Conciliation Commissioner for the Wellington District, and he will combine the two functions.

Mr Hart has had experience in the banking profession, and has also followed farming pursuits. Mr M’Donald, who is a solicitor and barrister by profession, was a member of the Cost of Living Commission, which sat in 1912. He has acted as a legal advocate for the Miners’ Unions on the West Coast, and he holds a degree in social economics.

The Board, of which the Minister of Industries and Commerce (the Prime Minister) will be president, will commence its duties at the beginning of next month. Provision was made for the Board of Trade in the Cost of Living Act passed last session. The Board will consist of the Minister of Industries and Commerce, who will be presideut, and three other persons to be appointed by the Governor, who shall hold office for a term of three years, and may be re-appointed. The Board of Trade is empowered : (a) To investigate and report to the Governor upon any case in which it is alleged that there has been an infringement of any of the provisions of the Commercial Trusts Act, 1910.

(b) To enquire into and report to the Governor upon matters affecting the cost of living, or upon any other question referred to it by the Governor, relating to the supply, demand, or price of commodities.

(c) To enquire into and report to the Governor upon any complaint that the price of any class of goods is unreasonably high. (d) To consider, enquire into and report upon any question relating to the trade, commerce, or business of New Zealand which may be referred to it by the Governor.

(e) To institute enquiries in reference to markets for goods produced or manufactured in New Zealand, to report the result of such enquiries to the Governor, and to make recommendations to the Governor in regard to trade with other countries.

(t) To make recommendations to the Governor for legislation in relation to matters referred to it lor consideration.

(g) Generally to advise tbe Governor as to bow tbe trade, in* dustries, and commerce of New Zealand can be best encouraged, developed and protected. It is further provided under tbe Act that the Public Service Commissioner may appoint a secretary to the Board of Trade, and may also appoint such other person as he thinks fit for the purpose of carrying on the business of the Board,