Commercial Intelligence.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7317, 10 June 1902, Page 6

Commercial Intelligence.

The following is the circular received by tho local Chamber of Commerce from the Department of Industries :—

With a view to mooting the constantly increasing demand for prompt and accurate information on commercial matters so far as can be met by Government action, the British Board ot Trade has established n Commercial Intelligence Branch in London.

It is hoped that benefit may result from proper use of this Intelligence Branch not merely to the trade of tho United Kingdom, but also to the trade of the Kmpiro at large. The Governments of the colonies have been invited to assist in bringing the Branch into touch with all ivi>rcsenlativo bodies of British commercial men. With this object in view the Government of New Zealand has appointed the Secretary of Industries and Commerce, at Wellington, to act as representative of the Intelligence Branch in New Zealand.

It is recognised that a great deal of valuable information is at the disposal of Chambers of Commerce both in Great Britain ami in the colonies, but this information is intended primarily for the use of their own members, whereas it is desired to place, as far as possible, within the reach of: every individual all available particulars which, may be of use to him and, through him. to the community at large. There is therefore room lor tho Government to supplement private effort in the collection and dissemination of commercial information. The following is a copy of a leallet, dated Ist January, 11)01, and issued by the British Board of Trade, in winch the orit'in o£ the new Commercial Intolligence Branch and its objects are set cut in some detail:—

"The Intelligence Branch of (he- Commercial .Department of tho Board of Trade lina been established with a view to meet the constantly increasing demand fof prompt and accurate information on commercial matters so far as it can be met by Government action. In deciding to establish this new branch the Board of Trade were largely influenced by the recommendations contained in the report of a departmental Committee, composed not only of representatives of the various Government departments concerned, but also of prominent representatives of commercial interests, which was appointed in July, 18'J7. The Committee referred to was requested to consider and advise—(l) As to die best means of collecting and of disseminating among those interested prompt and accurate information upon commercial .subjects; and (2) as to the collection of samples, especially of woods of foreign manufacture competing with .British productions, and the exhibition of such samples" to manufacturers and traders in this country. As a result of their deliberations, the Committee recommended under head fl) tho establishment of a new office, tinder the Board of Trade, on lines which the Board have followed generally in the creation of the Intelligence Branch, and this Branch is consequently iniended to become a centre at which information on all subjefts of commercial interest shall be collected and iocussed in a form convenient for reference. In addition, it is the dui3- of theßrar.ch, as far as circumstances permit, to afford information in reply to nil inquiries on commercial matters which may be addressed to it. whether writ ton or verbal.

"The otlice, which is temporarily housed at No. 50, Parliament Street; London, S.W., was opened on the 2:3 rd October last, its principal ollicer (under the Comptroller-General o£ the Commercial, Statistical, and Labour Departmcnfsof the Board of Trade) being Mr T. Worthington, who recently acted as Special Commissioner to tho Board in an inquiry into the condition and prospects of British trade in certain South American countries. The Intellige-iee Branch will endeavour, on application being made to it. to supply information with regard to the following subjects, viz.; CommiTciai statistics: matters relaiiiiLf to foreign and colonial tariffs; excise and consumption duties: port, harbour, and tonnage dues, and other charges on shipping ; Customs regulations ; Consular fees ; forms of certificates of origin ; regulations concerning commercial travellers; trading licenses ; foreign and colonial contracts open to tender: foreign and colonial bounties ; lists of firms engaged in particular lines of business in iliil'ereut localities, ice, ■&c. An inquiry-room, at which copies of otlicial publications, directories, and other works of reference may be consulted, is reserved at the ofiiccs of the Branch for the. convenience of personal applicants."