CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24406, 18 September 1940, Page 4

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MEETING OF COUNCIL The meeting of the Council of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce last night.was presided over by Mr C. M. Bruce (president). Executive's Report The executive reported as follows: On August 22, a request was made to the Minister of Customs for the early issue of fifth period licences that orders may be placed overseas in time for the goods to arrive within the prescribed period. It was also requested that in view of the conditions affecting sources of supply that licences for the United Kingdom or an Empire country should be made more readily transferable to other Empire countries if the goods cannot under war conditions be obtained from the original country. The Minister replied on August 31 that these matters were receiving consideration, but since then no further advice has been officially received on these matters. When the Minister of Public Works was in Dunedin on September 4, a deputation waited on him, again pointing out the desirability and necessity of the Maniototo irrigation scheme. Unfortunately, circumstances did not permit of the deputation being received, but written representations were submitted by the chairman of the Otago Harbour Board and the Minister advised that the matter would receive his careful consideration. Mr H. L. Gibson urged the necessity for unanimity among farmers in the Maniototo district before serious representations were made to the Government. He had reason to believe that there was a serious difference of opinion in Maniototo concerning the whole business. Mr J. S Skinner said that the point. had been well raised. Maniototo settlers were not whole-heartedly in favour of the scheme. Compensation was a big point; areas to be held by individuals was another; and he did not think that any Government sponsoring the scheme.would allow any individual to hold as much as 2000 acres of irrigable land.

Petrol Rationing Following upon the last meeting of the council, stated the chairman, there had been a meeting of the executive, which received a deputation from the motor trade, when the question of petrol rationing was discussed. After a very full discussion, a recommendation was carried that the trade had made out a very sound case for a greater allowance or petrol, Mr Bruce added, and it was decided to support their claim to the Government, always providing that any increase did not detrimentally affect the Dominion's war effort. Mr P. O. Smellie, who was a member of the executive to meet the motor trade, outlined to the council the evidence which had been placed before the chamber. On the facts, the executive felt justified in supporting the trade, subject to the proviso at the end of the recommendation. The recommendation, as a motion, was carried by the council. It was decided to send a copy of it to the Automobile Association.