DUNEDIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Otago Witness, Issue 2892, 18 August 1909, Page 17

DUNEDIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ANNUAL MEETING.

The annual meeting of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce was held in the Chamber of Commerce Hail, Water street, on Friday afternoon. The s president (Mr D. M'Phereon) occupied the chair, and there wove 30 other members present. - report. Xiie president, it movmj thp adoption of the report &nd balance sheet, said : Before formally moving the adoption of the report "and balance sheet, which have b©sn in voter handa for some time. I will, with your permission, briefly refer to a few matters of .interest bearing on the trade and commerce of our district and. the Dominiok ■ First of all, let me say that, generally sneaking,

THE COIIHEBCIAL ATMOSPHBBE during- the past year- has been distinctly electrical. Geographically, we- are far remote from the centre of the disturbance, but eventually we- had to come within the fioope ©t its influence. In my opinion the mam cause of the disturbance was the financial stringency in the American money market some- 18 months ago. This for the time being disturbed existing trade arrangements and checked forward speculation as far as America was concerned, and also had the effect of depreciating to a very large extent the value- of our greatest staple product — wool. America, as you are all aware, operated to a very large extent, and had _c great influence on our wool amarkef. The fact of their curtailing their operations last season wee the main cause of the oreat drop in values for that season, while a slight depletion of our flocks at the came time would account for the smaller volume of ouir exports of wool. This depletion was caused, no doubt, by the higher values ruling- during the same period for frozen mutton and lamb. By the removal of the causes^ affecting her financial stringency, America is again operating freely in the wool market, and as a consequence values have to some extent recovered. Out flocks having so much increaeed, the volume of our export of wool is larger than last season, and the prospect for the future is more encouraging. We were probably the last to feel the effects of the financial disturbance, on account of our distance from the centre. Our greatest inconvenience was felt during- the first quarter of this year (1909), on account of the withdrawal of capital from the Dpaninion. to the great financial centre, to -bo in readiness lor distribution to the points where the demands were most pressing. This came very inopportunely for us, for we had not had time to recover from the effects of the shortage in our exports of the -orevious season. No matter how giltedged the security, money could not be procured for either trade or speculative purposes. The above-meirtioned inconveni-eoK-e, although not quite passed away, is not so aoute as it was at the period referred to. BANKING AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS are naving c more comfortable time. I think we are greatly indebted to them for the manner in which tjhey acted, bringing us through the crisis with so little damage. I do not -look upon our imports having increased out of proportion to out exports as a very serious calamity. True, it is from our exports that we derive our wealth and purchasing power. Wlien there ie a falling away in any particular 6eason in that direction, it is a very serious inatteT, and the money lost is lost absolutely, even although the following season may make a remarkable recovery. With regard to our import trade tihe same does not apply ; there is no material loss. Owing to the fact that we are such a distance from the market, aJso to the occasional irregularity in the execution of orders and various other causes, importers are liable to be more or less overstocked. The goods, however, are there, and it requires only the exercise of some care and judgment to restore and maintain the proper balance. Traders appear now to be working down, heavy stocks, for as far as I can ascertain, there has been no falling off in the distributing trade. As we were the last to feel the effects of the disturbance, we have, I think, been the first to experience the rebound. Although the imports for the year 1908 showed an excess of over a million pounds as compared with the exports, theposition is considerably altered if tbo figures are taken for the 12 months end^d March 31, 1909, when the result shows an excess of exports of nearly £200,000, and if the figures for the quarter ended June 30 were available, I am sure the excess would be still greater. This is promisingfor the current year, and should give encouragement to farmers and flock-owners, and a better tone to our trade and commerce. By maintaining the proper balance

between out exports and imports we can establish the undoubted j PKOSPEEITT OF THE DOMINION , and the welfare of the whole community. Afc the same time the warning cry that was raised a few mbntihs ago .requires •to be repeated, urging prudence, economy, and vigilance. With the continued practice- of these, I have every reason to hope that there are as good times ifor us in the future ac there have teen in the past. Wo are the farthest-away portion of the great Empire to which we are privileged to belong. Let us fulfil our destiny by raising a great nation in these southern seas, realising that, although we occupy the last place in point of distance from the centre, we are by no means tho least in importance, but of the very highest value to the Empire a* one of the food-producing countries in the world- I refrain from wearying ?ou with statistics in connection with tho trade of the year, but I would draw your .special attention to. the tables which - are prepared and nublished with the annual report. In these the fullest details as. tq values and quantities of exports and imports are given, and interesting comparisons drawn between the different years and between the different portions of our Dominion and other countries. These would well repay study Otago Railways. It is very gratifying to know that in one district the Government is prosecuting with duo diligence the construction of a railway line in Otago. I refer to the Catlins line— extension to Tahakopa. The progress mad© in this district must be very encouraging to all concerned. Presumably the intention of the Government is to finish this line to the suggested terminus with as little delay as possible, and bring it to full bearing, co as to get the beet return within the shortest period. This is the .only district lane under construction of which I have any personal knowledge. From observation during a visit made some months ago, at the invitation of the Catlin's Railway League, I am of opinion that the league and the settlers in the district are justified in urging the Government to complete the line with as little delay as possible. The Government may, for financial .reasons, be justified in shelving for the time being other lines in Otago, but for no other reason. The construction of the Lawrence-Roxburgh line wa3 a distinct pledge made by the Government of the day to th© settlers of that district, and they have a perfect right to demand that the pledge be redeemed. The line has been completed for a ehort distance, a-nd then abandoned on the plea that it will not pay. Even if we do not advance the perfectly legitimate argument that this should have been discovered before the pledge was made, we may well ask who aire tha best judges as to whether th-a line will pay or not? Surely the settlers in the- district, who know its capabilities and possibilities, have sunk their capital in purchasing and improving th© land, relying on the promi&s that they would get a railway, and a/reprepared, if necessary, to supplement the revenue until the success of the- line is aa-ured. The increase in the revenue from the Ofago Central railway lir.-3 during the last few months makes us very hopeful with regard to its fate, and may induce the Government to extend it furthor still for the benefit of the settlers in that district as soon as money is available for the purpose. With regard to the Clutha Valley line being urged at the present time, if the promoters can establish as good a claim as the other districts where lines are partly constructed, the Government thould gt-ant the demand, and proceed with tho construction as soon as it is poesibls to make arrangements. The Government has been, and is at the present time, very anxious to get the people to eettle on the land, and th© people themselves have been equally anxious in the same directionPbohises of Railways have been repeatedly made to induce settlement, and these promises being broken there is inevitable hardship and grumbling. The intending settlers will probably in the fvlure reverse the order, and say to tho Government, " Givs us the railway first." I notice that the Hon. R. M'Kenzie (Minister of Public Works) ie now on a tour of Central Otago, and no doubt the sct-tlers will fully utilise this opportunity of bringing under his notice the necessity of further railway construction, to enable them to increase the productiveness of their holdings, and as an inducement to eloper settlement. The Mosgiel duplication ie making very satisfactory progress There are a gTeat number of men employed on the t work at present, many of them taken from 1 tie rapks of the unemployed, thm> lessening the distress prevailing at th-a present . time !

Citt Tbading and Impeovement. A« this chamber is inseparably associated with matters affecting the advancement of

the community, I regard its constitution as second only in importance to the Municipal Council or local authority, aud we may bo permitted to congratulate oureelves upon the advancement that the city of Dunedin .has of recent years made — advancement , that brings the city inio line with the best principles of modern municipal government. Witness its large trading concerns — waterworks, gasworks, electricity works, tramways, and abattoirs — which represent a capital expenditure of £863,368; and when I tell you that this expenditure is attended with the most satisfactory and, generally speaking, profitable results, it speaks volumes for the aptitude and the general ability of our public representatives in conserving the best interests of the people. These concerns act potently towards the health, comfort, and convenience of the inhabitants, and I think you will agree with me that the respective commodities are supplied and delivered to us in the ' best and most efficient manner, and at reasonable rates. We take our place equally with any city of similar proportions aud similar constitution in the world. The electric power and lighting scheme — one of the most recent enterprises — is at last establishing itself as a wise and sound investment, and bids fair to the general benefit of the consumers. I cannot pay any greater tribute to the local authority, whose interests, as I have before stated, are inseparably associated with ours, than to say that, having in view the almost insuperable difficulties with which they have had to contend from the earliest periods t'll now, they are deserving not only of our appreciation, but also of the entire approbation of the citizens as a whole. Again, too, the time is not far distant when we shall have a Greater Dunedin. The number of local authorities that are constituted for the control and administration of works for the public good and benefit are somewhat behind the times, and can be safely centralised in the body corporate as long as that body is constituted by men of large and varied experience, men of capacity, and men of integrity, whose tact and resourcefulness have brought the city to that satisfactory standard that it is our pleasure to recognise. Ido not forget the projected schemes for the reclamation of the foreshore, which will ultimately vest in the city area properties that will increase the value not only of the city revenues, but individual properties immediately adjacent thereto. Dunedin is bound to progress. And it should be. and is, the aim of this chamber lo at all times lend its best aid to such bodies as operate to the general good of the community. Ir is with pleasure I take cognisance of the good work done by the City Council and its officers, and I make bold to say that the City Council as at present constituted evinces all the aptitude and power that go to make a city great. Hahbouh Board Improvements. By the courtesy of the Harbour Board, I have during the year, on two occasions, had the privilege of inspecting the improvement works in the Lower Harbour, I on each occasion the work being explained by the board's engineer. A few days ago Mr Blair Mason also very kindly accompanied me on a tour of inspection of the improvements being carried on at present in the Upper Harbour, which, when completed, will very materially facilitate the ' working of carqro, both inward and outward, of this port. The operations of the board for developing the port and opening its waterways for the navigation of the • largest vessels are being continued, and bid fair to make the port of Dunedin at no j distant date capable of becoming the first J and last port of call for the deepest ocean ! carriers trading to Commonwealth and Do- \ minion ports. At the last meeting of the board the chairman of the Works Committee informed the board that thp denth of water in the new cut at the- Heads was 26ft at low water on the line of beacons, and I understand that off the line cf beacons a navigable course can be steered , over 28ft at low water. This jrives a depth i at ordinary high water of 3^fr. which ex- ' ceeds by about 3ft the fully-loaded draught ' of the largest vessel" that are likely to visit us. There is no doubt that depths will be gradually increased at the \vhsir\es. and the wharves extended to accommodate these vessels. It is satisfactory to note that the Victoria Channel is being consistently improved in depth and width. Wharf widen- • ing and extensions at Dunedin are in propress which will allow of vessels of deeper draught comint? to and berthing at Dunedin, so that in a little while we should see all our oversea goods landed at Dunedin. A proposal has bf-on made to straighten the railway line between Dun- | edi/i and Ravensbor.rne. This will be of , great benefit to the Railway Department, J both in shortening the distance and doing away with the sharp curves. It will also be of benefit to the Harbour Board, in at- ■ tcching to the city a large area of ite en- j dowments, thereby increasing their value 4

and contributing to the board's fixed revenue, besides enabling the board to carry on its important functions and helping towards the end we all must have in view — j viz., the reduction of imposts on goods and shipping, to the general encouragement of > Dunedin's trade. Five hundred feet of the | Rattray street wftarf has been widened 14ft and heightened 2ft. I understand that by j March next year another sCoft will be widened. The depth alongside the wharf will be 25ft at low water. About the 1 middle of next year it is expected that an extension to the Victoria wharf of 350 ft will be completed, with a depth alongside of 25ft at low water. A reinforced concrete wharf, 6Qoft long and 30ft ; wide, is being constructed at Kitchener street, which will also have a depth alongside of 25ft at low water. A three-ton , electric crane is being erected for uss on ; the Victoria wharf. A new - shed, 146 ft by 63ft, of reinforced concrete, is being ".' erected alongside the widened portion cf Rattray street wharf. It is also in- ' tended to build another shed alongside this wharf. The returns of the board ! for the- year 1908 show an increase of 1 revenue, with a fair expansion in the trade of the port. Notwithstanding- the halt in business, the first six months of the present I year show an appreciable - increase in the ■ revenue for this period of £1328 over that of tho same period of last year. la October last redactions in th-a harbour 'im- , provement rates were made, affecting no 1 loss than 27 different classes of goods. j These were very substantial, averaging 'no less than 40 jr per cent., and varying | from 25 per cent, to 66 2-3 pear cent. ' I ; wish, on , behalf of the ..chamber and my- " self personally, to express thanks to tihe chairman, members, and eecaretary of tha board for their unfailing courtesy at all , times to this chamber. Since the reeignai tion of the Hon. T. Fergus, Mr Louden , has been our representative on the board, j The New Otago Dock. j After very discouraging delays, ex- . tending- over a very long period, the new dock is an accomplished fact The work was passed a few days ago by the trust's j engineer, Mr Robt. Hay, and formally taken over by the trust. On June 30 last ! the construction had been so far advanced • that the trust was enabled to have tka 1 dock opened. Before the ultimata fata t of the dock is decided, there ie the trifling i formality to be attended to of paying the contractor the balance of the contract money. I have the authority of the engineer of the Dock Trust for stating that the work has been well amd faithfully ■ carried out, and that the Port of O;ago has the cheapest dock, probably, in the world. When the above formality is comp!<*;cd. the provisions of the Merger Bill, j passed through Parliament the session j bp-foio last, may be given effect to, and i the whole of the property and endowments of the trust handed over to the Harbour Board. The amalgamation of the two bodies is a con.o-umnnaiion devoutly to be wished, as by this method alone will it I be possible to ultimately make the do"k^ pay. My opinion is that one body should h.ue oritro! cf cvarvthirjj pertaining to the ht-p-bour and shinpin.<r inside the heads. . The new dock will bring- our port into ' s line with, if it doe* not place it ahead of, any other port in the Dominion. The dock j can accommodate the lnrgest vessel that i visits our shores, and our hope is that j it will bo the means of bringing increased > ipro«peritv not only to the port of Otago, ' , but to the whole district. | Wellington Conference. • Our «ecrotary, Mr Barr, and myself. A3 j '< your delegates, attended a conference of the Chambers of Commerce of th« Dominion, held at Wellington during Eoster time. Among the many important subjects discussed at the conference, the- most important was the federation of the chambers i of the Dominion. A resolution was unani- ; mously carried confirming the principle, and authority was given to the Wellington j Chamber to draft a constitution for the approval of the various chambers, and to be submitted for acceptance and confinna- ! tion at the next conference of chamber.-, ! to be held at Auckland next Easter. The Bankruptcy Act provoked more discussion than any other subject brought forward, ami it v. a= asrrepd on all hands that soir.e ' amendment of the act was absolutely ncccssarv. A resolution was ultimately earned and, Yiiih otheis, submitted to the Govern- J ment for consideration. We may hope that the vexatious delays in the administration of bankrupt estates will be removed. An efficient ocean mail esryice was also dis- ' cussed. There seemed to be a tendency to overlook to some extent the necessity of a fast and regular inward eervioe, and ' to lay more stress on the outward service. I In my opinion tihe inward searvioa is of more importance to the mercantile community, as more advantage ie now being '

taken of the cable service for placing orders. Our ocean carriers are developing a better tuirn of speed than formerly,: so that often the steamer is forward with the goods before the documents are to hand for clearing, purposes, causing eon:« inconvenience a«d also expense, should the Harbour Board decide to enforce the by-law with regard to- storage. If we could, get as close a connection at Suva for our inwa.rd service as we nave for our outward, I think it would meet our requirements for some time. I recommend th® report of the conference to the members of this cfhambor for petrusal.

Sydney Congress.

With reference, to the seventh Congrest of Chambers of Commerce of the Empire, to be held in Sydney neit month, I highly appreciate the honour of being appointed, with Mr Barr, to represent \this chamberThe occasion will be a very • notable one, and undoubtedly the most important commercial gathering that has yet taken place south of the line. ' ' '*

Compulsory Military Training

At present this subject is occupying the thoughts of all classes of the community, not only in this Dominion, but in all parts of the British Empire. lam of opinion that some scheme of compulsory military training and instruction in military affairs is imperative, but what form it should take I am not prepared to say. Some may think that this subject., has no bearing on our trade and commerce. I think it has, for unless. Britannia continues to " rule the waves," and is able to assist us to defend our shores should. the emergency ever arise, and unless we 'have all our available men thoroughly trained, equipped, ready, and willing to do their part,' it won't matter much what becomes of our trade and commerce.

Balance Sheet.

There are only two items in tho balance sheet to which I wish particularly to refer. On the whole, considering the extraordinary expenditure incurred during the year, we have made substantial progress. The first item is the amount of £20 voted by this chamber at the last annual meeting for the purpose of providing the central medallion for the new mayoral chain of office. Designs were submitted to your committee for approval; Messrs G. and T. Young's was accepted, and the work, which was all done locally, was placed in their hands for execution. A very handsome medallion was provided, and presented by this chamber to the City of Dunedin mayoral chain of office. The second item is the £10 voted by your committee towards the expense of holding an Industries Week in Danedin on somewhat similar lines to those held in Wellington and Christchurch, and let me say now that I consider the money was well spent. The scheme was heartily taken up, and proved a great success. Held, as it was, during Winter Show Week, it was a great attraction for country visitors, as well as our own townspeople. Mr J. Inglis Wright, the secretary and executive officer, deserves great credit for the results attained. The committee was unanimous in highly approving the work he did in the short time at his disposal. The cost of organising and carrying out the industries ' display was borne by the various bodies represented on the committee. The committee is still in existence, and later on will no doubt bring forward a recommendation in regard to future displays.

In Concluding

my remarks on this occasion, I have to express satisfaction at the work done and tht progress made by this chamber At the same time I jnuat express my strong feeling of disappointment in regard to the increase in membership. Realising, when I took office, that the usefulness of this chamber was greatly restricted from lack of members, I mad© it my special work at the outset to raiee the number. 1 thought there would be no difficulty in adding at least 50, but we have only enrolled about half that number. I am convinced that increased membership would 1 mean increased usefulness and power, and! with the population we have, our chamber of Commerce ehould have three times tha number of its present memberehip. When this is achieved, then, and only then, will' this chamber have the weight and influence that it ought to have. Had we made the ' progress I anticipated, I intended to ask the chamber to co far alter its constitution that we could increase the number of the ' committee, 6O that every branch of trade ' carried out in the district ehould have a representative on the committee. Such a oonmktee would have one member at least - poa>eflßing special knowledge, and qualified to speak and advise on any matter brought before the chamber. On© very obvious advantage of this would be the avoidance of delay, which, under the present conditions, is often necessary, to enable information to be got from outside the committee, and poeeiblj outeide the chamber. Whete