CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9418, 14 April 1909, Page 5

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE.

Per Press Association. Wellington, April 13. At the Chambers of Commerce Conference Mr Kettle, of Napier, moved for the repeal of the mortgage tax and that in lien thereof all- income derived from the investment of capital in mortgages be made subject to income tax, further tbat the graduated tax on capital invested in shares of public companies be levied on paid-up values only, instead of as at present on the proportion of list shares and total value of the land owned by public companies respectively on their liabilities. It was said in discussion that the Act’s operations had a distressing effect, and that the present position of the law coupled with the Government’s local borrowing, was greatly responsible for the financial stringency. Wellington, April 14.

At the Chambers of Commerce Conference to-day Mr Harkness read a paper in which he advocated the federation of New Zealand Chambers of Commerce. A resolution was carried affirming the desirableness of federation and authorising Wellington Chamber to draft a constitution of the Commonwealth Association. A Parliamentary Committee was sot up to watch the interests of trade and commerce. Mr Broad head, a Christchurch delegate, read a paper on the Arbitration Act which he considered had hindered and was hindering the industrial progress of the country. In the discussion which followed, Mr Nathan contended that the matter was not one for interference by Conference and maintained tbat labour bad as much right to form unions as any other section of the community for its own benefit. The discussion was closed by Mr Broadhead being thanked for his paper.