CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Southland Times, Volume 2, Issue 86, 1 September 1863, Page 2

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

A special general meeting of the Chamber of Commerce was held yesterday in the stores of Messrs Palgety, Rattray and Co. for the purpose of discussing the merits of the present prohibitory regulations legarding the importation of cattle into the Province of Southland, and also for the transaction of general business. After a few prefatory remailts from the Chairman it was moved by Mr Fitzgerald,-- -" That a memorial be addressed to His Honor the Superintendent, praying for the lemoval of the prohibition upon the importation of cattle from Gipp's Land, Twofold Bay, and Souh Australia — recognised by the Otago Government as shipping Ports." The motion was seconded by Mr P. I* Francis, and unanimously carried. On the motion of Mr Carey, seconded by Mr M'lvor, it Avas resolved :- " That a subcommittee, consisting of Mr Francis, Mr Whitton, and the mover be appointed to prepare said memorial, and to report again before this meeting break up. 1 ' The sub-committee having brought up their report, the following memorial was adopted by the meeting :— "To His Honor the Superintendent of the Province of Southland. — " The memorial of the Invercargill Chamber of Commerce respectfully showeth, — " That your petitioners consider the time has arrived when the restrictions on the importation of cattle from ports now barred here, but recognised as shipping ports by the Otago Government, should be romoved. " That the number of stock in the Province is even now insufficient to supply the inhabitants with meat, and in the anticipated increase to our population in the spring, it is absolutely necessary that some provision should be made. " That the present restrictions here are no safeguard against such prohibited cattle being driven into this Province, while the ports of Otago are open, "And your petitioners will ever pray, &c." Mr Whitton stated that the committee appointed for the purpose of securing a site whereon to erect a Hall of Commerce had been successful in their efforts, and some desultory conversation took place on the building question. It was at length moved by Mr Whitton, — " That the trustees, in conjunction with Messrs Ross and M'lvor, be appointed a subcommittee to consider the matter of the building of a Hall of Commerce, and report on a future day. 1 ' Mr P. L. Francis brought before the notice of the Chamber the great injustice suffered by certain rate-payers, who were unable to record their votes at t'ie Town Board election which took place yesterday (Monday). Mr Francis declined handing in a notice of motion on the subject, but left it in the hands of the Chamber. Before the Chamber separated it was agreed that a public meeting should be called by advertisement, to be held in the building in Tay-street, adjoining the office of Messrs Mueller and Geisow, for the purpose of bringing prominently before the notice of the public, the propriety of petitioning the Provincial Government; in reference to the restrictions on the importation of cattle into the Province. The hour of the meeting was fixed for 7.30 p.m.