CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 November 1921, Page 5

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE.

DOMINION CONFERENCE. PROBLEMS OF TRADE. By Teleffrftph—Press Association. Christchurch. Nov. 23. The annual conference of Associated Chambers of Commerce has opened. Delegations are present from all parts oi the Dominion. The president, Mr. Martin (Wellington), presided. He said it was the first conference of the associated chambers held outside Wellington. He hoped the innovation would be justified. He referred to the fall of prices consequent on-- the general dislocation of trade and commerce. One of the most serious problems to be faced was the adjustment of wages. Taxation in New Zealand was so that money was leaving the country for investment in other countries. The Government had been repeatedly informed that the incidence of taxation should be examined by a board of experts, and that means must be found to reduce the pressure on mercantile and industrial companies. Mr. Martin said he was sure they had unbounded faith in the future of the country, and that the constructive genius of the race would manifest itself in finding a way out of the present difficulties. A resolution was passed that the Government be recommended to appoint forthwith a Royal Commission of the best qualified representative men to inquire into the proper principles and the incidence of all taxation in New Zealand and to make recommendations as to all taxes, whether direct or indirect. REMITS DISCUSSED. GOVERNMENT BOOK KEEPING. TAXING AMUSEMENTS. Christchurch, Last Night. At the Chambers of Commerce conference, the following remit, was moved by Mr. J. B. Waters, on behalf of the Dunedin Chamber: ‘That this conference is of opinion that the account of . all Government trading departments should be kept upon the double entry system, with provision for depreciation of assets, and the usual charges required in mercantile accounts, in order that the annual profit and loss accounts and balance sheets may be prepared showing the result of the years Operations, and the assets and liabilities of the department, and that the conference expresses strong approval of the action being taken by the Government in this direction.” He said private employers were judged by results —by their profit and loss accounts —but the Government, by its methods of book-keeping, had lost much money, and departments could not be judged by results, and neither could the officers if no proper book-keeping system were used. In reply to suggestions, Mr. Waters agreed to delete the word “trading.” The remit was carried. Mr. Leigh Hunt, on behalf of the Wellington Chamber, moved: “That in view of the fact that many of the usual Government sources of revenue are likely to show a pronounced shrinkage owing to the present financial stringency, this conference is - of opinion that the time has arrived when much larger revenue should lie derived from luxuries and amusements.” Mr. Hunt said that since the was framed, Mr. Massey had announced his intention to make a further tax on amusements. No doubt Mr. Massey would be glad to have the public behind him. He thought young men and women earning good salaries were, under the income tax exemption, escaping taxation. Mr. Tyers (Christchurch) agreed. He said bachelors and spinsters were not contributing their share of taxation, but a remedy would be better attained by an amendment of the Income lax Act, lowering the exemption. An increased amusement tax would strike at the fathers of families. Mr. McDonald, chairman of the Board of Trade, said he had been trying to devise a luxury tax, and found some difficulty. The remit was agreed to. The following resolution was passed: “That this conference expresses disapproval of the establishment of a mercantile shipping board or company involving Government subscriptions, and a guarantee by the Crown for borrowed money.” Remits were adopted urging the Government io appoint business experts as trade commissioners, particularly in the East; to amend the shipping legislation in connection with bills of lading; also that a flat rate of freight between America and New Zealand should be a condition of all future mail contracts. Another resolution earned stressed the necessity for further economy by the Government.