CONFERENCE OF CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE.

Waikato Argus, Volume II, Issue 136, 20 May 1897, Page 2

CONFERENCE OF CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE.

Sydney, May 18. Tin: delegates to the Intercolonial Conference of Chambers of Commerce were welcomed by the Mayor at the Town Hall yesterday. The speakers urged the necessity and benefits of Australasian commercial federation. Mi' Johnston, of New Zealand, said his colony at present was somewhat outside the federation, hut in regard to shipping, insurance, and other matters the conference had to deal with, New Zealand might well join hands with Australia.

Ihe Conference opened to-day, Mr Weeks, president of the Sydney Chamber, was elected president. A congratulatory address to the Queen was adopted. It gratefully acknowledged the rapid expansion of the co'ouial empire during the reign. The delegates waited on the Governor and presented the address and were entertained. The president's opening address comprised an interesting review of the commercial progress of the British Empire, especially of Australasia, during tin; Queen's reign, and commendation of commercial federation. The president said one of the chief objects of the meeting was to give commercial men of all the colonicsau opportunity of discuss-ng national union in its mercantile and financial aspects. Lord Hampden, who was present, skortlj addressed the conference, and trusted its labours would effectively assist the federal movement.