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(Telegram.) Christchurch, 4th September, 1906. Canterbury Chamber of Commerce strongly protests against Commonwealth reciprocal treaty. Copy resolution going first mail. E. G. Staveley, President. Chairman, Industries Committee, Wellington. g IR Ngapara, sth September, 1906. I have the honour to inform you that at a general meeting of farmers held in Oamaru this day the following resolution was unanimously carried : — " This meeting desires to record its emphatic protest against that part which deals with the products of the farmer in the reciprocal tariff now before the House becoming law, as the proposals are altogether one-sided in favour of Australia, and against the interests of the farmers of this colony. Yours, &c, Thomas Mackenzie, Esq. Walter Seth-Smith, Secretary, Oamaru Branch, Farmers' Union. North Otago AgriculturarandTastoral Association, Sir, Oamaru, 6th September, 1906. I am instructed by my committee' to" forward for your information a copy of the following resolution passed at their meeting on the sth September. Yours, &c, T. McKenzie, Esq., M.H.R., Wellington." E. Piper, Secretary. " The North Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association desires to enter its protest against that part of the reciprocal tariff at present before Parliament which deals with the products of the farm, as the alterations proposed are against the interests of the farmers of the colony." South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, g IBj Timaru, 6th September, 1906. I am instructed to forward to you the following" resolution :— " That this Chamber is of opinion that the proposals in respect to the reciprocal treaty with Australia now before the House are not based on fair and reasonable grounds for adoption by this colony, the benefits derivable therefrom being so distinctly favourable to Australia, and no commensurate equivalent to New Zealand being apparent as against the large sacrifices asked for." Trusting you will see this in the same light. I have, &c, C. S. Fraser, Secretary. The Chairman, Industries and Commerce Committee, Wellington. Birkenhead and Northcote Fruitgrowers' Association, Sir, 4th September, 1906. I have the honour, by direction of the above association, to forward to you copy of resolution passed at a meeting of the association on Monday, the 3rd instant, with reference to the proposed reciprocal treaty with Australia, and to ask your favourable consideration of the wishes of the fruit-growers : — " That this meeting of Birkenhead and Northcote fruit-growers learns with surprise the provision made in the proposed reciprocal treaty with Australia that apples and pears are to be admitted into New Zealand at a reduced scale of duty during the months of January and February, thereby making this colony's markets a dumping-ground at a time when the local supply is sufficiently plentiful, and causing both local and Australian growers' returns to become unremunerative. As this would be a serious injury to a large number of settlers in New Zealand engaged in the fruit-growing industry, we respectfully submit to the Hon. the Pemier and members of the House of Representatives that the said provision in the treaty would not be to the interest of New Zealand fruit-growers, who ask that the previously existing tariff be not interfered with. And, further, re removal of prohibition from Australian grapes, we desire to express the opinion that the effect would be in direct opposition to the Government policy of fostering the viticultural industry in operation for many years past, and just when such industry is gaining a footing a serious and permanent injury would be done thereto." I have, &c, Allan Wilson, Secretary. The Chairman of Industries and Commerce Committee, Wellington.