CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Auckland Star, Volume XIX, Issue 100, 28 April 1888, Page 7

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

At the special meeting of the Chamber pf Commerce held yesterday afternoon, Mr A. H. Nathan occupied the chair, and amongst those present were Messrs E. Withy, T. Peacock, F. J. Moss, F. Lawry, R. Hobbs and Colonel Praser.

MAIN TRUNK EAILWAY

The Chairman said that the Chamber had, in accordance with their usual custom, invited the Auckland members to meek them prior to their departure lor Wellington to discuss varioua matters of importance. The Minister of Public Works had been interviewed with reference to the North Island trunk route, a.nd he hud left the deputation under the impression that nothing further would be done this session. Ho moved, " That in the opinion of tho Chamber the North Island Trunk Railway route shuuld be completed by connecting with Stratford, and. thus complete com-' miinication with Taranaki and Wellington."

Mr A. Ciark seconded the resolution

Mr G. Aiekin said thnt he thought it nndesirnble that members should go into a lengthy discussion on this mutter, especially as there were so many members present. There could be only one question as to fairness, for Auckland was entitled to communication with Taranaki. If it was practicable to find tho money, the sooner it was done the better.

Colonel Fraser said he was not in accord with the Chamber in this matter, and he might as well say so at once. He was in the House when the question of the rival routes was discussed. The matter was left to an hide pendent committee, consisting solely of Southern members, and they came to the conclusion that the central line was the proper one. He (Colonel Fraser) voted for the oentral route, and he had seen nothing since to cause him to alter that opinion. He btlieved that nothing but this trying to divert the line had pieyented ifc from going on, and that these new surveys were merely pretence to have nothing done in the matter at all. He thought that it was a mistake for the Chamber of Commerce to interfere. It was his intention still to support the central route unless it was shown that the surveys proved unfavourable to that route. Mr Peacock snid he had not intended tosay anything to this resolution, but seeing that Colonel Fraser had spoken adversely tp the motion, ajid as this might tend to give the impression that there was a division of opinion on this subject amongst the members of the Auckland province, he thought it advisable to give some expression of opinion. There could be scarcely more unanimity in the Chamber than amongst die Auckland members. The re-opening of this matter of the rival routes would not have been entered on but for two important point?, first that the data upon which the conclusion was arrived at in favour of the central lino were largely in excess of what was thought; and second, that the land through which the routo passed was found' 'to bo of worse quality than it was supposed to bo. These were quite sufficient reasons for the matter being re-opened. He had no doubt that the question would be dealt with by the Auckland members with the same agreement that existod amongst them last session. He also thought that it would be well for tho Chamber to give some expression of opinion in order to strengthen the hands of members.

Mr McLachlan said that there were other Auckland members besides Colonel Fraser who held similar views. He also discussed the merits of fche rival routes at gome length. Mr Peacock said that during the previous session a large meeting of Auckland members was held, when it was unanimously agreed that it was desirable that further investigation should be made with the view of connecting the main trunk line with Taranaki. Several members of the Chamber also spoke. Mr Hobbß said that not one single member had gone over the central route. Three members got as far as about a hundred miles from Wellington, when they turned back with very unfavourable impressions, and their report was deqidedly unfavourable. Those who were advocating the central route knew well that it would not be done. It'should be known that if Auckland had connection with Taranaki she would also have connection with Wellington. lie was satisfied that the Stratford Hue was the best for the whole colony, and he believed that money would beavailabletocarry it on. Mr Hobbs also remarked that the North of Auckland was under-rated, and mentioned that £300,000 worth of gum had been obtained from that part of the colony alone. Mr C. C. McMillan understood that the position taken by Colonel Fraser was that he was waiting for information in order to frame his judgment. If the surveys were in favour of the Stratford route and the financial position of the colony such that the central ; route could not be completed, he thought that Colonel Fraser would support the Stratford route. Colonel Fraaer : Yes, that is so. The motion was then put and carried unanimously. PENSIONER SKTTLEMENTS. MrC. C. McMillan moved: "That this Chamber approves of the scheme for pensioner settlements as most beneficial to the settlers in the country districts, and hopes that the Auckland members will urge upon the Government the necessity of taking action in this direction." He suggested that Mr Peacock should bo asked to take the matter in band. Mr Lodder seconded the resolution. Mr Moss said he looked with great suspicion on all of these special settlement schemes. They had induced people to come out here, and the result had been that unfavourable supports had been sent Home. He thought Captain Davoney's scheme was one that deserved consideration, but he deeired it to be distinctly understood that he did not so to Wellington pledged to anything. Bo thought the Te Kuiti land should rather be thrown open to the young men of New Zealand than to strangers of whom we knew nothing. Even foreign capital could be bought too dearly. He would not go further tban promise to give the scheme careful consideration. _ Mr Moss also urged the Chamber to use its influence in assisting thevill&gesettlements now in want of a little aid. . Mr Hobbs thought it was a great point in the scheme that all the proposed settlers would have a little capital to bring with them to the colony. Ho was prepared to support any scheme of this kind, because he believed in the people dealing direct with the Government. ' , . , , The Chairman said the Chamber had never had any communication from the North, and consequently no action had been taken with regard to their grievances. The Chamber fully recognised the importance of the Northern settlements. The motion was put and carried.

GOLD-MINIXG INTERESTS. Mr G. Aickin moved, " That the Government be requested iri the ensuing session to aid our goldfields in the direction of (1) Opening up tracks for prospecting. (2) Offering subsidies for deep' level prospecting. (3) Giving bonus for the best method of extracting the precious metal from the ores. (4) Further assistance to School of Mines, and (5) improved tenure under which gold-mining companies hold their land." He said that there was never a time in the history of the colony when the goldh'elds were deserving and required a little assistance, more than they did just now. The goldfields were wealthy both in gold and silver, and he thought the Chamber would have no difficulty in persuading the members present that it was tho proper thing to give some little assistance in this direction. Mr McMillan seconded the resolution. He thought the most important matter was the testing of the lower levels, which would stimulate other enterprises. He referred to tho opinion of Mr Seavers on the matter, and hoped that a special subsidy would be given for testing those levels. The motion was put and carried. SAN FRANCISCO MAIL SKRVICE. Mr Milne moved " That in the interests of this colony it is mqst desirable to maintain a Pacific Mail Service, and consequent direct communication with the continent of America, and therefore urges the members of this district to support its continuance." fie thought (he Chamber should impress upon members the desirability of maintaining this service in preference to all others. Mr A. C]ark seconded the resolutif.n. Mr McLachlan opposed the motion, He thought it absurd to pay £60,000 just to let merchants have their letters a few days earlier than they would otherwise- have them. Mr Miltio observed that the direct service was a direct loss tothe colony, whilo the San Francisco service was a gain. The Chairmain mentioned the arrangement made between the shipping companies to run a fortnightly service, and added that this would probably bo put forward as doing away with the necessity for tjhe San Francisco service. The motion was then put and carried. BANKRUPTCY LAWS. The Chairman moved the adoption of tho amendments in the Bankruptcy Laws as suggested by tho Chamber at a reccrjt meeting. Mr Mjine seconded tho motion, which was agreed to. TAXATION, The Chairman said there was only one matter yot to be dealt with, viz., thp question of taxation, especially the property tax and Customs tariff. It was unfortunate that this important matter could not receive more time than remained at their disposal. After gome discussion it was agreed that the discussion of the matter bo deferred till next week, on a date to be fixed by the Chairman.