CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 18, 22 January 1892, Page 2

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

THE CHICAGO EXHIBITION

A special meeting of the Chamber of Commorco wits hold yesterday afternoon, Mr A. Porter presiding, to take into consideration the desirability of this colony being fully represented at the forthcoming Columbian Exposition, to be held in Chicago in 1892----93. Amongst those present wero Sir George Grey and Mr W. jl. Rees, M.H.R., J. M. Shera, M.H.R., C. C. McMillan, J. G. Firth, W. F. Lawry, M. Clark, J. Roid, L. Ehrenfried, J. H. VVitheford, S. T. George, A. Walsh.

The Chairman said this matter was fully gone into at a meeting of the Council of the Chamber, at which ib was decided to urge full representation of the colony at the Chicago Exhibition. He read apologies for non-attendance from Mr Thos. Thompson, M.H.E., and Mr B. Mitchelson, M.H.R.

Mr C. C. McMillan said it could not be expected exhibitors would send goods to America which could not bo sold except under a very high tariff of 50 to 150 per cent. In boots and shoes they could nob expect to compete with America. New Zealand tweeds were very good, hue they were barred by that, frightful American tariff. Ho thought it only right that exhibitors should be assured that if they'send floods to Chicago they would not be recouped any loss that might be sustained. He thought it very desirable that the wealth of the colony in wool and minerals should bo represented. The first resolution submitted by the Council was, " That it is advisable thafi the colony should be fully represented at the Chicago Exhibition." This was carried. The second resolution was submitted as follows :—" That the exhibits should consist principally.of our staple articles, wool, gum, flax, rabbit skine, and, if possible, cereals, minerals, timber, and other natural products."

Mr Rees said the scenery and climate were a groat attraction to visitors, and sc-ggested that the exhibits might include some photographs or "New Zealand scenery.

Mr-McMillan thought thie suggestion was a very good one. The Americans wero great travellers, and ib wa3 desirable to attract them to this colony. The resolution was 'carried.

The third resolution was agreed to without debate, as follows : '"That the exhibition be in the narcte of the colony, and not separately for each provincial district."

The fourth resolution was submitted as follows, and carried : " That the Chamber and others interested be requested to undertake tho work of getting such products as will represent.their districts."

The Chairman said thi* meant the formation of a good strong Committee that would find the necessary funds outside of whatever sum might be voted by the Government.

Mr Rees suggested that a communication should be addressed to the American Government urging that die tariff should be exempted in the case of goods exhibited even in tho event of their sale or loss. It would be useless to return perishable

goods. On resolution No. 5, " That all funds for carrying out the above be found by the Government cf the colony," the Chairman said this was not intended to cover any part of the cost of exhibits.

Mr L. Ehrenfried did not think the Government could be made responsible for an indefinite sum. He suggested that the Government should be asked to pay the freight on exhibits, iind American charges. It was agreed to alter the resolution accordingly, viz., " That the Government be asked to pay freight;, and all charges in America," and this took the place of the original resolution.

The Chairman said it was desirable that the North Island should have a special exhibit including fruit, olives, etc., that grew in this part of the colony. The Chairman moved that the whole of the Auckland members be members of the Committee, and it was further agreed that each of the local industries be represented on theConr.mittee. Members of the Council, and Mr J. G. Firth, were added to tho Committee.

Mr Rees moved, "That tho Governmenb be requested to communicate with bhe Auatralian Governments, asking them to an. proach the American Government to remit all duties on goods in good faith sent for exhibition from the colonies, even though the articles be sold in America."

Wr C. C. McMillan seconded the motion. Mr John Reid thought it useless to ask bhafc New Zealand exhibits should bj treated exceptionally in this respect.

Mr Firth said there was a very 6trong movement in America to take all duties off wool. The motion was carried.

Mr Bell suggested the exhibition of a map marked so a3 to indicate the description of produce grown in various parts of the colony. Tho Chairman moved, and it was agreed '• That a copy of the resolutions be senb to the Minister in charge of the Chicago Exbi'bition."

This terminated the proceedings,