CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 64, 17 March 1898, Page 3

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

A meeting of the Council of the Chamber of Commerce was held yesterday afternoon. Mr John Reid (vice-president) presided, there being also present Messrs S. Vaile, A. McCorquodale, A. B. Iloberton, and D. Pv. Caldwell. Messrs John Burns (president) ,and Mr F. G. Ewington sent letters of apology for non-attendance on account of illness. Miners' Wages.— The secretary reported ; that the Chamber of Mines had written re payment of miners' wages by cash. The Chamber was willing to meet the Chamber to discuss the matter. It was resolved to confer with the Chamber of Mines on the subject ou Tuesday next at 3 p.m. and also to issue a circular to business people interested asking them to attend the conference. Defences of the Colony.--The Secretary to the Premier wrote in reply to a resolution passed at a meeting of the Chamber on the subject of the defences or the colony, stating that the matter would receive consideration. The Minister for Defence wrote that the information alluded to in the letter of the Chamber as to the defenceless condition of the city could have been in no way official, and was contrary to fact, and further that the Department was at present engaged in strengthening the Auckland defences, and it was to be hoped that the people of Auckland would co-operate with the Department in raising a sufficient force of volunteers to meet the requirements of the defence.—The Council agreed to receive tho communications, and requested the replies be published. The Pacific Cable.—Mr W. Gray, Secretary of the General Post Oflice, Wellington, wrote acknowledging receipt of. a letter from the Chamber in connection with the Pacific cable. He said the matter would be considered. A telegram containing resolution passed by the Christchurch Chamber of Commerce was also read as follows :—" Pacific cable : Plave written Premier to cable Agent General to urge on all "red line" (British) conference cable communication via Canada. , Please do so also." —The Council agreed to act as suggested. Wharf Delivery.—The secretary submitted correspondence with the Harbour Board in reference to improving the present system of receiving and delivering of cargo on the wharves. He stated a committee of the Chamber had conferred with the Works and Tariff Committee on the matter. It was agreed that the committees should meet again and decide upon some method and details. Bills of Lading.—A communication from the Sydney Chamber of Commerce on the subject of forms of bills of lading was read in which the Chamber is endeaVouring to get the New South Wales Legislature- to pass a Bill nullifying the alleged objectionable exemptions, viz., excludirig shipowners from almost any liability.—The Council agreed to consider the question at its next general meeting.