NEW PORTFOLIOS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 147, 22 June 1915, Page 7

NEW PORTFOLIOS.

• LOOK AFTER COMMERCIAL INTERESTS.

.SUGGESTION BY THE CHAMBER OF, COMMERCE.

Thorr was a meeting of theiCoiincil of the Auckland Chamber of Comrueree. yesterday afternoon to consider the question of shipping facilities for New Zealand frozen meat. Mr. R. Burns, the president, who was in the chair, moved: "That the Government be urged to create a now portfolio, and appoint a Minister for Commerce, who shall be president of the Overseas Committee, which at present allocates the space, to see that justice is done to all shippers." Mr. E. Anderson, in seconding, said he thought that the Chamber should give some expression of opinion on the question of a condition. Like others, he had his own opinions on political matters, but he felt that nine men out of ten would be prepared to sink their political differences at a time like the present. Ttere was no doubt that the Ministry was overworked, and should lmve some assistance. A roalition would be a great benefit to the Dominion, especially in view of the amount of work that would have to be done after the war. Thpre should be a strong Government in power, a Oovernmeut which could deal with questions without fear about its majority. Apart from the need for consideration in war time, the commercial interests of the Dominion were so important that they Bhould be represented by a special Minister, even in times of peace. Mr. J. 11. Upton suggested that perhaps the resolution might find more favour if the words "whether a member of the Cabinet or not" w.erc inserted after "a Minister for Commerce." The members of the Cabinet were already busy men. and probably the rjovernment might like to appoint a man from outside, more competent, without interfering with the political aspect at all. Mr. Burns agreed that the suggestion was an admirable one. Amd accepted the amendment. Referring to the composition of the Overseas Committee, he said there was no objection to the members personally, but the interests of the shipping companies were intertwined with those of the freezing companies—all except the Auckland Freezing Company, which had no say. and was left out in the cold. It was not said that the committee would not give fair play, but if there was outside representation it would relieve a good deal of the anxiety. In its amended form the motion was carried unanimously. Mr. 0. L. Pearocke thought perhaps the suggestion wouM not settle the question quickly enough, and he urged that the fiovernment be requested to approach the Imperial authorities with a view of getting the Board of Trade to give the Dominion more ships. Mr. Burns said the Board of Trade had, on the contrary, taken ships off this trade. Mr. Anderson said he was satisfied that Mr. Massey was doing all he could to get more ships, but it was impossible to "et them.