CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 137, 9 June 1917, Page 6

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

RECIPROCAL TRADE. At n meeting of tho Auckland Chamber of Commerce yesterday afternoon there were, present;— Messrs R. Burns (chair). E. Anderson, H. W. Hudson. A. B. Roberton. H. C. Tewslev, G. A. Lunn, S. A. Longuet, J. B. MeVarlane. A. A. Martin. T. Peacock and R. L. Stewart. The Hon. W. H. Herries, Acting-Minis-ter for Agriculture, sent a communication, staling that he could not see his way clear to modify the regulations existing with regard to the. importation of hides from the islands. The regulations governing the importation of island hides into Australia were quite as stringent. The chairman said the last statement was not correct. The question was allowed to stand over pending the arrival in Auckland of the Minister for Agriculture, the Hon. W. D. S. MacDonald. Another matter held over till this visit of the Minister was the question of freights on grain and fertilisers. The Acting-Minister, replying to a letter from the Chamber, asking that seeds and fertilisers be placed in the same category as regards railway freight, said the matter was receiving attention.

The Paeroa Chamber of Commerce wrote suggesting that steps be taken to bring about a conference of the local bodies of both districts. This conference would discuss and consider the welfare of the districts, and the unity which it would call forth, would be a valuable factor in helping to tiie advancement of the Auckland districts. The meeting was in sympathy with the suggestion. and expressed itself as prepared to assist in tiny way possible.

The Rodney Chamber of Commerce forwarded resolutions concerning reciprocal trading relations between England and other outlying places of the Empire, urging that it be a recommendation to any Standing Committee set up by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and also by any Imperial Advisory Council, that while heartily supporting preferential treatment for British goods, true reciprocal treatment of a preferential and substantial nature should be given to the primary products which New Zealand exports to Great Britain and other parts of the Empire. The meeting decided tn support this resolution.