CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 46, 22 February 1918, Page 3

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

' B ANNUAL MEETING. REVIEW OF YEAR'S TRADE. The annual meeting of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce was held at midday to-day in the hall of the Chamber, j The meeting, as usual, was preceded by a cold luncheon, to which about 100 per- j sons sat down. Mr. Robert Burns,, president, was in the chair, and at his tablewere the vice-president (Mr. S- A. Longuet), the Mayor (Mr. J. H. Gunson), and the chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board (Mr. H. D. Heather). The president, in moving the adoption of the annual report (already published) referred to the fairt that the" total trade of the Dominion showed a falling oil last | year of £7,109,400, mainly on account of a considerable falling off in imports and a slight decrease in exports, the respective differences being £5,420,013 and £1,089,390. One of the main reasons for the decrease in the exports has been the scarcity of vessels to take away produce, there being a much larger surplus of produce iv store at th o present moment than at the corresponding period of last year. Ho had no doubt that ! when the ultimate figures were obtainable that it would be found that there had been little real falling off in the production of the Dominion during last year. , CURTAIL LUXURIES. The excess of exports over imports last year was £ 10,754,942 as compared with £8,2115,054 the previous year, showing an improvement of £2,54y,255,' which would be improved upon if more care were taken in regard to imports and not so many luxuries and non-essential goods brought into the country. The basis on which our imports are valued, in his opinion, was misleading. They assessed upon the value at Home ports plus 10, per cent. Under present conditions the addition of 10 per cent for importing charges was far too low, and consequently the import figures he had given | could be taken as the correct cost of goods imported. It is of 'interest to j note that in 1914 the average value of goods imported was approximately £10 per ton, whereas the average value of j the goods imported in 1917 was £26. To this big increase must be added the extra cost of freight and charges, so that it was quite, safe to reckon that everything now imported was costing more than double pre-war rates. STAPLE EXPORT!?. Dealing with the dairying industry. ■ Mr. Burns remarked that though the present season was not yet over there had been a considerable falling off (63,270 boxes up to February 9) in the quantity of butter coming into store in Auckland. Cheese, however, had increased by 2864 crates, and allowance must be made for the diversion of milk to the Olaxo industry. The general falling off, which was most important, could be attributed in part to the uncertainty with which the calling up of the Second Division had been surrounded. This had led many men to sell up I their herds. The unfavourable weather was also a factor. Frozen meat showed a decline of 40,41)3 601b carcases, leaving the new Whakatane works out of account. Wool showed a slight advance. .'I6S2 bales up to the end of January, i Incidentally, lie would like to pay a f tribute to the excellent work of the Fremier in getting ad much space as possible for New Zealand products. Only those who had been in close touch with him could appreciate the value of what Mr. Massey had done. 1 DOMINION'S WAR vSACRrfTCE. j On the question of war taxation, Mr. Burns expressed gratification at the removal of the excess profits tax. but j added that the taxation of companies was now on a very unfair basis. lie suggested tbat the American system should be introduced —a flat rate on the income earned chargeable on all businesses, companies, nnd corporation,-,, and an income tax on a graduated scale charged on incomes derived by indi-l viduals from this source. He felt that more definite information should now be given as to the date of the next war loan, and the amount required, so that the public could make the necessary arrangements. This would avoid the inconvenience caused by the insufficient notice given of the last. loan. A better I attempt ought also to be made to Teach the general public, and to form propaIgftnda and war thrift societies. In the course of a reference to Imperial trade, . Mr. Burns condemned the tendency to I uuder-rate New Zealand's war sacrifices. I not only in men and in cash given to various funds, but in the financial help given to the Empire by supplying ncressuries at prices far below what they would have fetched in the open market. The difference in prices for last year he estimated as follows:—Wool, £4,650,000; meat. £3.000,000; cheese, £1,500,000. Total £9.150,000. No figures could be obtained for butter, and minor products •had been omitted, but these would materially increase the total. According to reliable estimates of the Imperial Government's profitu from commandeered shipping, New Zealand was indirectly subscribing £12,350,000 per annum to the Empire under this head. In seconding the resolution, the Mayor referred to the good work don.: by the Chamber on behalf of the business community, and to the evident weight which it had with the Government and other responsible authorities. Ho pointed out that it would have many problems to tackle after the war, and the business community to give it wholehearted support. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following officers were elected for the cnßuing year: —Presider.t, Mr. Kobt Burns (third successive term): vice president, Mr. S. A. Loaguet; members of council: Hon- George Fowlds, Messrs. H. C. Tewsley, A. A. Martin, T. Peacock, H. W. Hudson, C. N. __. McCallum. A G. Lunn. J. B. Macfarlane, A. I?. Koberton, R, L. Stewart, G. H. Wilsoii. Auditor, Mr. W. W. Bruce.