CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16289, 13 August 1918, Page 5

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

■ The monthly meeting ot me uouncu ot mo Chamber of Commerco was held yesterday, Mr C. H. Hewlett (president) in the chair. The Importers' Sectional Committee reported that it had communicated with the Minister of Munitions and Supplies on the subject of representation on tho Advisory Committee to the Board of Trade, and the Minister had approved of th© suggestion. A nomination of a representative of the smaller importers had therefore been made. •The Railways Sectional Committee reported having replied to the suggestions made by the District Traffio Manager. • The matter of agencies of apparently enemy firms established in neutral countries was mentioned, and it was aecHed to bring the matter before the Board of TrfldoA cablegram woe received from Sir Roper Parkington, chairman of the Montenegrin Relief Fund, asking for assistance in aid of Montenegrin and prisoners of war interned in Austria. Referred to the Minister of Internal Affairs, who replied that the fund was not on the list for which public collections could be made in New Zoaland, and permission to appeal to the public would not therefore be granted. It was decided to reply in these terms, at the same time pointing out that Canterbury was doing its full share towards raising money for British Red Cross * U The' Canterbury Public Library wrote asking for assistance in connexion with the Commercial and Technical Library, which it is intended to establish. The sum of £10 10s was voted. _ The Minister of Justice, wpting with reference to pillage of cargo, said he could not interfere in the matter of sentences imposed by Magistrates and Justices of tie Peace. The Napier Chamber forwarded a resolution asking the Chambers of Commerce to cooperate in urging .the Government to consider the advisability of appointing a Board of Control in regard to all trades, businesses, and professions, so as to. put those who are called up for military service on a moreequitable footing. It was decided to apprtvo of the principle and regret the hardship involved but to point out that the difficulties wcrt> too great to undertake to rectify. It was su"seated that the Napier Chamber approach the National Efficiency Board on the subject.