CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18013, 4 March 1924, Page 5

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

MEETING OF COUNCIL. The Council of the Chamber of Commerce met last evening. Present: — Messrs E. H. AA'yles (chairman), A. G. Henderson, J. 15. Mitchell, 11. H. Smith, AY. H. Trice, AY. F. Soper, X. M. Orbell, AY. M. Shand, P. H. Harris, C. B. Trimnell, Stronaeh Paterson, Huntly Eliott, F. M. "Warren, and F. E. Jones. Immigration. Mr "ft 7 . M. Orbell suggested that the report, submitted at a previous meeting wiiiV rererence to immigration be not forwarded on to the Government. Instead ho thought that a resolution should be sent to the Government, the resolution to bo backed by a letter drafted by the president. The president said he was sure that any sound scheme of immigration would attract the British people and would be backed by the British Government. Tire Chamber would no doubt assist any scheme that would bring more desirablo immigrants to the country.

The resolution was: "That with a view of increasing the export of the primary products and adding to the general prosperity of the Dominion, the Council of the " Canterbury Chamber of Commerce respectfully urges the Government to formulate a continuous policy of immigration, and closer land settlement, and to take advantage of the Empire Settlement Act, 19.21, so that the unoccupied • lands of the Dominion may, as far as is possible, be made remunerative, and the larger areas of unoccupied lands be subdivided lor the purpose of more intense cultivation."

Mr Stronaeh Paterson said that he wished to support the report of the committee. The subject was a wide one, and ho felt sure the committee bad come to a sound conclusion. With regard to immigration, no good could bo gained unless the work was carried through by the Government. Any scheme backed by the . Government would be a success, but no scheme without Government backing would be success fid.

Mr AY. M. Orbell then moved that* the resolution, together with a covering letter to be drafted by the .mover and the president, be sent to the Government and other Chambers of Commerce.

This was seconded by the president (Mr E. H. AVyles) and carried.

Chamber's New Quarters.

The president reported on the question of obtaining a common house for all business organisations. With regard to the old Council Chambers, the Town Clerk had advised that the lease would l>e for ten years, and this was not consistent with the requirements of the Chamber, which must have full tenancy of 21 years. He did not know if tho Chamber would go to the Council Chambers, if they could be taken for the full term of 21 year 3.

Tho sub-committee which had been appointed to consider the question of tendering for the lease of the Council Chambers, and negotiate with bodies affiliated with the Chamber resolved: "That the committee having investigated the. matter of leasing the City Council Chambers as a commercial hall, consider that there is no opportunity meantime of carrying through the scheme as proposed, but hope that the matter will be kept in view." The Council then went in to commit tee to further discuss the matter. Miscellaneous. Mr Stronaeh" Paterson reported on the matter of assistance for the Ashburton Chamber of Commerce. On the motion of Mr Stronaeh Paterson it was decided to instruct the secretary to write to the Minister of Railways" for his promised report on the South Island organisation. A letter was received from the Post-master-General with respect to the carrying of parcels by post. He stated that the officials of the Post Office of Great Britain had stated that according to the shipping companies the parcel post had been so abused that a restriction in the size of parcels became necessary, in order to prevent growing detriment to the cargo carrying. Also the companies were obliged to carry a smaller amount of mail matter, as the low postage rates allowed the public to forward goods cheaper by parcel posts than as cargo. Australia was fn a happier position as the British Government had made a better arrangement with the shipping companies to Australia.

The president pointed* out that at present New Zealand was at a decided disadvantage as to the size of parcels to he carried by parcels post as compared with Australia. It was decided to ask the London Chamber of Commerce to take action in this matter and endeavour to obtain better treatment for the Dominion.