CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18920, 8 February 1927, Page 10

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

MONTHLY MEETING. RAILWAY ADVISORY BOARD. Several mailers of impnrlnnco lo the commercial community were discussed last evening at the monthly mcoting of tho Council or tho Canterbury, Chamber ot Commerce. Sir Francis Boys prcsldbd, others present be' ing: Messrs H. P. Donald, D. Colquhoun. W. J. Jenkin, W H. Price, Norton Ir.nels, J G. Herdma* L. O. K. Steven, A. O. Wilkin H. Williams, P.Hobba, L. Wilkinson, W Macbin, H. W He.lop. and P. E. Jones. An apology for absenco was received from the president, Mr C. P. Agar. ■ Vfte following new members wero elected, the name of the representatives being given in parentheses:—E. J. Hymans Pty. (Mr H. It. Hyams), Tait, Carlisle, Simpson, Ltd. (Mr Win. Simpson second representative), E. T. Reeso, Carrlck Wcdderspoon, Ltd. (Mr H. HBtner second representative), N.Z. Farmers' Co-op. Association (Mr 11. J. Butler second I representative), Canterbury Central Coop. Dairy Co. (Mr H. T. Chapman), Canterbury Central Coop. Dairy Co. (Mr 8. J. Smith second representative). Wheat Conference. The Produce Committee reported regarding the conference called by the Farmers' Union on tho wheat question. The Minister's prompt action in the matter was appreciated. It appeared to meet with the entire satisfaction ot all pnrties concerned. Subsequent to tho action taken on the wheat question, a telegram was received from the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce soliciting the support of the Chamber in urging the Now Zealand Government to request the Australian authorities to modify the embargo on New Zealand potatoes. The secretary was instructed to telegraph the Chamber's support to the Minister, and to inform the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce accordingly. The Minister had Binco advised bis willingness to axquiesco in tho proposal. It was gratifying to tho committee, and no doubt to the Chamber as o whole, that in both these connexions a favourable decision of the Governmcnl had been given. Agricultural Research. Tbn Liaison Committee reported: A meeting was hold on December 21st for tho purpose of considering those- matters which wero referred to it by tho Council, viz.: (1) Tho steps to bo token to establish a Railway Advisory Board for the district, and (2) consideration of the Progress League's projected agricultural research, in connexion with the first matter, it is recommended that the moro important Associations or sections of trade, commerce, nod industry, be invited to nominate a member for a scat on the General Committee or Hoard, and that it should be suggested to the Board at its first meeting that a small executive b« appointed comprising seven members, four of whom to be nominated by tho Board, and one each by branches to 'b» set up at Asbburton, Timaru, and Greymouth. In regard to the other matter, Mr Norton Francis suggested that a joint committee representing both bodies might bo set up to define or determine tho scopo and character of the report, so far as it may bo prepared by tho Chamber's Economic Committee on the ono hand, aud tho League's Agricultural Research Committee on the other hand. This proposal met with the wholehearted support of all members preseul. The report whs adopted. The president, Mr C. J'. Agar, was appointed the Chamber's I'cprosentativo on the Railway Advisory Board. The Kaipara Chamber of Commerce forwarded a copy of a letter sent to the Minister lor Lands, and requested the support of tho Chamber in urging upon the Government tho necessity for assistance being granted *o the primary producers. The letter stated that it had been resolved that, with a view to increasing primary production the Government he urged to grant a direct subsidy on manures. The farming industry wan vital to tho community. Tho chairman said the Government had already assisted farmers In the direction indicated, particularly through the railways. The Chamber's policy wa» against eubeidics. The letter was referred to th« Produce Committee.