THE NELSON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Evening Star, Issue 7355, 29 October 1887, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE NELSON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

NELSON, October 27.

The quarterly meeting of the Chamber of Commerce was held to-day, when Mr J. Henry Cock (the chairman), in hia address, spoke very hopefully of the future prospects of the Colony. With regard to the Midland Bailway, he said he conld not think any Government would choke off the expenditure of millions for the want of agreeing to reasonable concessions. He had faith that the scheme would be carried ont in its entirety. Referring to the bankruptcy laws and their amendment, he made some suggestions, and remarked that there had been fewer bankruptcies in Nelson, while the dividends paid were nearly double those in other districts. Trade had been bad, and there had been a fearful shrinkage in the returns, but they had entered on a period of thrift and economy which be felt would end in stability. He believed that they had turned the corner, though certain trades were affected by the greater economy of the people. He alluded to the question of freight, and suggested that arrangements should be made for the direct steamers calling at Nelson and being lightened. Of the fire insurance losses, especially in Auckland, he referred as bring frequently providential combustions favoring ruined traders, and pointed to the necessity of stamping ont dishonest practices of this kind. He spoke hopefully of the news published that morning of the saccessIful crushing at the Owen, and also of the increased receipts that would be. derived from wool.