CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Evening Star, Issue 17226, 16 December 1919, Page 3

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The monthly meeting of the Council of the Charabsr was held last evening, Mr J. B. Waters (president) occupying the chair. The meeting passed a resolution of regret at the illness of Mr Alex. Burt. The manager of the Bank of New Zealand, writing in regard to 'the size and similarity of bank notes cf different values, stated that the matter wis i:ow before the associated banks for consideration.—Received. The Minister of Finance wrote that m the present altered conditions he did not think that there was any necessity for the appointment of a commission to inquire into the price of gold.—Sir Usheiwood said that it was certainly a matter that should be dealt with in some way. He realised ■ that it was a difficult problem. It might be got over if the Governments of the world gave a bonus for the production of gold." If gold was going to be our standard, then something would have to be done to increase its value.—Mr Reynolds remarked that what had gone against the price was the cost of production since the war—Mr Usherwood: " Yes, we know that."—lt was decided to send a copy of the Minister's reply to the Westland Chamber, who originally brought the nuitter up. I The seoretary of the Association of NewZealand Chambers, writing in regard to a flat rate of freight for Vancouver and San Frascisco, stated that the only promise that had ever been given in 'this connection had been that the matter woul dbe considered when fresh contracts were being entered into. The probability was that there would be no competition for the new mail contracts. In other words, the calling for tenders would result in an arrangement between the Union Company and the Government. Would it, therefore, not be well if some members concerned in the question interviewed the managing director of the Union Company, and ascertained if he was agreeable .to proposals for flat rates of freight; and, if he was not, then ai?k wha.t objections there were to it. If tho Postal Department could be assured that there was unanimity on the part of the mercantile community in desiring flat rates of freight, the probability was that provision would be made in the contracts to be renewed next year.—lt was decided, on the motion of Mr H. C. Campbell, that after the General Election the local members of Parliament be asked to meet the council of the chamber to discuss the whole matter. Messrs H. L. Tapley and Co., writing in regard to the steamer service between Dunedin and Wanganui, stated .that, owing to tho lack of shed accommodation at Wanganui, tho Canterbury Steam Ship Compjmy's steamers were continually hung up. and were now only making two trips per month each to Dunedin; whereas at one times four, trips from this port par month, time they were able to do three, and someOwing to the delay trade had been diverted from Dunedin to other ports, as consignees in Wanganui had become tired of waiting for their goods from here, and were purchasing elsewhere. They asked the chamber to upon the Wanganui Chamber and the Hallway Department, who controlled the sheds there, the necessity of piov.ding sufficient accommodation, as in the meantime Dunedin was being penalised owing to their neglect 'to do so.—lt was decided to write to the Wanganui Chamber, the Haihvav Department, and the Wanganui Harbor Board on the lines suggested. Messrs Tapley and Co., writing on the question of the piha-ge of cargo, stated that ithey bad written to the Haibor Board suggesting that tho board slould erect a small compartment in each shed, where all broken and pillaged cargo could be pl-aced and locked up pending merchants taking delivery of same.—lt was decided to support the suggestion.

The secretary was instructed to write to the Harbor Board pointing out the la-ek of shed aocommodation, and urgiag that additional accommodation be provided. It was deefded to write to the Board of Trade and ask them when the orios of su<;ar for 1920 was likely to be fixed.' Mr A. Moritzson was 'thanked for a copy of tbe TTniUia States Customs Tariff Act and other documents dealing with the Cuban lteciprooity Treaty and the Pure Food Act. The secretary (Mr Barr) reported that, sifter a talk with the librarian of th© Public Libinry, he had arranged to hand to him from time a number of books and publications on mercantile subjects received by the chamber. They would be placed on a special table for th« perusal of members and all those interested.