CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Evening Star, Issue 22628, 21 April 1937, Page 9

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MEETING OF COUNCIL MANY TOPICS DISCUSSED Discussions took place on a wide and varied range of topics at the meeting of the council of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce last night, when the following were present;—Messrs Newman Wilson (president), C. L. Calvert, A. W. Jeavons, J. Elvidge, W. J. M'lnnes, G. W. Lane, R. Armit, E. J. Taylor, W. H. Naylor, H. F. Larsen, W. Cole, I. S. Cantrell. H. L. Longbottom, J. G. Anderson. W. B. Cunningham, and W. D. G. Hartley. Mr G. W. Lane was appointed to the council to fill the vacancy caused by the transfer of Mr P. N. Rundle to Wellington, and was welcomed to the meeting by the chairman. GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S VISIT. The Secretary reported that His Excellency the Governor-General would visit Dunedin during Winter Show Week. On the suggestion of the mayor the executive had cordially invited His Excellency to attend a midday luncheon on Tuesday, June 8. KING GEORGE V. MEMORIAL. The Chairman reported that he and and the secretary attended a meeting of citizens convened by the mayor to discuss arrangements for raising the necessary funds for a memorial to the late King George V. It was proposed, he said, to establish a permanent health camp in Central Otago, where children of under normal health and who were certified by the school medical authorities as such may be sent for a period to enable them to regain their health. At this camp teaching facilities would be provided, and also nursing where necessary. It had been emphasised that this permanent health camp had no connection whatever with the present health camps, which were only held during the school holidays. The deep affection of the late King George V. for the children of the Empire should be sufficient reason why the King George Y. Memorial should receive the loyal support of all citizens. The report was approved. EXECUTIVE REPORT. The executive report stated as follows :—• ?

Centenary Celebrations.—The president attended a meeting of representatives of various bodies at which the question of suitably celebrating the centenary of' the Dominion was discussed. A proposal was before the meeting for the erection of a building for use of women’s organisations, but nothing definite has yet been decided upon. New Education’ Fellowship Conference.—The president attended a meeting of the committee to make arrangements for the new education fellowship conference, which is to be held in Dunedin, July 19-22. The conference will be addressed by distinguished educationists and others from overseas. While in full sympathy with the objects of the conference, the executive feels that it is for the educational bodies of the city to handle. Marketing of Onions.—The Primary Products Committee met, and discussed the new regulations in regard to the marketing of onions, but has no recommendation to make in the meantime. The season is reported to be unfavourable,' and it seems doubtful whether ■the regulations could be applied. The report was adopted. IMMIGRATION. Headquarters advised that further correspondence between it and the Minister of Immigration had been considered by the executive at its last meeting. The Minister, it was stated, had said that the subject was one which would be discussed at the Imperial Conference, but the Government was not at present prepared to proceed with a policy of immigration until the way had been prepared for the newcomers by the alleviation of unemployment and social problems. The meeting decided that as the subject was one of prime importance it be pressed with the Government as opportunity offered. The President reported that members of the executive and others had met Mr W. E. Barnard, M.P., Speaker of the House of Representatives, on March 25, when the question of immigration was discussed. No concrete proposals were made, but Mr Barnard stated that he proposed asking representatives from various parts of the Dominion to meet in Wellington to consider the question with a view to arriving at a definite _ policy in regard to the matter. In this connection the mayor had convened a further meeting of the committee to be held in the Council Chambers on Friday afternoon next. HOMER TUNNEL. The Minister of Public Works (the Hon. R. Semple) wrote thanking the chamber for a letter in which gratification was expressed in connection with the steps which were being taken to expedite work on the Homer tunnel. The Minister said that since his last visit to the tunnel he was more than ever convinced of the value of the work, which would open up one_ of the most wonderful scenic attractions in New Zealand. EGYPTIAN VISITOR COMING. Information was received from Messrs Brodrick and Chalmer concerning the visit of Mr d. 1. Craig, Financial Secretary of the Ministry of Finance of the Government of Egypt, to Australia and New Zealand for the purpose of giving a number of short addresses on Egypt. It was stated that Mr Craig was leaving Egypt hy the Orama on June 2, and would be in New Zealand between August 8 and 30.—Noted. LECTURE ON PHOSPHATES. An invitation was received from the Department of Agriculture to attend the first meeting of the agriculture section of the Royal Society of New Zealand (Otago branch) to-morrow night, when an address, illustrated by a cinemotograph film, is to be given by Mr A. P. Ellis (New Zealand commissioner, British Phosphate Commission) on ‘ Nauru and Ocean Island Phosphate Development.’ ROAD COMPETITION. As a result of a request from master carriers to support efforts to induce the Government to remove restrictions, the secretary reported that he had sent the following letter to the Minister of Railways (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan) “ It is reported that it is the intention of the Railways Department to take complete control of all transportation running parallel with the railway beyond a 30-mile limit, and that carrying companies which have pioneered this business will be prohibited from operating alongside railways beyond a companies in Dunedin which have hitherto had the right to carry furniture one way and goods one way. These companies havq expended qonsiderablq

sums in suitable plant to cater for this specialised work, for which they have trained staffs, and the restriction will be a serious matter for them. Not only so, but it will be necessary to dispose of the plant used for the larger distance business and dispense with the services of the men. “ At the last sitting of the Transport Licensing Authority permission was given for the carriage of furniture only beyond the 30 miles limit, but without the right to load general goods one way. This practically prohibited the transport of furniture by road altogether. The chamber appeals to the Minister to restore the previous arrangement as in the best interests of the community.” The secretary’s action was endorsed. FREEDOM OF THE PRESS. After a brief discussion it was decided to support the resolution of the executive of Associated Chambers urging that the Government disclaim any intention of interfering with the freedom of the Press. Mr Calvin said that this question had arisen because of the more or less irresponsible statements emanating from members of the Government Party. He did not believe, however, that there was any real danger of the Press being muzzled, as had been suggested. Mr Skinner said that the statements had come from “ irresponsible supporters ” of the Government, who wanted everything coming and going. Mr Longbottom agreed with the previous speakers, but thought some action Should be before ®9§ *99 Islfti

BLUFF-MELBOURNE SERVICE. Mr Longbottom reported to the meeting that while he was in Australia he had discovered why tourists were not supporting the Melbourne-Bluff steamer service. He had found that the boats running round the Australian coast were infinitely superior to the ones coming to New Zealand. The fares were also much cheaper on these services than across the Tasman. He believed that a tremendous tourist business could be developed by making the services attractive. Other speakers supported his remarks.