CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Evening Star, Issue 23122, 23 November 1938, Page 9

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

GROWTH OF JUNIOR BODY COUNCIL'S MONTHLY MEETING The Chamber of Commerce met last night, there being present the president (Mr P. O. Smellie), Messrs N. 11. M'lsaac, A. Clark, E. H. Ferguson, G. T. Anderson. J. H. A. Colman, H. L. Gibson, M. G. Black, H. H. Dobie, G. H. Ferens, H. G. Chapman, W. A. Mac Kay, J, H. Edmond, H. F. Larsen, R. C. Burgess, C. M. Bruce, W. R. Chapman, G- TV. Lane, E. F. Lord, W. G, Young, M. S. Myers, and C. E. Begg. , RAILWAY RATES. f A lengthy report was received from . the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce on the subject of differential railway rates. This chamber urged the abolition of the differential rate and the - institution of a flat rate system. Mr G. W. Lane, on behalf of the Transport Committee, said that the position was very involved, and the - question was a national one. The South Canterbury Chamber had put up a . strong case, but the conditions it com- • plained of were not peculiar to Timaru, which was in its present position as a result of businessmen and merchants supporting road transport in the past, and the railways then bringing down their rates. The following motion was carried:— “ In the opinion of this chamber the time is not opportune to press the matter. It is considered that the question is a national one and should be dealt with as such. We urge, however, i that the tariff be overhauled as early , as possible, as promised by the General Manager of Railways.” TELEGRAPH EXTENSIONS. The Postmaster-General .{Hon. F. Jones) advised that the department ■ bad arranged to institute continuous telegraph attendance (Mondays, to Fridays inclusive) _ at the four main centres, a service that was now in operation, Mr Smellie remarked that this was but another indication of. the efficient and excellent service the department , was giving to the. business community and the public generally, and it was decided to write to the Minister and express warm appreciation of the additional service introduced. MEMBERSHIP. Two firms were elected as members of the chamber. Twelve members were elected to the junior chamber, the roll number of which now stands at 111. Members of the senior chamber expressed keen satisfaction at its development. GENERAL. Mr Smellie was appointed the chamber’s representative on the Associated Chambers of Commerce. Mr G. W. Lane will represent the chamber on the South Islands Travel Association.