CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Evening Star, Issue 23512, 28 February 1940, Page 14

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MEETING OF COUNCIL The Council of the Chamber of Commerce held its monthly , meeting last night. There were present Messrs C. L. Calvert (president), C. M. Bruce, G. W. Lane, W. G. Young, H. L. Longhottom, J. S. Skinner, C. E. Bcgg, S. Lawn, W. A. Madkay, G. T. Anderson, J. H. Caiman, M. G. Black, H. G. Chapman, G. W. Ferens, E. H. Ferguson, N. 11. M'lsaac, H. L. Gibson, I. M. Armour, and Meret Wilkinson. PASSING OF MEMBERS. The Chairman said that since the last meeting of the council, the chamber had suffered a severe loss in the deaths of a number of valued members. The late Air Newman R. Wilson was president of the chamber lor 19:36-37 and during his term of office on the council was strenuous in his efforts to help on the work of the chamber and the welfare of the business community. The late Mr S. Bowman was a member of the chamber since 1921, and served on the council from 1922-23 to 1924-25. The late Mr E. T. MoHcr and Mr G. T. Turner were also valued members of the chamber for a number of years. The late Mr 11. G. Hudson was connected with the chamber through his firm for a considerable number of years. All these men, said Mr Calvert, were held in the highest respect by those with whom they came into contact in their business life, and all had rendered a big service to their fellow citizens. Suitable letters of sympathy had been sent from the chamber to their relatives. . A motion of sympathy was carried. EXECUTIVE’S REPORT. The executive reported to the council as follows Issue of'Export Licenses.—A letter from the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce to the Minister of Customs regarding the delay in the issue of export licenses was supported by the executive and the associated chambers were asked to see the Hon. W. Nash supporting the Canterbury Chamber’s request and also to ask that export licenses be issued at all ports of export. Goods on German Boats.—At the request of a member, the Sydney Chamber was written to and replied giving full details of steps taken to date regarding goods for Australia and New Zealand on German boats. The Department of Industries and Commerce had been in touch with local consignees. The London Chamber of Commerce had been instructed to take whatever steps it considered advisable in the matte! - . Maniototo Irrigation Scheme.—The Minister of Agriculture had written stating that ho had called for a report on the proposed scheme from officers of this department. Delay in the Issue of Third Period Import Licenses.—The. secretary of Associated Chambers was requested in January to see the Customs Department in an endeavour to have the third period licenses issued without further delay. . A reply had since been received from the Associated Chambers giving some of the reasons for the delay. Review of Plant Depreciation Allowances (for income tax). —Members were circularised advising that the Commissioner of Taxes was prepared to receive representations towards the review of the depreciation allowances for plant and machinery. It was asked that any representation should be made to the chamber by February 28. Control of. Prices. Emergency Regulations, 1939.—The far-reaching effect ol these regulations was brought to the notice of members by circular letter. Use of 2d Pictorial Stamp for Stamp Duty Purposes.—Consequent upon representations being made, the Post and Telegraph Department had decided to make the two-penny pictorial stamp again available for stamp duty purposes. These stamps were not. hbwever, to he used for postage purposes. The report was adopted. CENTRAL OTAGO ROAD. The Transport and Tourist Committee presented the following resolution : “ That in the interests of tourist traffic generally, and for the proper development of the province, the council is of the opinion that the improvement and tar-sealing of tho Milton-Cromwell-Pembroko road be speeded up. In the opinion of the committee the rate of accomplishment at present is too slow. Certain sections, such as the one between Glenore and Beaumont. have been in process of being remodelled for months, if not for years, and for some inexplicable reason have been left uncompleted, while other sections in turn have been speeded up. The transfer of tourists from Dunedin is solely in the bauds of the railwayroad services, and in the interests of an economic and efficient service on these routes it is surely desirable that the early completion of this road is urgently required.” Mr Ferens said that the CromwellQuoenstown section had been completed before the Milton-Cromwell section of the road. The result of this slow progress at the city end was that traffic from town through this route was not being encouraged. Mr MTsaac said that the chamber should ask that the particular section of the road should be pushed’ ahead. The Public Works Department was only playing with the road on the section between Dunedin and Roxburgh, and from there to Alexandra. 'Hie department was putting men on the road and taking them off at frequent intervals. Mr Gibson said that people, particularly tourists, were not seeing as much of the country as they should because of these conditions. Thus a lot of money that should come to Duuediu was being lost. Tho resolution was then adopted, and a copy of it is to be scut to tho Public Works Department and the Automobile Association (Otago). JUNIOR CHAMBER. Tho election of Messrs L. W. Logan and E. O. Hunter as members of the Junior Chamber was confirmed by the council.