CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Evening Star, Issue 25472, 1 May 1945, Page 7

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

EXECUTIVE MEETING A meeting of the executive of the Dunediu Chamber of Commerce was neiu yesterday. .• In response- to its inquiries on tho suoject oi iijgh taxation as it affects uusmess efficiency, tno Vigilance ana rims oomimttee reported t-uac a large munoei' <M reyaea nail been receuou irom meiiiuci'e, and tuese wouia lorm me basis of a report being araiteel by tne committee. Tne secretary reported that copies .of tiie report of tne National Housing Conference, field in November last, had been circulated to members of the council with a request for suggestions for the guidance of the chamber's sub-committee.

The President reported that a delegation from the chamber would leave to-day to address meetings in Roxburgh Alexandra, Cromwen, and ttanihmy. Ln regard to the Annual Holidays Act, a circular sent out. by the New Zealand Employers' Federation was received from the Otago Association dealing with the computation-of insurance premiums for workers' compensation. This included the following official reply from the council of the Fire and Accident Underwriters' Association: —"'The council has considered the effect of the Annual Holidays Act on workers' compensation insurance, and has decided to call oil employers to render statements for the total amount. of wages paid by them, but before calculating! the premium insurance offices will make a deduction of 4 per cent, from the declared wages to provide for the holiday period. This decision is to operate on and after May 1, 19-15." It Was decided to arrange for a meeting of members and ladies to hear an address by Mr H. 1. Sinclair, a member of the council of the,chamber, on the subject, ' Some Economic Aspects of the Population Problem in New Zealand.'

The following copy of a telegram sent by the Associated Chambers of Commerce on April 26 to the Bureau of Industry was received:-—" in regard to calling of applications for licenses to engage in the manufacture' in New Zealand of rubber tyres and tubes for motor vehicles, mv association is greatly concerned with the issue involved. If the issue of such a permit for a factory to produce tyres free of competition from overseas, and if such factory is to supply original equipment for imported motor vehicles, then we see an inevitable increase iti trans-' port costs within the Dominion. This would be a serious matter for industry and commerce and the consuming public, and we wish to lodge our strong protest against any license being issued on such a basis and carrying such results."