BOARD OF TRADE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17095, 18 February 1916, Page 7

BOARD OF TRADE.

‘ APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED. ■ DUTIES BEGIN ON APRIL 1, i ~ -I [Pm Pbess Association.] WELLINGTON, February 17. The Board' of Trade set up under the provisions of the Cost of Living Act last session will comprise— MR J. R. HART, Ashburton. MR P. HALLY, Wellington. MR W. G. M’DONALD, Westport. Mr Hart is a well-known ex-banker and a farmer of independent means, with special qualifications for the work he is called upon to undertake. Mr Hally is Conciliation Commissioner for Wellington district, and will combine the two functions. His conciliation work is well known for its thoroughness. Mr M’Donald is a solicitor and barrister, of Westport, who was a member of the 1912 Cost of Living Commission. He is well known as legal advocate for the miners’ unions of the West Coast. His selection should prove most acceptable to that section of the community. He also holds a degree in social economics. The board will commence its duties on April 1. According to the Act, the Minister of Industries and Commerce is president. This, however, does not mean that Mr Massey will have to work constantly with the board, though all formal business must be reported to him. The original intention of the Act has not been strictly adhered to so far as salaries are concerned, as it has not been thought necessary to make an appointment as chairman on account of the fact that there is legislative provision making the Minister president.

DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE BOARD. The duties and powers of the Board of Trade are set out as follows in the Cost of Living Act : (a) To investigate and report to the Governor upon any case in which it is alleged that there has been an infringement of any of the provisions of the Commercial Trusts Act, 1910; (b) To inquire into and report to the Governor upon matters affecting the cost of living, or upon any other question referred to it b,y ' tlie Governor relating to the supply, demand or price of commodities ; ic) To'inquire into and report to the Governor upon any complaint that the price of any class of goods is unreasonably high; (d) To consider, inquire into and report upon any question relating to the trade, commerce or business of New Zealand which may be referred to it by the Governor; . (e) To institute inquiries in reference to markets for goods produced or manufactured in Now Zealand, to report the result of such inquiries to the Governor, and to make recommendations to the Governor in regard to trade with other countries; (f) To make recommendations to the Governor for legislation in relation to matters referred to it for consideration : and (g) Generally to advise the Governor as to how the trade, industries and commerce of New Zealand can be best encouraged, developed and protected.