CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 168, 15 June 1927, Page 11

CH AMBER OF COMMERCE

MONTHLY MEETING. Tho monthly meeting of the Chamber of Commerce was held yesterday afternoon, Mr M. A. Eliott presiding. Others present were Messrs A. T. Bendall, R. V. Mason, T. E. French, H. Catton, A. Dawson, G. I. McGregor, B. Stuart, W. E. Winks, W. H. Brown, M. H. Oram, R. A. Noedl and J. H. Stevens. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs Ross, H. L. Young, P. E. Thomas, H. E. Paccy and M. Cohen. LETTER-BOX RENTALS.

Following complaints from the clmmber regarding the rentals for private letter-boxes, the chief postmaster at Palmerston North (Mr A. Dawson) wrote advising taht the charges had not been inceased since August, 1920. Several members expressed the opinion that the present charges were too high, but the chairman commented that it would apparently be of little use to make any further representations, and tho advice was received. RECIPROCAL TARIFFS.

At its last meeting the chamber passed a resolution viewing with disfa/our attempts made both in New

Z(aland and in Australia to secure embargoes or prohibitive duties between the two countries on the direct

products of the land, and requesting the support of other chambers in getting the Government to continue and improve \ipon the reciprocal tariff now in force.

At yesterday’s meeting replies were received from various other chambers.

Wellington advised that, at the last annual conference of tho Associated Chambers of Commerce, a resolution on this subject, submitted by the writers, lind been discussed and approved and representations made to the Minister of Customs stressing the need for the correction of the adverse balance of trade. In recent years the balance of this trade had shown an improvement to the advantage of New Zealand, but there was still an annual balance of considerable amount against tie Dominion. The representations that had been put before the Government had made tho latter body fully aware of the need of redressing the trade balance, and Hon. A. D. McLeod, who at the time of writing was in Australia, was, the writers undersi ood, taking the subject up with the Australian Government. In view of tin's, the writers’ executive felt that any action upon Palmerston North representations should be deferred until the return of the Minister and the receipt from him of advice as to what he had been able to achieve. ' Tho Auckland Chamber of Commerce wrote expressing sympathy with Palmerston North’s motion and advised that it was their policy to support

any movement calculated to foster trade across the Tasman. Tho writers added that they had mado representations to the Government on the lines suggested by Palmerston North. Masterton advised that it had endorsed Palmerston North’s stand, while Eltliam forwarded similar advice, adding that it had communicated with the Minister. “Our executive,” stated Eltliam, “thanks you for the stand you have taken in this matter, which, we consider, vitally affects the Taranaki farmers.” “We are in entire accord with the resolution as passed by your chamber, and are conveying those sentiments to the Minister of Internal Affairs,” wrote Eketahuna.

Gisborne and Hamilton also advised that the matter had unanimously received their support, while Stratford advised that it had previously communicated with the Prime Minister. Hastings wrote that, after consideration, it had decided that no action be taken. The replies were formally received and were commented on by the chairn an as being satisfactory. NEW MEMBERS. Fifty-four new members were elected, this being the outcome of a canvas the town. “Tho business people,” stated the president, “seem to recognise that the chamber is doing a good work.”