A PROSPEROUS YEAR.

Manawatu Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 7958, 15 April 1904, Page 2

A PROSPEROUS YEAR.

Wellington Trade

Press Association

Wellington, Last Night. At the annual meeting of the Chamber of Commerce to-day. Mr J. It. Nathan, chairman, congratulated the Chamber on the volume of trade done, which he said had exceeded that of any year in the colony's history. Two years ago he was twitted with optimism with reference to trade prospects, and he was therefore not a little gratified to know that his anticipations had been more than realised. He saw no cause for concern in relation to the prospects for the immediate future.

Referring to preferential trade, Mr Nathan expressed the view that the measure passed last session was almost ridiculous in its inefficiency. No doubt the Far Eastern war at present overshadowed interest in Mr Chamberlain's movement, but it was almost certain that Mr Chamberlain's enthusiasm would eventually lead to a moderationof tariffs, ending in greater trade between the oversea dominions and the parent btate.