CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

New Zealand Herald, Issue I, 1 April 1864, Page 4

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

A general mketino was held yesterday, at which the following members were present; Mr. Gillillan, chairman, Mr. I). Nathan, Mr. Webster, Captain Salmon, J[r. S. .T. Edmonds, Mr. Lewis, and Mr. Isaacs. The Secretary rend the minutes of the last meeting, which were confirmed by the Chairman. The Chairman th*n read the statement of their accounts, by which it appeared that the balance at tho .Banker's was now £72 los3d. The Chairman then announced the receipt, from the Superintendent, of a copy of the contract tendered for by Mr. Crosbie Ward, but until it was known whether Mr. Ward's offer was accepted, it would be premature to bring it before the Chamber. Captain Vine Hall's letter was submitted to tho Chambei, in which. was a reply to a qliestion from the Government, as to the best port for tho Panama Route. He pronounced the claims of Auckland and Otage as about equal, ;md Wellington as the best, on account of "lights" and "buoy 6," but that any port possessing a patent-slip fit for large steamers vould be pre-eminent. Mr. D. Nathan next advocated the erection of a new T which would act as a breakwater, the present ■wharf being very much over-crowded —after some little discussion "on this subject which lead to nothing. Mr. Webster moved that the question of the Panama Routi) should hp roferred to a sp**® B ' meeting—

being a matte; of so itiueh importance—agreed to, and the Thursday nfter thp departure of the supplementary mail fixed upon for the general meeting-. The Chairman read a circular letter from tho Otaffo Royal Commission, asking l for information from the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, on the subjects of emigration, immigration, imports, exports. &c. Agreed that all information be granted. 'Flic Chairman then brought forward the question of ballast stating the complaints of want of weiirht given, and proceeded to rtsiil a letter from the Caplain of the ' Queen of the Mersey,' i:, which lie charges the pert of Auckland with being the only one in New Zealand chargeable with that grievance, and complains that heiv 2.5 per cent, more is charged for than is received The Chamber agreed that the question might be brought by them before the public, but that they had no power to interfere ill the matter which must he referred tn the Marine Hoard with the other vexed question of the imposition of ferrymen. It v.,»s considered that the Marine P.oanl should rea-ulntea fixed scale of prices. The Chamber only wished this for the prevention of the extortion practised at present, and not with any idea of cutting down the ferrymen on their fair charges. The Chairman then mentioned with rep-ret the retirement of the present secretary, Mr. Lloyd, and nfter complimenting him for the performance of his duties. The Cliuirmun proposed that another secretary be elected, and accordingly Mr. H»rrop, proposed by Ml'- Webster, and seconded by Captain Salmon, was elected secretary.