CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6146, 29 July 1881, Page 6

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

A special meeting of the Chamber of Commerce wee held yesterday at Mr. Stodart's offices. _ Present: Mr. O. O. McMillan (chairman), His Worahip the Mayor, Mesira. Peacock:, King, Heather, W. F. Hull, L. D. Nathan, T. ilorrin, Gamble, O. B. Stone, J. CoegniTe, J. Lamb, G. Aickin, and others. The special business on which tho meeting was called was to ballot for new members. DRAWBACKS.

The Ofairmas said before proceeding with the biuinciu for which the meeting was called, he would like to draw the attention of tho Chamber .with regard to the Drawback Acts and regulations, and suggest alterations as follows:— That the schedules form A and B be altered, tho words " shipped as above" to be substituted for tho words "landed at as per certificate at the back hereof," and that certificates of collector and consignoo referred to in the abovementioned forms be dispensed with. Act of 20th September, 1872. Clause 12 to be amended to read as follows:—No drawback will be paid unless the dobenturo ba tendered duly completed within twelve months from the date of the exportation of the coods mentioned therein. Debentures may be paid one week after the shipment'of such goods. Drawbacks to bo allowed on boiled sugar*: Lozenges, i-c, of known foreign mauafacture, M per lb Vinegar in bottles, Od per gallon do Clocks and watches, say 10 per cent do Perfumery (all sorts),,, 16 do do Soap (fancy) ~'lO do do On all drapery, hosiery, haberdashery, stationery, etc, etc, in the schedule at 0 per cent, now allowed 0 per cent, to be in future 10 percent. The above alterations as to certificates and payment of debentures correspond with the Melbourne regulations as per Gazette herewith. The Commissioner has j power to make tho above alterations as per clause 0 ' of the Drawbacks Act No. 10,1872. Exportation: That tho minimum quantity for exportation be reduced to 251bs of cigars and cigarettes, now must be 601bs.

Importation: That dried fruits from the South Sea Islands be admitted free; that coffee grown in the South Sea Islands be admitted free.

He explained the nature of the proposed alterations, the object being to assimilate the regulations with those of Victoria. It would not, he explained, require a special Act, as the Commissioner of Customs had power under the present Act, by regulation, to bring them into force. He read the clause of the Act bearing on the subject.

Mr. Holl pointed oat that tho clause only gave power to abate or abolish, bat not to increase.

Tho Matoe moved that the clauses be taken seriatim.

Mr. PEACOCK said that notice should have been given of this, as many members were absent who might like to be heard, and this meeting had been called for a special purpose. Xhe Mayor said it would be desirable if tbey could come to a decision at this meeting, for a certain portion of the Act would require amendment while the Parliament was ia session. He thought they should now come to a decision, even if it required the alteration or suspension of a standing order or by-law, to enable them to do so. The Chairman explained that the matter was not new; it had been several times before the Chamber and discussed. Mr. Nathan, to bring the matter to an issue, i seconded the chairman's motion, that the Chamber adopt the proposed alterations. Mr. Cosgkavb thought the change was a good way for promoting smuggling, and he was sure the Government would not adopt the suggestions. The Chairman made an explanation that the present clause was practically a dead letter as regarded the Island trade. The Mayor thought it best to take the clauses sirialim. He supported the first clauses. It might make it easy for smuggling, but tho Customs should take care of that. Iα this case whatever tended to hamper trade with the Islands should not be encouraged.

Mr. Heathee said in this place there was a large trade carried on with the Islands. From his own experience he found that the consul at Tahiti was always willing to sign if tho captain certified. They had no reason to complain ia Auckland, and he did not wish to see the Chamber placed in a position to be snubbed.

Mr. Pbacook said the Government was not likely to retract the restrictions without good reason, and would expect the Chamber Co satisfy themselves before going to them.

After some discussion, Mr. Peacock moved, "That the question be deferred for the consideration of the committee to bring up a report." They woult' then be in a much stronger position to come to the Government, and a meeting might be called at an early date. Mr. Heather seconded the amendment proposed by Mr. Peacock, but it wis lost on the casting vote of the chairman.

The second clause was then proposed by the Chairman; but Mr. Hull, Mr. Peacock, and other members urged that time should be given for consideration of the matter.

The Matob thought if the vote was taken now sufficient new mattter had been adduced that, if the vote waa taken now, he would vote for the matters be sent to the committee, and he proposed accordingly " That the matters be referred to the committee, to report to a meeting of the Chamber in a week."

This was seconded by Mr. Cosgbave. Mr. Peacock moved " Tho rescinding of the former resolution, and that the whole matter of drawbacks bo referred to an adjourned meeting of the Chamber, to be held on Tuesday neit." The Matob withdrew his motion in favour of that of Mr. Peacook, and it was carried.

NEW MEMBERS. The following new members were proposed end ballotted for successfully :—Messrs. J. M. Alexander, H. P. Barber, Hy. Byron, XT, Buchanan, Jos. Craig, P. E. Oompton, P. Comisky, A. B. Donald, J. C. Edson, L. B. Ehtenfried, T. Finlayson, T. Henderson, Jos. Howard, Charles Hesketh, Geo. Harper, D. B Hunt, F.- H. Hull, John Hay. MEVIOUB RESOLUTIONS. Mr. Lamb moved, " That the resolutions of the Chamber re reclamation, and appointment of an analytical chemist, be again forwarded to Ministers." Mr. Mobbin suggested that they be sent to the city membirs instead of the Government, and this was agreed to.