BILLS OF LADING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7319, 4 May 1885, Page 6

BILLS OF LADING.

[SB.OU OUB OWN CORRESPONDENT.] London, March 13. The question of the one-sided character of billa of lading, which has engaged the attention of Chambers of Commerce in New Zealand as well as in others of the Australasias colonies, has for some time buen keenly diecnSsed in mercantile circles iti London, and there can ba little doubt that the agitation now proceeding on the subject will lead to practical reunite. At one of the latest meetings held a committee was chosen to effectively deal with the subject. The meeting was attended by bankers, merchants, shippers, and members generally of the London Chamber of Commerce,. Mr. Magniac, President of the Chamber of Commerce,' in the chair. Among those present were the Agents-General for New Zealand, New South Wales, and Queensland. At this meeting, which was at o:ace very influential and thoroughly representative, it was reeolvdd "That this meeting, represent* ing merchant's interests, is of opinion that the bills of lading in force at the present time, .are, }in many cases, unacceptable to merchants in consequence of the clauses exonerating shipowners from tiheir liabilities. It is urgent; that some satisfactory modification of these bills of lading should be agreed upon, and with that view this meeting resolve* that a committee be appointed to confer with shipowners and others interested in the subject." Seconded by Sir Francis Dillon Bell, and supported by Mr. Garriok, Agent-General for Queensland, the resolution was passed. Another resolation was carried, on the motion of Mr. Ewen, of Sargood and Son, appointing the committee to confer with the shipowners, and a further one embodying the principle that in all oharter parties and bills of lading, en arbitration clause should be inserted,.