AUCKLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 7881, 25 February 1887, Page 6

AUCKLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

QUARTERLY MEETING. The quarterly general meeting of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce was held yesterday afternoon. Present : Mr. J. Lamb, president, in the chair; Messrs. A. Porter, J. M. McLaohlan, S. Vaile, R«t. D. Bruce, H. Henderson, Donald, J. P. King, J. H. Harrop, A. H. Nathan, F. Larkiav, G. Aickin, R. A. Isaacs, A. Bell. QUARTERLY REPORT. The following report was in the hands of the meeting :— San Fr nciscj Mail Sirvici.—At the quarterly meeting held in October a motion was brought forward, expressing the Chamber's opinion upon the acceleration of the San Francisco Mill Service, and the question was postponed for a special meeting to be oiled on the matter. In tlie interim, It was agreed to telegraph Sir Julius Vopel, ashing if there was any probability of the overt,nd route being fhort«ned. Sir Julius replies, under date 19ih October :— * To ensure your mails reaching New York In time for the Saturday fast ste»m»r for Queensto»n, J purpose asking Postmaster-General New South Wales to agree to the steamer leaving a ' ay earlier—from Sydney on Wednesday, and fiom Auckland on Monday. Malls would reach L ndon three or four days sooner than at present. Kindly faveur ma with your views on proposed change." To this the Chamber leplled. "'that this Ctumb-r Is willing that the day of departure of the English mall from Auckland, via San Francisco, should be altered as a temporary expedient —as a temporary expedient only—from Tuesday to Monday, but not to an earlier hour, for the closing of the malls than five p.m., provided that this alteration will ensure the arrival of the mail at New Yrrfc In time to catch the Saturday Cunara steamer for London, that Inasmuch as the alteration involves very serious inconvenience to tho mercantile community of the city, every effort should be made by the Government to Induce the railway management to shorten the transcontinental service between San Francisoi and New York by Si hours, so that, as soon as possible, the time of (he departure of the mail from Auckland may be again arranged, as at present, fiT Tuesdays." At the same time the attention of Sir Julius Vogel was called to the days the mails an made up in London, suggesting that If the malls in London were mode up on Saturday, In order to catch the fast steamer leaving on that day, they would arrive in New York as soon as the White Siar steamers, by which our malls are now sent, and which leave on Thursday, thus giving two days more in which to answer correspondence. The Postmaster(General sabeoQUentlv advised your Council that there is such an rbject'on in London to malls closing on Saturday that to procure the change would make tho •ervtce very unpopular. Cabls RiXKß.—Considerable surprise was manifested by the commercial community at the extraordinary steps taken by the Eastern tension Telegraph Cable Company In suddenly increaslns the cable rates. Your Council was called together to advise as to the best steps to be taken in the emergency, and the following taleg'am was sent to Sir Julius Vcgel: " Council thank you for telegram. Commercial community much exercised over the excessive rates now imposed, and urge Government to bring mutters in dispute to a speedf settlement. Presume you have strong reasons for refusing concessions offered by the company." On the 15th of November the following telegram was received from Sir Julius Vogel: " The Cable Company liava ajraod to the status que ante for six montbf, bat with a reduction of press messages to threepence a word." lit Nino Industry.A largely attended meeting of Iks Chamber was hold on the 17ih November to consider important questions relating to the goldflelds, and to meet Air. Henry Gordon, Mining Knglneer, Mr. John Lamb presiding. The ilrman, having fully pointed out the disadvantages the Thames Goldfluids were labouring under t•r want of the samo assistance as la accorded to the mining industry In the south Isl-nd, and pointed out that, while the sum of £46,000 was appropriated to the Southern field, those lu Auckland bad not had one single penny set apart for their use. Attention was also called to the necessity of an alteration in the working of the Big Pump, and that Government should ho petitioned with a view to some assistance being given to alter the present working from steam to water power. « r. Gordon, in reply, stat«,l tkathe was merely commissioned to examine and report upon the goldfield generally, but that he would have much pleasure in conveying to the Minister of Mines tho purport o' the remarks and suggestions that ha bad heard, and that, as the Minister of Mines Intended visltinr the district shortly, they would then have the opportunity of more fully entering Into the matter with the Minister ef Mine*. The following resolutions were moved and carried: —"! Thai the Government be called upon to aid In altering the motive power of the big pump from steam to water power. 2. That the proportion of the goldflelds' appropriation for this district had been totally inadequate and unjust, when compared with that of the Middle Islan-', and that they be, In future, more liberally dealt with. 3 That, in the opinion of this meeting, the appropriation for the current year Is unfair to the North Island, and respectfully request the Minister of Mines to make such allocation out of the moneys at his disposal as will enable the local governln» bodies to carry out Important necessary works." Before quitting this Important subject, your Council would point out that they have been in communication with the Minister of Mines. On the 2nd Sep ember they sent the following letter, containing resolutions passed at a conference held between your Council and the Auckland Brokers' Ass elation " Th»t the chairman of the Chamber communicate with the Minister of Mines as to the necessity of importing aa expert from America or elsewhere tD report upon tho treatment of the various ores in the riaurakl Goldfield, and that the Government be asked to subsidise liberally local contributions towards this object. Vast wealth is lying dormant for lack of knowledge to win it" No iriply having been received, your Council sent the following telegram "No reply has yot boon received to my letter of 2nd September, re necessity of importing an expert to report upon treatment of ores on iiaurakl Uoldfleld. Kindly reply folly, if possible, by wire." On the 16th December the following letter was received :— 1 The Hon. the Minister of Mines considers that this a class of leaching for individual or private enterprise to acquire, as the uerson acquiring such training would be master or his own knowledge.' On the 17th November th» resolutions as previously reported, passed at their meeting, were forwarded to Mr. Larnacb. In r -ply an undignified letter was received by your Council, and, having been duly considered, a letter was sent In reply to the Hon. the Miniate; of Miner, complaining of the attitude taken up »y him. No reply has yet been received thereto ; probably domestic affliction may bo set down a< the cause < ( this apparent unglect. Your Council c niiol, In their opinion, let the matter rest In Its present unsatisfactory state, especially In view of the totally apatLstic attitude taken up by the Minister of Minis, and would snggest. as Parliament will soon be in suasion, that a special meeting of parties interested In mining be called, with it view to energetic action h-ing taken upon this most vital subJoot, and pressure be brought to b«ar upon the members of the northern district and i.be Minister of Mines. . Unless some qach programme is carried out the uiinhw industry will, in the future, be treated with the same studied neglect as it lias been In the past. i iudc with Canada.—Early In December your Council was favoured with a communication from Sir Robert Stout uoon the desirability of opening up *tr«do with Canada.appondiug thereto allst of articles exported from New York and Boston during the year ending 1886, amounting to £366,873. consisting of goods some of wnlch probably could Lave been seat from Canada. Your Council immediately took the matter into consideration, and the following letter was sent to Mir Robert Stout: " That this Chamber cordially supports the proposal to make reciprocal trade arrangements between Canada and the United States and New Zetland, and hope the Government will use their best endeavours towards this end, as there is a direct lino of steamers calling at New Zealand ports—this belli* an essential element in the proposal to open up trade relations with Canada. We should be pleasea to receive copies of any correspondence received by you on this subject when we can be of sarvloe." Your Council think this is one of the Important subjects bearing upon our commercial relations between New Zealand and the American Continent that may at same future time develop into considerable importance. ami should not bo lost sight or.*

Proposed Maritime Fxhibition, 1890.—Your Council and members were honoured by the presence of Sir Julius Vojjel carl, in December, to explain bis views upon the desirability of holdlag a Maritime Exhibition In Auckland In the year 90, Mr. John Lamb presiding. Sir Julius Vogel, in a very interesting and exhaustive speech, explained the benefit that would accrue to Auckland from holding such exhibition within its precinct*, and pointing: oat that there would be little real difficulty in carrying It out and that the Government would give every assistance in furtUeilng its object. It was suggested that a guarantea fund of £25.000 be raised, and no doubt the Government would guarantee a like amount. Alter cons derable discussion from the members present, It was resolved "That whim thanking Sir Julius Vogel for the interesting matter he had brought before them, it was a matter of too vast importance to at once form a resolution upon, and that the Chamber should take the matter up at future meeting and endeavour to carry out, if possible, the suggestions that had been thrown out." Ma. ios Williams,-Mr. Pries Williams, an omlnent English engineer, having visited the greater portion of New Zetland, was desirous of meeting your Chamber, and bringing before them some of the conclusions he had formed relative to the commercial, agricultural, and mining interests of the colony. our Council had much pleasure in according him a hearing. On the 6th February your Council met, and Mr. Price William*, at considerable length, entered Into his promised explanations, touching upon, amongst other subjects, railway management; the growth of the colony, as between 1861 and 1884; the vast resources of the colony, as exemplified in the large deposits of coal, iron ore, and minerals of every description, undeveloped for tbe want of the necessary capital to win the same, and suggested that a financial federation should bo formed between the capitalists of England and the capitalists here to work on tbe mutual principle the undeveloped resources of the colony, Sevoral gentlemen having addressed she meeting, the following resolution was proposed and carried" 1 hat the best thanks of this Chamber bo accorded to Mr. Price Williams for his courtesy in stating his view* upon the prospects and resources of th. colony; further, that the Chamber approves of the principle of financial federation and co-operation as defined by Mr. JKrice Williams, and instruct the Council to take up the question, and assist, by acting as Advising Committee, in furthering the scheme.'* Ci;vike Lighthouse, Schooner Hawk, Opining or tub Hallway to Kotojiua.—The attention of Sir Julius Vogel, at the mooting of the Chamber held in February, was called to the delay in carrying out the promised lighthouse on Cuvier Island. It was pointed out that the necessary funds for building had already been voted by the House, and repeated promises made that it should be proceeded with. The reply obtained was that upon his return to Wellington th« matter should be looked into. gome time since your Council was advised that the revenue schooner Hawk was to be disposed of. Your Council thinking this an injudicious step, lent the following telegram : -"This Chamber is of opinion that tue revenue ncboonar (lawk should not be disposed of, but kept In commission to prevent smuggling." In reply, " That she had been six ye»rs In commission without doing anything of service." Several of the inhabitants ef the Kotorua district having ca led the attention of the Council to the delay in completing the Kotorna Hallway, your Council at once communicated with the Hon. Mr. Richardson, and received in reply the following, under date Ith January Tenders for next section of Kotorua railway will be called for in about a fortnight," ■ and has bsen done. Trade with the Islands.— subject was alluded to at the meeting of the Chamber on the 4th February, and continues to engage the watchful attention of the Council. The business of the meeting was to receive the above report, and to consider the accompanying recommendations which are intended to be submitted to members prior to their departure for Wellington : - . Island Trade.—That, in view of giving facilities I for the island trade, we would recommend that a

Charter of Incorporation be granted to a company to be formed for the purpose of trading with the South (lea Islands, and that Government be asked for a guarantee, and with due provision being; made, for purchasing the Interests of those now engaged la the trade. : "i Railway Rework. -That the Council is of opinion that there should be a change In the present system of working the railways, and would suggest tb«t they should be placed under a non-political Bosrd of Managnment. Navigation Laws.—That the present system of allowing foreign-owned vessels carrying goods from one port to another on the coast is inimical to the shipping interests of the clony, and that alteration should be made on the same lines as are now enforced in Canada.

Railway Wo«k». -The Chamber respectfully request l at members urge Government to proceed with the Main Trunk Railway with all possible speed, and, failing being able to oonitruot a branch to join Tarenaki with the railway, that a road should be formed »o as to connect with Tamnaki.

Goi.priiei.Ds.— i hat the attention of members be called to the present inadequate grant In aid of the goUlQeld*, and that a sufficient sum be obtained in order to test and treat Otir ruf.aolory ores, and that a sum, by way sf subsidy, be put upon the estimate* in aid of prospecting and formation of roads. Technical M hsbcms. -That members should Impress upon the Government the necessity of establishing Technical Museums in the large centres, and further that Technical Classes should be established in schools, with a view to the promotion of manufacturing industries in the colony. The Chairman said he did not intend to say muoh, as the report stated fully what had been done by the council during the last quarter; but there was one subject on which he would desire to make a few remarks, that was. the commission appointed by the Government of Fiji to go into the question of a reciprocity treaty. This commission (extraots from whose report'the chairman quoted) after going fully into details reported that considered on the basis of population and purchasing power, Viotoria offered to Fiji a better market than either New Zealand or New South Wales. The Chairman, after referring to this report, said the New Zealand Government bad sent a commission to report on the island trade, but they had never heard anything more about it, but it would be well that they should look into tho matter, for a treaty of this kind would be of great benefit to the colony. Why should they allow the island trade to go either to New South Wales or Victoria? They should press the matter on the Government, so as to secure for New Zealand a share of what was done, and impress on their members the duty of forcing it on the Government. The Council also wanted an expression of opinion about the proposed Maritime Exhibition. They had all, no doubt, seen Mr. Twopeny's letter, published in the Herald He quoted extraots from this letter as to the probable cost of the exhibition, and said that, although It was named a maritime exhibition, it would in reality be an exhibition of all industries and products. Although it would be named a maritime exhibition it would cot be restricted to vessels. In Auckland they could show as good vessels, built and designed by Auokland men, as could be produced In any part of the world, but they did not want to confine It to shipping, but to make it a general exhibition. He did not intend to take up their time further, bat would move that the report be taken as read, and they could then deal with its olauses seriatim. The motion was carried. The Chairman apologised for the meeting being a month behind, and stated that their secretary had left, and had left things in a muddle, and It took some time to get them straight. The meeting then proceeded to consider the clauses of the report. The first clause was adopted without any comment, and in regard to the second clause, the Chairman pointed out that Ihe difficulty had been overcome, and there was a probability of their having a cable for themselves shortly. In regard to Clause 3 (mining industry), the Chairman said this was a matter in which the Council, as would be seen by the report, had taken a great deal of trouble, but they had not received the oourtiisy from Mr. Larnach whioh they expected, and which they hod met with from other Ministers. However, it was expected that the Minister of Mines would shortly be in Auckland, and they would then have an opportunity of interviewing him. The clause was adopted.

Clause 4 (trade with Canada) was next considered. The Chairman said if they could get a treaty of reciproaity with Canada it would be of great advantage to them, for when the new proposed line of steamers was established, this would be the first port of call.

Mr. McLachlan, who had recently visited Canada, urged the deelrability of giving a share of the trade which now went to the United States to Canada, and said that although Canada did not produce so largely in manufactures as the United States, they were as cheap. Mr. Larkins also considered they should show their commercial brotherhood with Canada, and hoped they would do more business with that great colony than they had done hitherto.

The Chairman said Canada was working under a protective policy, and was making rapid strides. Mr. Bell wanted to know what New Zealand had to reciprocate with ? The Chairman said they had gam, and large quantities of varnish were required in Canada. They alio hid wool, and warm blankets were required in that country. Many other things would turn up in the course of reciprocity. Mr. Bell a*ked whether they could not manufacture varnish here instead of sending the gum to Canada or the United States, and whether blankets oould not be made here as well as there. He considered the Chamber was stepping out of its position in introducing this subject. Mr. Aickin said they could manufacture varnish more cheaply in America than here, for there they had the turpentine and other materials required at a much cheaper rate. Mr. Larkins said the question was, whether they wanted goods from Canada. If Canada could send them what they needed, and they sent to Canada what the Canadians needed, then reciprocity ciinti in. Mr. Aickin said he did not think it was the duty of the Chamber to go into the question in detail ; only to affirm the principle. It would be for the Government and the House to deal with the question in detail. Mr. Porter supported the clause, and thought if the Chamber supplied particulars to the Chambers of Commerce in Canada a great deal of good might be done. Mr. Vail* supported the aotion of the Council, and considered commercial reciprocity should be fostered amongst the whole Anglo-Saxon r&oe. The motion was then put and oarried.. Clause 5. The consideration of this clause was, on the motion of Mr. Vaile, seconded by Mr. Larkins, postponed, in order that, it being a matter of great importance, it should be dealt with at a special meeting of the Chamber. Clause 6. The Chairman explained the purport of the Interview between Mr. PriceWilliams and the Chamber, and the olausewaa then adopted. In regard to the lighthouse at Cuvier Island, the Chairman said it was a matter of great importance, and pressure should be brought to bear on the Government to have it erected. As to the Hawk, she was now paid off, and they could do nothing more in the matter, and as to the Rotorna railway, the first sod would be turned in a day or two, but it was largely owing to the action of the Chamber that it was not farther delayed. The report as' amended was then adopted. The Chamber then proceeded to consider the clauses of the recommendations to be submitted to members prior to their departure for Wellington. Clause I—lsland trade : The Chairman pointed out that this was a subject of the greatest importance, for if that trade was opened up it would give an outlet to their products, and prove a great benefit to New Zealand, A Bill for the purpose had been introduced in the House last year, but he believed it had been burked.

Mr. Porter said the Bill referred to by the chairman was introduced in 1885, and it was not burked, it was fully discussed, but the House threw it out, as it asked for too much power for the company. Sydney, being a free port, had a very great advantage over other ports in regard to the Island trade, but he thought a greater proportion of the trade might be drawn here than they had at present. Mr. Aiokin considered the Government should make special provision in the way of drawbacks to enable them to compete with Sydney. As they were aware, the Colonial Treasurer was very much interested in this question; in faot, it was a hobby of his. and he (Mr. Aiokin) understood that Sir Julius Vogel would introduce a fresh Bill, modifying the terms of that which had been thrown out in 1885, and he hoped all their members would support it. It was clearly the duty of the Chamber to push this matter. The clause was then put and adopted. Clause 2.Railway reform : The Chairman, in pointing out the necessity for reform

in this department instanced the fact that it cost him 4d per ton more to get grain from Otahuhn than from Lyttelton. ' Mf* Porter said he could give 1 still more startling -instance. His firm was in the habit of importing timber , from New York, and it cost tbem more for the carriage of timber from Helensville than it did from New York. He believed that a change in the system of New Zealand railway management was absolutely necessary. Some reform was necessary, whether it took the shape indicated in th 9 clause or not. Mr. Vaile said ha intended to move an amendment. He was opposed to handing over their railways to a non politioal body, if it was even possible to have such a board. The time had not yet come for that. What they first wanted to decide was their railway policywhether their railways should be managed in the interest of the whole community or in the interests of a few. Referring to the management of the Victorian railways, he said it was really the management of one man, who had the authority to do what he wished, and he did not think it was the success it was represented to be. Mr. Vaile then, by the aid of diagrams, explained the system of differential rates, and condemned the system, and moved that no mention be made of placing the railways under Boards. He moved that the latter portion of the clause from the word "railways " be struck out. Mr. MoLachlan seconded this amendment, and it was carried. Mr. Porter then moved that the words "as the same is vexatious and expensive" be added. This was agreed to after some discussion. The remaining clauses were adopted without alteration. The Chairman said he would further move " That the members be askod to urge the Government to take into consideration the report of the Fiji commissioners relative to a reciprocity treaty, and endeavour to give effdot to tho samo." Tho motion was agreed to. Mr. McLaohlan brought forward the question of bringing the timber industry more prominently before the British public, and it was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Aiokin, that further steps be taken to bring the timber industry before the public of Great Britain. On the motion of Mr. Aickin, it was then resolved that k circular embodying the foregoing memoranda be drawn up by the Council and forwarded to the members of the General Assembly. A vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the business.