AUSTRALIAN MINISTERS IN LONDON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13486, 13 May 1907, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN MINISTERS IN LONDON.

DEPUTATIONS TO SIR W. LYNE

AND MR. BENT.

THE COMMERCE ACT.

By Telegraph.— Association.—Copyright.

London. May 10. Sir William Lyke received to-day a deputation chiefly representing the Australasian section of the London Chamber of Commerce, who asked for concessions under and a clearer explanation of tho Commerce Act. The chairman of the Australasian section of the Chamber admitted that many initial difficulties were disappearing, but he thought that some were still to be found. The declaration as to the country of origin, for instance, was regarded as a grievance. /,

Sir William Lyne, without yielding anything material, allayed the sense of grievance by a courteous explanation, and said that the Federal Government's object was not to harry traders, but .to protect the consumers and benefit honest trades. He was willing to meet British exporters in every way consistent with the protection of the consumer and the revenue, and he was desirous of simplifying the declarations as much as possible. He particularly emphasised his intention to impede the importation of spurious jewellery, especially rolled gold.

ELECTRICAL ENTERPRISES IN

VICTORIA.

A number of firms largely interested in electrical enterprises in Australia purpose an interview with the Victorian Premier (Mr. Bent), during his visit to London, to ask him. for his reassurances since they doubt the character of the security they possess owing to the varying nature of the Victorian laws.

FEDERAL AND STATE AGENCY.

Mr. Bent and Mr. Deakin are conducting an investigation with a view to the Commonwealth and States uniting to maintain one good building in the Strand for agency purposes.