SHIPS STORES REBATES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13834, 21 August 1908, Page 6

SHIPS STORES REBATES.

A PRIVILEGE WITHDRAWN.

TRADING HANDICAP

RKE.NTW a Cassette notice was issued withdrawing the privilege hitherto allowed of | rebating duty » .hips' ■*■». 11ie jnatter was drawn attention to at yesterdays j meeting -»f the Auckland Chamber at Com- J mem bv Messrs. J.- D. Nathan and Co The withdrawal, tht writers wid, would j have .1 disastrous effect upon that branch j of this city's trade, sin** it must be. ob- : j vious that'masters and owners of vessels j would supplv their want, wherever prac- j ticable (even at considerable inconvenience) at ports where they could obtain supplies on the most favourable term?. A ease in point <*-** that of H.M.C.S. Iris, which made Auckland its headquarters, but could, with equal facility, obtain supplies at Melbourne or Sydney. A very considerable trade also was lone here with vessels of His Majesty's navy, to say nothing of the requirements of the mercantile marine, and the writers therefore suggested that some representation should be made by all trade centres to the Minister for Customs to obtain a reconsideration of the matter. The Chamber was also asked to take note j of the inconvenience and labour imposed . upon both exporters and the Customs authorities in carrying out the regulations whereby a landing certificate, was required for certain dutiable goods exported from this count and if the Chamber discussed the matter with responsible Customs officers it. would rind a consensus of opinion in favour of a modification, if not an entire abrogation, of the present rule, if only in favour of regular steam services. The Chamber decided to refer the matter to a committee for report at next meeting.