CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16020, 11 September 1915, Page 5

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

! MANUFACTURE OF SMALL ARMS. The council of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce met yesterday afternoon, Mr. E. Anderson, vice-president, occupying the chair. A letter was received from Mr. C. H. Hewlett, of Christchurch, who stated that at a meeting of the Canterbury Employers' Association, he had brought up the matter of the manufacture of small arms and machine-guns in New Zealand, and that the meeting carried a motion asking the Government to erect, such a factory immediately, and, if possible, to also manufacture 18-pounder shells and guns. He estimated that the factory would cost £100,000, and would be capable of turning out 1000 rifles and 10 machine-guns weekly on a shift of eight hours per day. The writer added that at his instance the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce had passed a motion asking the Government to organise the industries of the Dominion and turn out boots, clothing, gun-carriages, transport waggons, etc. The matter was referred to the Minister for Munitions. The Waiuku District Chamber of Commerce proposed that a conference be held to further consider the Waitemata-Mannkau-Waikato canal scheme. The chairman reported that-a reply had been sent, stating that the time was not considered opportune for action. At the last general meeting of members a motion was carried, at the instance of Mr. H. Green, recommending the council to consider what representations, if any, could be made to the Government for the relief or adjustment of the imposts in the gold and silver - mining industries, and i what steps could be taken to further encourage the search for useful metals. It was agreed that it was not advisable to make any representation at the present time.