CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17329, 28 November 1919, Page 9

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

4> AMERICAN TRADING ACT. HEMP FREIGHTS TO BRITAIN". The council of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce met. yesterday. Mr. M. M. McCallum presided. The following were also present : Messrs. R. Rums, J. H. Jackson, T. H. Macky. K. C. Browne, A. K. Roherton. H. W. Hudson. A. C. Oraham. M. M. Louisson, A. A.. Martin, M. Stewart, T. Peacock, J. Allum, and the Hon. C. Fowlds. It, was divided to call a special meeting of the chamber and to invite parliamentary candidates to be present to discuss the Wehb Pomereue Act recently passed in America. It was stated that, the, effect of the Act was to exploit the export trade of other countries, including New Zealand. It. was also decided to print the report of the Importers' and Exporters' Committee, and to circulate copies among the various Chambers of Commerce, at the same time emphasising the necessity for taking prompt action to counteract the serious effect of the Act. The Prime Minster wrote stating that he bad received a cablegram from the High Commissioner to the effect, that the latter had discussed the question of freights on hemp from New Zealand with the Liners' Conference Committee, and had brought te bear arguments in favour of a reduction in the present rates, but without success. The committee in question had considered the matter from all aspects, but was unable to make any reduction. Regret was expressed that nothing could bo done it the. matter. i