CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18130, 30 June 1922, Page 8

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

MAORIS AS DEBTORS.

CHANGE IN LAW DESIRED.

The council of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce met yesterday, Mr. R. L. Stewart presiding. A letter was received from the Wanganui Chamber of Commerce seeking information as to the intention of the chamber in .-cspoct of New Zealand representation at tlie brthcoming commercial conference at Honolulu.

Mr. A. A. Martin, who had intended to represent the chamber at the conference, explained fcjisvt it was impracticable to go owing to the atsamer connections not fitting in wiuh the date of the conference, which will open on October 28. It was decided to inform the Wanganui Chamber accord:- <i;ly.

The ,vangaiiui Chamber wrote' stating tbat at a recent meeting of the chamber the question of Maori debtors was discussed as regards the unfair position traders were placed in compared with European debtors. It Was pointed out that, under the existing law judgment could be secured against a Maori, but the matter could net be carried further, &a even though tfco Maori held land an attachment could not be made against it, tte the Maori under law was only a life tenant. It was therefore suggested that the Act be altered that the rent of the land could hi attached for the purpose of having an order made against such rente. Members expressed the opinion that the question represented " a tall order," although it WBa right in principle. It.was stated, however, that it was not possible to attach anything more than a life tenant's interest. The letter was referred to the Finance Committee with a view to obtaining a legal opinion. The Northern Suburban Railway League wrote seeking the assistance and influence of the chamber in pressing the mattej- of a more direct railway, outlet for the Northern settlers. It was urged that the-proposed scheme, which represents extensive alterations, was absolutely essential to the progress of the North and the city. The / cost involved would be more than compensated for by the advantages. The letter was referred to the Railway Committee for a special report. The Daimevirke Chamber of Commerce wrote relative to the.advisability of holding /the annual conferences of chambers during the Parliamentary session. It was resolved'that the Dannevirke Chamber be asked to submit a remit to the next annual conference. It was mentiorfed that next year's conference would be held in Auckland^ Sixty new members were elected.