CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19663, 15 June 1927, Page 13

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

WAIUKU CANAL SCHEME. THE DUTIES ON FLOUR. The council of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce met yesterday, A. G. Lunri presiding. The Hamilton chamber wrote strongly favouring the proposal to construct a canal to connect the Manukau Harbour at Waiuku with the Waikato River. The chairman said he had been informed that quicksands . lay, in the path of the proposed canal, that expensive locks would be necessary, and that the cost of the work would be £450,000. He thought this was out of the cfoestion at present.

It was decided that the matter concerned the Harbour Board mora than the chamber, and the letter was referred to that board. The Minister of Customs wrote in reply to a protest from the chamber regarding the protective duties on flour. He said neither the present duties on Australian wheat and flour ncir the proposed duties on flour (which at present prices and conditions did not differ greatly from the present duties), were regarded as prohibitive, and that this was the case so far as the present duties were concerned was shown by the fact tlhat under these duties and with a large local crop of wheat, flour was being imported from the Commonwealth. The chairman read a lengHhy reply, which he suggested should bp sent to the Minister, stating that in New Zealand a loaf cost as against 5d in London. If this difference was maintained it would render the extension of the Dominion's secondary industries impossible. It was decided to write to the Minister as the chairman suggested. The desirability of notice being given of any changes in the customs tariff in order to avoid inconvenience to merchants and (he restriction of orders, was discussed. <The question was referred to the Imports and Exports Committee It was decided to write to the Manawarn Herd Testing Group congratulating it upon establishing the world's record :n butter-fat production.