CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20387, 16 October 1929, Page 11

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

CONFERENCE CONCLUDES.

FURTHER REMITS CARRIED.

EMPIRE FEDERATION INVITED.

Tho annual conference of the Association of Chambers of Commcrco of New Zealand was brought to a closo yesterday. Mr. C. P. Agar (Canterbury), tho newlyelected president, presided. Tho following wero among tho remits adopted: — "That the Government bo recommended to. consider tho advisability of,imposing a high tariff on all American goods, ponding reciprocal treatment of our products." (Gisborne.) "That this confcrenco urges that arrangements should bo mado for electors entitled to vote in municipal and local body, elections to record thoir votes in tho event of their being out of their respective electorates on the day of tho election." (Dunedin.)

"That this conference draws attention to tho social wasto involved in tho present cumbrous and costly procedure of dealing with minor offences by motorists and other persons where guilt is admitted, and urges tho Minister of Justice to institute a simpler and socially cheaper system." (Auckland.) "That tho Government be approached with a view to tho abolition of tho annual cihargo mado for 'right of access' which siding owners havo to pay to tho Railway Department." (Canterbury.) "That this conference is of opinion that tho time has arrived for tho regulations regarding the sale of arms and oxplosives to bo cither amended or repealed." (Wanganui.) "That representations bo mado to tho Govornment and tho Commissioner of Taxes:—(a) That rates for allowance of depreciation bo reviewed, and that all allowances bo based on original cost instead of somo on original cost and others on diminishing value as at present; (b) that goodwills and improvements to leasehold premises when written off by tenants over period of tenancy bo allowed as a deduction." (Canterbury.)

A proposal that tho Federation of Chambers of the British Empire bo invited to holrl its next overseas congress (in 1935) in New Zealand was unanimously adopted. Mr. W. Machin (Canterbury) was appointed to represent tho New Zealand Association at the conference iia London next year, and other questions of representation were left in the hands of tho executive.

In moving that tho invitation bo sent, Mr. D. J. McGowan (Wellington) said tho federation held its triennial congress alternately in London and in ono of the Dominions. Past overseas congresses had sat in Sydney, Toronto and Capetown, It would be an exceptional honour and privilego if New Zealand were allowed to cntortain tho leading business men of the Empire, who would take part in tho 1933 congress.

Mr. 11. T. Merritt (Auckland) the only nominee for the offico of vice-president, ivM elected. Tho following wero elected as tho executive;— Messrs. 11. S. E. Turner (Canterbury), A. H. Allen (Dunedin), C. M. Bowden (Masterton), D. J. McGowan and E. Salinond (Wellington). It was decided tuat the next annual conferenco bo held at ' tho Hermitage, Mount Cook.

Votes of thanks to tho Mayor of Auckland for granting tho conferenco tho nso of the City Council Chamber, to the members'of tho Auckland Chamber and'their wives for hospitality, and to the Auckland hewspapers wero carried by acclamation.