Meetings.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 583, 7 April 1883, Page 7

Meetings.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. m ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce was held on March 29th. Present Messrs J. R- George (in the chair), J. S. Allan Gordon A an, Betbuoe, A. Baker, Collin?, Carroll, Duthie, Dunn, Deacon, J- C. Harris, Harcourt, KruH, J. Kirton, W. H. Levin, M.H.R; Macdonald, J. E. Nathan, Dr. ■ . McTaviah, D. T. Stuart, Stevenson, 10l hurst, and Thompson. annual report. The following report was taken as read The term of office for which they were elected having come to a close, it becomes the duty of your committee to lay before you a report of the proceedings of the chamber for the past year, and of the subjects that have been brought under their consideration. The matters that were more especially commended to the attention of your committee by their predecessors in office were bankruptcy law, new Postal and Telegraph Offices, the de* cimal system, and Supreme Court procedure, and your committee are pleased to be able to report that the labors of the chamber have, in reference to some of these questions, met with a certain degree of success. bankruptcy law. Eor several years past the earnest efforts of this chamber have been directed towards an amendment of the law relating to bankruptcy, the necessity for which has been so strongly felt by all engaged in commerce. Your committee on their appointment lost no time in moving in the matter. Other chambers were communicated with, and early in June last a I suggestion was made by the Canterbury Chamber that a special conference on thissubiect should be held in Wellington of delegates from as many New Zealand Chambers of Com : merce as would take part in such conference. The suggestion was promptly carried into effect, and the delegates met in Juno, when representatives of the Chambers of Auckland, Napier, Wellington, Canterbury, Timaru, and Dunedin came together. . Your committee cannot but regard this meeting as ah event of some interest, as it is the first occasion on which the Chambers of Commerce of the colony have come together by their representatives to confer together on any question. There can be no doubt that such conferences might, from time to time, be held with a most beneficial result to the interests of commerce. . . The labors of the conference resulted in a very full and able report, which was forwarded to the Government, and subsequently laid before a Special Committee of the House appointed to consider and repo t on the subject The report of this committee included a large proportion of the. suggestions of the conference, which were afterwards embodied in a Bill prepared by the Government. This was, however, too late to receive consideration during the last session of Parliament. It is understood to be the intention of the Government to introduce, this measure very early in the approaching session, and a special report of your comniittee on the provisions of the Bill will be submitted to you, the Government having circulated copies of the Sill, and invited further suggestions thereon.

bills op sale. In connection with the recommendations of the delegates of the Chambers of Commerce on the subject of bankruptcy, a suggestion was made in favor of the introduction into this colony of a law relating to bills of sale similar to that in force in Victoria. Your committee regrets that the suggestion has not been adopted, and commends the matter to the consideration of the committee about to be elected. HEW POSTAL AND TELEGRAPH OFFICES. The representations of this chamber as to the need of increased accommodation for the Postal and Telegraph Departments have at last received attention at the hands of the Government, and substantial and extensive premises for these purposes, which promise to be a credit to the city and colony, are now m course of erection.

CTSTGHHOGBE. Your committee has also brought under the notice of the Government the necessity for improved accommodation for the Customhouse, and has received an intimation that it is pro posed to make additions and alterations to the old Provincial Government Buildings with the view of providing suitable accommodation for this department. SUPREME COURT PROCEDURE. An - Act for the reform of the procedure of the Supreme Court was passed during tbe last session of Parliament, and came into force at the commencement of the current year. It is understood to provide for a much more speedy and economical administration of the law than that afforded by tbe system formerly in vogue, and your committee trusts that it will be found in practice to meet the wishes of the commuoity in this direction. DECIMAL SYSTEM. No farther action in this matter bas been taken. The committe regrets that the Government did not think it advisable to adopt the suggestion of the chamber with a view to facilitate the introduction, at a future date, of a decimal system of weights and measures. The suggestions made by the chamber were moderate and simple, and there can be no donbt that every year’s delay will increase the difficulties that will attend any such changes. Your committee considers the subject worthy of the continued attention the Chamber, and commends it to the consideration of the committee about to be elected.

WELLCNGTON-MANAWATU RAILWAY. _ Soon after the last annual meeting of this chamber, the contract between tbe Government and the Wellington and Manawatu Bailway Company was definitely settled and executed, and the Company has since been prosecuting the construction of the line with commendable vigor. The mo3t difficult and important parts of the work have already been let, including several tunnels at Kaiwarra, the reclamation in Wellington Harbor, and the bridge over the MaDawatu River ; in addition to which a considerable extent of line has been surveyed and located, for which tenders will shortly be called. As a large proportion of the unlet part of the line runs through country presenting little oi no engineering difficulties, it is confidently anticipated that. the whole will be completed well within the

time stipulated in the contract with the Government. Your committee congratulates the chamber upon the progress of this most important work. NORTH ISLAND RAILWATS. The chamber took occasion to urge upon the Government the construction of a length of railway between Manutahi and Hawera which was of very great importance to the commercial interests of Wellington, as briuging this city into closer communication with New Plymouth and the adjacent districts. A vote for this work was put upon the estimates last session, but up to date no real progress has been made. The delay in this matter has been produtive of considerable loss, to the mercantile community of Wellington. Your committee trusts that such pressure will be brought upon the Government that the contracts may be put in hand forthwith and actual progress made with this important section of the railway system. On- the Wellington and N -pier line a five-mile section ha 3 beeu let by contract between Masterton and Opaki ; and from t,he Napier side the line is opened to Makotuku an extension of about five miles iD four years. Southward of Makotuku a further length of nine miles has been located. This rate of construction of two of the main lines of railway in the colony is a standing reproach i.like both to Ministry and Parliament, and inflict? a daily loss on the settlers of the respective districts, greatly interfering with the settlement of the country and the development of its natural products. Another vote most important to the interests of this city and the North Island generally, as well as of the entire colony, was passed during the last session, namely, that authorising the raising of a special loan of one million for the construction of the northern portion of the main trunk line from Auckland south to Wellington. Your committee trusts that this work, so essential to the opening up and settlement or the valuable lands of the North Island, and the prosperity of the principal commercial centres will be proceeded with at no distant date.

DIRECT STEAM SERVICE. Your committee has to congratulate the chamber on the actual commencement of a direct steam service, between this colony and the United Kingdom, through the enterprise of the New Zealand Shipping Company. The Government has invited tendeis for a direct steam service, for which a subsidy of £20,000 per annum is offered under authority of a vote of the last session of Parliament. The establishment of such a service will, no doubt, be of incalculable benefit to the colony, especially in connection with the introduction of immigrants, and with the new and promising trade in the export of frozen meat in dairy produce. PARCEL POST AND REPLY POST-CARD. Your committee has brought before the Government the question of the establishment of a parcel post between this colony and other countries, and also of the extension of facilities for the transmission of parcels by post within the colony. In reply, the Government explained that the establishment of a parcel post with other countries does not depend upon the Government alone, and expresses a hope that the system now beiDg introduced into the British Post Office will lead to its being adopted for the United Kingdom and its depen lencies generally. In reference to the question of the transmission of parcels by post within this colony, the Government stated that there has been a very decider! extension of facilities in this respect within the lasr, two years. Your committee is glad to announce that it is the intention of the Government to introduce the system of reply postal-cards into this colony. POSTAL UNION. No further action has been taken in this matter, but it is one well worthy o' being kept in view by the committee about to be elected. LICENSING LAWS. Attention has beeu drawn by the chamber to the evils arising from the present administration of the licensing law generally, and more especially as to the power placed in the hands of local constables in country The policy of creating a large number of licensing committees has not been a success, and many other provisions of the Act are open to objection. SITE FOR CENTRAL PRISON. Exception has been taken to the tion of Mount Cook Reserve as tbe site for a new central prison. The question was brought under the attention of the Government, but the work in connection with, the matter had pro* ceeded too far to permit of the plans of the Government being altered. TELEPHONE EXCHANGE. . Your committee congratulates the chamber on the introduction of a telephone exchange into Wellington. It has been established m consequence of action taken by the committee, and bas already secured a fair amount of support Your committee, however, is of opinion that the charge of £l7 10s for the first year and £l2 for subsequent years is excessive, and should be reduced. AMERICAN WOOL DUTIES. At tbe date of the last annual report it was in doubt what would be the result of the representations of Sir Henry Parkes to the United States Government on the. subject of the duty on the importation of wool into America Those representations were not productive’ of any alteration, but members will have observed that telegraphic advices report that a reduction equal to about 18 per cent, has just been passed by the United State Congress on the import duty on wool. ' new chambers op commerce. Your Committee would notice as a fact of interest the establishment of a Chamber of Commerce in the City of London. It has often been a matter of comment that the foremost commercial city of the world was without a Chamber of Commerce, and the tardy inauguration of such an institution may e taken as an indication of the growing appreciation of the usefulness of such bodies. m connection with tbe London Chamber a monthly Journal of Commerce is issued, which contains a summary of proceedings or the various Chambers of Commerce, and should be of great interest to members of colonial chambers. The committee is also glad to record the establishment of a Chamber of Commerce at Napier. PERMANENT ACCOMMODATION AND THE INCORPORATION OF THE CHAMBER. It has been felt that the time bas arrived when this chamber should consider the expediency of securing more permanent and suitable accommodation, and as a preliminary step to this object it is necessary that the chamber should become an incorporated body.

' SHAREBROKERS’ EXCHANGE. Immediately after the last anuual meeting the use : f the chamber was granted to the Sharebrokers’Association for the purpose of holding daily meetings of the character of a sharebrokers’ exchange. The room has been utilised in this way now for a twelvemonth, and daily lists of share quotations are posted in the chamber for tho information of members. DRY DOCK. Somo agitation has taken place on this subject, but the committee has, so far, taken no action.N.Z. TIMBER. ■„ . The Imperial Government recently invited tenders in New Zealand for the supply of salt meat for the British Navy, but imposed a condition that the meat must bo packed in casks made of English oak. This being a difficulty your committee has requested the Govermert to bring under tbe notice of the Imperial authorities the suitability of certain New Zealand timbers, for the purpose in question. ' TRIBUNALS OF COMMERCE. Orders have been sent Home for a work which has been recommended as containing information on this subject. Your committee trust that on receipt of such information the matter will again be brought forward. SAILORS’ HOME. No stepß have yet been taken towards the establishment of a Sailors’ Home for this port. Your committee urges that this question be dealt with at an early date.

MEAT EXPORT TRADE. You committee is glad to be able to place on record the despatch of tho first cargo of frozen meat from this port, the Lady Jocelyn having sailed on the 22nd February with 6424 carcases of mutton and 352 quarters of beef. In tinned meats a large export trade is established from various local works. The success of this trade appears now to be assured, and will undoubtedly exercise a most beneficial influence upon the prosperity of tbe whole colony. LOCAL INDUSTRIES. Your committee is glad to be able to notice under this heading the establishment of clothing factories in this city, and trusts that this may prove to be tbe commencement of an extensive industry. It is understood that the only difficulty at present is that of procuring a sufficient number of hands for the work. CHRISTCHURCH EXHIBITION. In the early part of the past year an International Exhibition was held at Christchurch, at which a very creditable display was made of colonial products. STATE OF TRADE. The usual statistics of imports, exports, and Customs revenue for the colony are attached to this report. These all show a substantial increase. To a certain extent this was to be expected, and would be a subject of congratulation, but is evident that in the matter of imports theincreaseis agreatdeal beyond a legitimate and healthy growth. Commercial reports from all the Australasian centres tell the same tale of glutted markets and unremunerative prices, while the banking returns show an unprecedented inflation in the advances of the banks. It is to be hoped that a reduction in this excessive scale of importation will take place before long, and lead to a more healthy and satisfactory state of business. The abundant harvest and good clip of wool will, however, no doubt have a speedy effect in restoring a satisfactory b -lance of trade. -r: - MEMBERS. ; ' ' During the past year eleven members have resigned, seven of- whom did so account of leaving Wellington. Eight new members have been elected. FINANCES. Appended to tbe report was the financial statement, which showed total receipts for the year £313 3s 9d, including £IBO from subscriptions, and the total expenditure left a credit balance of £BO f-r the year. CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT. Mr George then referred to the subjects, in the report” seriatim, his speech coutainiug various statistical returns, carefully prepared, showing the fluctuations of commerce in the colonies and the Home country. Referring to bankruptcy law amendment, he said : The subject of the Bankruptcy Bill has been somewhat forcibly brought before the public in the last few days by the proceedings in a Wellington bankruptcy, and it is desirable that the facts whi-h were then brought out should be met bv provisions in the new Bill. Such pro ceedings as have been taken by bankrupts lately in endeavoring to get quit of. their liabilities are certainly scandalous, especially one notable case, in which a gentleman who had been prominently before the. public shoul - be enabled to get a whitewashing without difficulty. When such an example is set by a gentleman who has held a high position, what can we expect from smaller and less known members of the community in a matter of this kind ? Mr George next referred to the banking pressure, tracing it to excessive imports and increasing demands for financial accommodation in the colonies. Thi-i pres ure w -uld be relieved by the fl >ating of the New Zeala d and Victorian loans. He referred to the failure of the new system of electing licensing committees, and said the temperance advocates should rather strive to raise the status of the licensed victualling class as the best check on drunkeuness. He commented sarcastically on the recent auction sale by Government of the illicit whiskey seized near Palmerston, pointing out that it was sold minus the duty which an importer would have to pay .in ordinary trade, the honest importers being thereby handicapped unfairly. Having touched on other subjects in the above report, he moved its adoption, together with the financial statement. Mr Baker seconded. jJT DRY DOCK AND PATENT SLIP. HTr Thompson understood the chairman to say the patent slip bad been adequate for all purposes up to the present, and asked whether it is true that the Wakatipu steamer could not be taken on the slip for repairs after an accident some time ago. The Chairman : It is entirely untrue that application was ever made for the Wakatipu to be taken on the slip, but the slip oould have taken it up if application had been made. There is not the slightest foundation for that report. In urging the necessity for a dry dock, to accommodate the larger class of steamers now trading directly between England and Wellington, I said the patent slip has been sufficient for the smaller class of ships hitherto ÜBing this port. ..... Dr. Newman asked whether the charges for using the Fatent Slip are not excessive. Chairman : I am not prepared to go into that.

Mr Dut-de : You said the cost of a drj dock would be about £15'1,000. Do you speak from special information, or gneis-worl-? Chairman : It is only so far guess-work that I have compared what it would cost here with what such docks have cost m othe. places. . , Mr Macdonald : On tbe subject of the dock, the report is very vague, and I should like to have the views of the Harbor Boaro from the representative present. Mr Nathan had not come prepared to ex press the unanimous voice of the Harbor Board, but he reminded members that before a man builds a house, he must have the wherewithal to do it. (Voice : “ Not always.”) At present the Harbor Board have do money to spend, but an appeal has been made to the Government, and if onlj the unreclaimed fore shore of the harbor were given as an endowment, the board would be in a better position for constructing the piopo?ed dock, and thiichamber might then urge such a work. RAILWAY PROGRESS AND TRADE DIVERSION. . Mr Macdonald said the reference made to railway construction for connecting Wellington with the Waimate Plains should ensure the serious attention of every mercantile man in Wellington. The stream of I rade which till latelv existed between Wellington and the Patra district northward has been largely divert t-d to Auckland, in consequence of the fdlure to complete tho short gap of railway between Waverlry and Hawera, and the greater facility of shipping goods into the "Waitara River and ruling them to Hawera and the Waimate Plains. They had been very lax in not urging on thier representatives, and on the Government the necessity of completing that short break in the railway system, so important to tho connecting of Wellington with that district. Some special resolution on that subject should bo passed at that meeting, for it was disgraceful that, after having a ran of trade in that district, they should see it diverted to another commercial centre, owing to the apathy of Wellington. Some men talk as if poliiics and business have no connection with each other, forgetting that they run on parallel lines in this community. The remark in reference to the Napier line, that five miles has been the only length made in four years, is a startling commentary on the neglect of Wellington interests ; and he hoped that one of their local members then present would give his views on that point. The chairman had told them the Patent Slip is enough for all requirements of that kind.

Chairman : I did not say so. Mr Macdonald was glad to hear that, for there is a geueral impression that the time has gone by for the patent slip to serve all purposes of docking, and that the hour has arrived when this city should make a proper effort to get a dry dock. (Hear, bear.) They were told that the Harbor Board must firi-t get the funds, and then think about a dock. He differed from that view ; for he maintained that the Board should first resolve that the dock is necessary, and then set about getting funds to construct it. Auckland is entering on the largest dock in the colony, but if anv port in New Zealand needs ihe largest dock, that port is Wellington, as the distributing centre of the colony. They should look ahead. What has made Melbourne," what has made Duuediu, but the policy of looking ahead ai d providing for "increasing necessities ? If Wellington is to be the city and port which it ought to be from its geographical situation, its leading citizens must drop this nambypamby way of dealing with urgent questions, and mu-t seek by combination in Parliament to obtain what it is entitled to. He urged that the members of Wellington and of the extensive district which looks to Wellington as the natural distributing centre, should combine their influence in Parliament to get what is. wanted. The question of harbor endowments for Wellington is not a local question merely, but is e.-sentially colonial, for Wellington is a colonial port if it is any thing. Mr Levin, M.H.R., said Mr Macdonald had cast a stigma on the representatives of the whole Wellington district in reference to railways, which those members do not deserve. He would remind them of the proportion of the loan which was secured last session for tbe Wellington district, and of the extensive country which the works therein provide for will open up. Indeed, for the first time in their parliamentary history, the members of the whole province were for once almostunauimous as to what they wanted, and this resulted in securing what they desired. Tnere can be no question that the connecting of this city with the Waimate Plains is all-important for Wellington commerce. Within the last few days, tenders have been invited for the heaviest portion of the unfinished link, and he also understood that tenders for the remaining portion will be invited a? soon as the surveys are completed. He had continuously urged on Government the importance of completing that railway link, and he tullv believed that before this time next year the line will be »S near completion as possible. As to a dry dock for Wellington, nobody can deny its importance, and if this chamb-r passed a re-o ntinn urging its early construction, th-re should be a d-ti-rmination on the p rt of all interested in public affaiis to bury the hatchet as far as little feelings may be concerned, and to avoid putting blame on any one person for not getting this or that. A FREE PORT. Mr Levin, M.H.R., also said : One thing of all others that we have to do is to endeavor to make Wellington a free port. We see the difficulties in which other Harbor Boards are placed by extravagant expenditure, and while they are adding to the charges on imports and exports, our aim should be to reduce charges so that we may attract more and more freights to this port for distribution in the colony and more exports for sending Home. If the chamber agree with me in that, I think they will support the Harbor Board in not ha-tily undertaking an obligation which may involve the whole commerce of the port in serious burdens. Dr. Newman denied that the trade Df the Waimate Plains has been going to Auckland, as he learnt from a recent visit to Hawera. The merchants of Wellington have, on the contrary, been extending orders enormouely in all directions. The cry for a free port to induce increase of shipping is infinitely preferable to making a graving dock at large expense and with heavy indebtedness, aud he agreed with M!r Levin that the dock should wait. Mr Levin, M.H.R. : You misunderstood me. I entirely approve of the graving dock. I say it must not be undertaken at the peril of adding charges on. imports and exports.

Mr Duthie entirely disagreed with Dr New man as to the trade of the Waimate Plains, i r he knew, as a fact, that two-thiros of the trade from Hawera northward is being done from Auckland. That trade has very largely left Wellington, and none of the increa-ed trade arising from new population has come this way. There has not been energetic action to coerce the Government to complete that railway. It had been pushed on through bush - country behind Mount Egmont, instead of through settled country where it was first wanted. There has been similar neglect on the Napier side. Mr LeviD, M.H.R. : They have let a contract now. Mr Duthie : Yes, Governments usually let little contracts just before Parliament meets. As to a dry dock, to talk of waiting for endowments is almost the same as shelving 'he question. The Harl or Bo rd has at present ail excess of £4BOO in the year’s balance. and with an increase«>f trade and some readjustment of charges I don’t think the construction of a dock would crush theinsr The report and were adopted. DRY DOCK A formal motion was then agreed to, on the motion of Mr Macdonald, seconded bv Mr 'ibhie, “ T.o>t, in tbe opiniou of the members of this chamber, the time has arrived when tbe nece sit.ies of this port demand the building of a dry dock ” BANKRUPTCY AMENDMENT. A lengthy report of a sub committee, recommending alterations in the bankruptcy law, was also adopted. This report will appear in a future issue. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following officers w re then elected for the ensuitig year : —J. B. Harcourt to be chairman, and A. J. McTavish to be deputychairman, these appointments being made unanimously. Committee for the ensuing year (elected by ballot) :—A. S. Allan, A. Baker, J. H. Betbune, J. Duthie, J. R. George, H. Gully, W. H. Levin (M.H.R.), T. K. Macdonald, D. J. Nathan, Dr. Newman, E.' Pearce, H. Rose, D. T. Stuart, and G. E. Tol* hurst—fifteen in all. Two new members were e’ected to the chamber, namely, J. Wallace and J. C. Edwards. WHARFAGE CHARGES. Discussion ensued on tbe policy of reducing these charges. (This portion of our report is held over for want of space). l’he chamber adjourned at. 5 o’clock.