MEETINGS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 937, 14 February 1890, Page 1 (Supplement)

MEETINGS.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

The annual meeting of members of the Chamber of Commerce "was held on Monday afternoon. There were about 20 gentlemen present, and the President, Mr E. W. Mills, occupied the chair. ANNUAL TIE PORT AND BALANCE-SHEET. The President moved the adoption of the report and balance-sheet. The following is a summary of the former : Railways. —The report states that during the past year only a limited amount of wort has been done on the lines of railway in the Southern part of the North Island. The works along the Napier - Palmerston line are now being pushed on, so that there is every prospect that the line will be ready for traffic earlv in the spring. With regard to the Wellington-Wood ville line the Council express regret that all idea of constructing the remaining 27 miles from Ekatahuna to Woodville rp pears to be abandoned, for, as has been before pointed out, the line would be of easy construction, and the route is through country well suiced for settlement. Referring to the North Island Railway, a hope i 3 expressed that every effort will be made to prevent the original line of route being departed from. Referring to the extension to Island Bay, the report states—“ A reconnaissance survey of the extension to Te Aro and Island Bay has been made, eral routes receiving consideration ; but no decision has yet been come to with reference to the prosecution of the work.” The Jubilee. —Reference is made to the anniversary of the Colony, which had been suitably commemorated, most prominently by the Exhibition, which was opened in Dunedin in November last. This undertaking reflected the greatest credit on all concerned in its promotion and management, and was calculated to be productive of lasting benefit to the whole Colony. The great progress made by the Colony during its first fifty years is alluded to, and it i 3 stated that it is not unreasonable, looking at the present circumstances of the Colony, to look forward to a rate of progress in the future which shill completely eclipse that of the last fifty years. As illustrative of the advance that has been effected during the half-century, the subjoined figures are quoted :

Land Under Cultivation, 1889.—Surface sown, 8.337,423 acres ; sown after ploughing, 2,941.588 acres ; cropped, 1,248,109 acres; fallow, 142,747 a.eres. Terms op Credit. —“ The movement to which reference was made in the last annual report, for a revision of the conditions and terms of credit in the wholesale grocery and ironmongery trades, has since been carried through by the principal Chambers of Commerce of the Colony. The new terms are working very successfully in the grocery trade, and are bringing about a much sounder and more healthy state of business in that line. In the ironmongery trade, unfortunately, the new terms have been only partially accepted, but efforts are being made to secure their general adoption. The experience of the working of the revised terms has shown satisfactorily that the change is to the advantage of the sound trader, both wholesale and retail.” Bankruptcy Law. with this subject was formally introduced toward,the close of the last session of Parliament, but was subsequently withdrawn by the Government with the intention of bringing it forward again early in the session of 1890. Meantime, the Government having invited the opinion of this Chamber upon the Bill, it has received the careful consideration of a special Committee appointed for the purpose. In the opinion of this Committee the Bill is an excellent measure. It is a consolidation of existing Acts, with the introduction of some important provisions of the latest English legislation, and in it effect is given to a large proportion of the suggestions made some two years ago by the various New Zealand Chambers of Commerce. The Committee suggested a few alterations in matters of detail, which have been submitted to the Minister of Justice, who has promised that they shall receive careful consideration.” Customs Tariff. —“ The complicated

character of the Customs tariff still proves a source of annoyance and uncertainty to those engaged in trade. Although it has been in force for nearly two years, constant decisions of the Commissioner continue to be needed to determine the classification of imported goods, and the rates of duty to which they shall be subject. In connection with this question, it may be as well to remind the Chamber that the period for which the special tax known as 4 primage duty ’ was imposed expires at the end of May next. Your Council trusts tha- the Chambers of Commerce of the Colony will take such steps as may be necessa y to prevent the continuation or re-imposition of this harassing and objectionable tax.”

Commercial Congress. —The Council express regret that it was found impracticaole to secure the attendance of any members of the Chamber as delegates from Wellington at the Commercial Congress which has just taken place in Dunedin. Intercolonial Freetrade. —Referring to this question, the report says that an extremely important question which was brought under consideration at the Melbourne Commercial Congress of 1888, and the Dunedin Congress recently held, is that of “ Freetrade amongst the colonies of Australasia on the basis of a Customs Union with a uniform tariff. The Council was awaiting more definite Information than it yet possesses as to the mode in which it is proposed to bring about this arrangement. Members. —During the past year, six members had joined the Chamber, and twelve gentlemen had ceased to be members from various causes. Harbour Accommodation. —The improved facilities afforded by the Harbour Board had again been fully taxed by the increasing trade of the port, and still further improvements and enlargements are under way in the wharf and shed accommodation. The staging to be constructed along the 1135 ft of sea wall of the Te Aro reclamation will provide facilities for a large number of small vessels, also most of those engaged in the coal and timber trade. General. —The report also refers to the restoration of the general Post-office, also that a scheme for providing further loading accommodation at Westport is now under consideration.

In moving their adoption the President said :—Gentlemen, —l presume the report and balance-sheet, of which each member has been furnished with a copy, will be taken as read. That being so, I have much pleasure in moving the adoption of the same. The report, while mentioning most of the subjects that have occupied the atteniion of this Chamber during the past year, gives no indication of the large amount of time devoted to the more important subjects by members in committee, and to which I have much pleasure in bearing testimony. I am glad to say that Wellington is taking a very prominent position in the general advance of the Colony. The first set of figures attached to the report are interesting as showing the position of the Colony at the close of its first year and at the end of 1889, after 49 years’ existence. The next return is that of the exports from the various ports for the years 1885 to 1889, showing an increase of over 2b millions for the year 1889 over that of 18-5. The return of imports for the same period shows a falling off of LI, 182,000 for 1889 as compared with 1885 ; the comparison of exports for the last two years being most marked, the figures for 1889 being L 9,339,245, against L 7,767,325 for 1888, an increase for 1889 of L 1,571,940 The difference in the export cf New Zealand produce is even more satisfactory, 1889 showing L 9,042,008, as against L 7,255,128 for 1888, a difference in favour of last year of L 1,786,880. The return of imports for the years 1888 and 1889 shows an iucrease for the latter period of L 355,197 ,* whilst the comparison of imports and exports for the two years gives the large sum of L 3,042,168 in favour ot the Colony. The return No. 3of the live tock held and the wool exported from 1853 to 1889 inclusive will be found interesting. There are also returns showing the revenue collected at the various ports from 1885 to 1889, inclusive ; the tonnage passed over the Queen’s Wharf from 1886 to 1889; and the shipping arriving at the Port of Wellington from 1886 to 1889, the latter period showingan increase of 134 vessels, or 76,859 more tonnage, than for the previous year. In my remarks on the subject of flax, made at the first meeting of this Chamber after my election to the chair, viz., that this industry was likely to become a permanent one, and that the largely increasing exports would not have that depressing effect on prices that some p>:?ople anticipated, have been borne out. I find that tne exports for the last two years have been as follow ; 1888. 4042 tuns, valued at L 76,282 ; 1889, 17,084 tons, valued at L 361,182 ; the shipments from Wellington being 9682 tons, or rather more than half of the total quantity. I congratulate members on the very satisfactory position the above figures indicate, I attended the opening ceremony of the New Zealand

Jubilee Exhibition as representative of j the Chamber, and most heartily congratulate the people of Dunedin,and the President (Mr John Roberts) m particular, on biie splendid success of the undertaking, a id for the generous hospitality shown to visitors. 1 regret that Wellington is not better represented both in her manufactures and natural products. Several reasons known to the Chamber have tended to this result. I regret that it was found impossible for any of your members to attend the Commercial Congress, and the President of the Dunedin Chamber was notified to this effect. The 50th anniversary of the Colony, the 22nd January, 1890, was celebrated in Wellington in a manner befitting the important occasion. lam glad to notice that the stream of immigration has again turned in our favour, but the tide requires to flow much more strongly to meet the necessities of the Colony. Sir Somers Vine attended a sjiecial meeting of the Chamber in May last for the purpose of affording information regarding the aims of the Imperial Institute. The Committee appointed to act in concert with the other Chambers of Commerce in the Colony with respect to terms of credit, after numerous meetings succeeded in agreeing to a set of terms, which I am glad to say are working most satisfactorily in the interests of legitimate trading” The subject of Customs regulations has received considerable attention at the hands of your Council, arid a deputation waited on the Premier with respect to a regulation as to errors in entries, and these efforts resulted in a modification of the obnoxious clauses. An attempt is being made by Fire Insurance Companies doing business in New Zealand to introduce an average clause into fire policies. After full consideration of the subject by a special committee of the Council a letter was addressed to the Underwriters’ Association to be considered at the meeting to be held in Dunedin last month. No reply to this letter has been received, but it is understood that the matter has been postponed. The Bankruptcy Bill proposed to be introduced next session was referred to the Chamber for any suggestions it might wish to make. If passed the new Act will be a very great improvement on that now in operation. I feel sure that members will join with me in sincere regret at the death of the late Mr William Seed, a gentleman who has for so many years taken a prominent part in the official life of the Colony. Thanking you for the attention given to these few remarks, I have much pleasure in moving the adoption of the report and balancesheet. (Hear, hear.) Mr Cock had much pleasure in seconding the motion, and remarked that during the year* the Council had done a great deal of solid work. If nothing else had been done than the arrangement for a limited credit, that would still have been a matter for congratulation, and he complimented the President on the result. With respect to the Commercial Congress, he pointed out that it carried a resolution in favour of free interchange of products by customs union, by reciprocal arrangements with reference to specific products, or in some other way. Mr Duthie, while he agreed with Mr Cock as to the work done during the President’s term of office, thought the President was mistaken as to customs entries. The conditions objected to still prevailed, and he did not think similar ones existed anywhere out of New Zealand. The President said a fresh circular was imposed, and it was agreed that anything in the shape of a simple error would be passed over. Mr Duthie said that was promised, but had not been done. The President thought there had been a slight modification. Mr Cock : I think the result is practically the same as before. representation on the harbour board. Mr J. H. Bethune proposed, and Mr F. Allen seconded, that Mr J. H. Cock be re-elected to represent the Chamber on the Harbour Board. Carried without discussion. Mr Cock, returning thanks, referred to the improvements the Board were making to give greater accommodation. That accommodation was nothing more than was wanted. He pointed to the great increase in fhe quantities of wool and flax exported from this city, and said that the Board, after making all allowances, had a handsome surplus. He took it that one of the first duties of the new Board would be to consider a modification of charges, and as the representative of the commercial interest generally he would do all in his power to deal fairly by all interests. (Hear, hear.) COUNCIL. The following gentlemen were elected a Council (Messrs F. W. Haybit.tlo and W. G. Tustin acting as scrutineers) : Messrs J. H. Bethnne, J. H. Cock, J. Duncan, J. Duthie, T. J. W. Gale, J. B. Harcourt, F. W. Haybittle, T. K. Macdonald, E. W. Mills. E, Pearce, H. Rose, and D. T. Stuart (all re-elected excepting Mr Haybittle).

auditors. Messrs C. P. Powles and F. W. Haybittle were re-elected auditors, a hearty vote of thanks being given them for their services during the past year. RAILWAY EXTENSION TO TE ARO. Mr T. K. Macdonald moved—(l) That this Chamber desires to re-affirm their opinion that the extension of the Government railway line from Thorndon to Te Aro would, when constructed, not only prove most profitable as a source of revenue to the Government, but be of great personal convenience and economic value to the people of the city of Wellington and its surrounding districts. (2) That the action of the Government in allowing another year to pass without taking any steps to bring about the construction of this small but important extension is exceedingly unsatisfactory and injui’ious to the best interests of the community. For these reasons this Chamber desires to enter its protest against the delay that has taken place —a delay which, in their opinion, isquite unwarranted. (3)Thatthe President of the Chamber forward a copy of resolutions Nos. 1 and 2 to the Premier. The report (Mr Macdonald said) showed that only a flying survey had been made, and no practical advance had been recorded. He referred to what had been done in the matter, and said it was a peculiar thing that the Government, knowing that this extension would pay and that its absence was a serious drawback, would neither make it themselves nor give anyone else facilities to do so. He censured the Government for forcing Wellington to agitate for anything it wanted. (Hear, hear.) Mr Duthie had pleasure in seconding the motion, and warmly endorsed all that the mover had said. No blame was attachable, he contended, to the City Council, who had done all in their power to get the work done—(hear, hear) —and he did not see why this extension should have been killed by being coupled with the Otago Central in the Bill submitted to Parliament. The Government “ sold ” the city, for it distinctly let it be understood that the work was to be done. Mr W. F. Wheeler agreed with the previous speakers, pointing out how necessary it was that facilities should be given for the discharge of cargo from the railway into vessels. Mr D. T. Stuart supported the motion, which was pub and carried unanimously. Mr Macdonald remarked that Dr Newman had done very good service in directing attention to the natural beauties of parts of this district, and he hoped the Council would take up this subject with a view to moving the Government to open up these particular localities, as they had done in Otago. THE RETIRING PRESIDENT. On the motion of Mr Cock, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the President for his services during the year, and also for his speech that day. The President briefly acknowledged the compliment, recording thanks to the Council for their attention to business during the year. This was all the business.

JL Exports... value 1840. £10.836 1889 £9,339.265 Imports »» £85,002 £6,297,097 XTrozen meat exported cwt nii 656,822 Wool exported lbs 9,445 102.227,354 Gold value nil £785,490 Hemp ,, tons nil 17,084 Agrio nltural products value nil £883,419 Industrial products 9 9 nil £7,436,649 Coal produced tons nil 618,859 Sheep number 1,889 15, 4 6S,S60 Cattle 9 9 510 853,358 Horses 99 2 187,382 Shippiug, inwards... tons 21,155 602,634 Shipping, outwards... 9t miles 17,413 593,252 Railways open nil 1,857 Telegraph lines 91 nil 4 992 Population 2,050 620,545 Revenue — £926 £4 109,815