CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1507, 17 January 1901, Page 49

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE.

CHRISTCHURCH, January 10. The Chambers of Commerce Conference was resumed to-day with a discus, sion on the federation of chambers. A favourable report on the subject- submitted by a sub-committee was adopted, and it was resolved that there should be a formal federation of New Zealand! Chambers, and that the Wellington Chamber be.requested to draw up a constitution and by-laws, and circulate them among the various Chambers for approval or alteration; further, that there should be a permanent- executive committee in Wellington, whose chairman should be the president for the time being of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, and that the Secretary of the Federated Chambers and executive com, mittee should be the secretary for the time being of the Wellington Chamber. It was resolved that all presidents of Chambers be ex officio members of the council. ...... . .. During tlie discussion of a paper by Mr E. W. Roper (Canterbury),' on commercial reciprocity with the Australian Commonwealth, Mr Laurepspii, M.H.R., said history showed no example where federation had afterwards been repented. His sympathies were with federation, but more information was desirable. Motions with reference to reciprocity were withdrawn, as the conference was unwilling to express an opinion on the subject of federation until further facts were before it. It was resolved that representations be made to the bank authorities that the closing of banks on non-public holidays was unnecessary and inconvenient, and should be discontinued. The conference decided to recommend to the Government the advisability of an extended geological survey of the Buller coalfield, consideration of the adjustment of railway haulage on the WestportMokihinui line, the defence of Westport Harbour, and the connection of that district with th© general South Island railway system. Mr A. S. Paterson (Dunedin) read a paper on Zealand and Trade Ex, pansion/ , and moved, “(a) That, in the opinion of this conference a wider extension of New Zealand trade is a matter of national importance, and ought to engage the serious attention of the Government and commercial community, and a wisely-planned system of granting steam subsidies in furtherance of this object is a sound and necessary policy, and a proper use of national funds ; (b) that the conference expresses strong appreciation and approval of the action of the Government in establishing a. Department of Commerce and Industries, and express a hope that the new department will make the extension of trade the fore, most object of its existence/’ Mr Hirsch seconded the motion, which was carried. Mr Hirsch brought forward the subject of commercial education, and after some discussion, it was held over until next day. Mr Waymouth, in the absence of Mr A. de B. Brandon (Wellington), moved!, “ That, in the opinion of this conference, it is desirable: (1) that improved and extended postal facilities be provided! between this colony and Europe and

America; (2) that in all postal contracts preference be given to services carried on under the British flag • (3) that with 1 this view the Government be urged to endeavour to arrange (a) a monthly ma-lL service between New Zealand and Vancouver, and (b) a weekly mail service between New Zealand and Australia, timed to catch the regular weekly service. between Australia and Europe, via Brindisi.” Mr R. T. Wheeler (Dunedin) seconded the motion, and, after considerable discussion. it was carried. Mr Reid moved. “ That it be a recommendation from this conference to the Oceanic Steamship Company of San Francisco, that with a view to foster and promote trade relations between the United States and the various ports of tilts colony, and following the precedent of the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company, the New Zealand Shipping Company a,nd Union Steam Ship Company, the Oceanic Company should adopt the following rules as to freight : (1) That uniform rates of freight be charged to all the main ports of New Zealand, and (2) that the rates charged to New Zealand ports (inclusive of cost, of transhipment and coastal freight) shall not exceed the rate charged on like' goods to Melbourne.” Mr Denni-ston seconded the motion, which was carried, after a short discussion. P CHRISTCHURCH, January 1U At its meeting to-day the conference resolved to recommend that provision bemad e in the constitution of the federated Chambers of Commerce to enable the Council to appoint an arbitrator ill any business dispute, on the application of cne party interested. A resolution was passed expressing a hope that the Government will not in future effect a reduction or remission of duties without, .say, six months’ notice being given. ’ . It was resolved to represent to, the Postmaster-General the convenience to the public of telephone wires being open seme time during the night between the principal towns of the North and South Islands. The conference decided to ask 'the executive of the federated chambers in Wellington to arrange a uniform scale of commission charges for the colony. It was resolved to urge on the Ministered* Railways the necessity for an acceleration of speed on branch lines. It .was also agreed to call the attention of the Government to the loss entailed upon steamship owners by the present system of medical inspection, and to urge the adoption of a system -whereby inspection should be made imperative promptly on a vessel’s arrival. The business of the conference was concluded by the luncheon adjoruuliient, and various votes of thanks were passed. The delegates were entertained at supper to-night. SYDNEY, January 11. During the week a meeting of delegates of Chambers of Commerce .of i the various Commonwealth States has been held. Messrs Vaile and Theomin, presidents of the Auckland and Dunedin Chambers, were also present. The delegates discussed the question of federating the Chambers, and it . was. resolved that it was - expedient to ‘create a general Council of Chambers of? Commerce of the Commonwealth. *A- proposal was made to include New Zealand. Mr Theomin pointed 'out that hKand Mr Vaile were there only as guests/hnd not as delegates. At some future period New Zealand Chambers might join. • •The president hoped that not. only would* the New Zealand Chambers join the Chambers on the Continent, but that New Zealand itself would join the Commonwealth. ■ K Mr Russell French,. president of the Sydney Chamber, was appointed interim president'of the new’ Council.