CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1507, 17 January 1901, Page 58

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

DELEC4ATES IN CONFERENCE. ' CHRISTCHURCH, January 9. A conference of delegates of Chambers of Commerce opened to-day. Mr V. Wood, President of the Canterbury Chamber, was in the chair, and the following delegates were present : Auckland. Messrs D. R. Caldwell and A. 33. Robertson; Dunedin, Messrs G. L. Demiiston, A. T. Paterson and R. J. Wheeler, junr., Westport, Messrs A. D. Hay field and T. Ba 11 lie; Wanganui, Mr . L. Griffiths; Wellington, Mr N. Reid; Palmerston North. Messrs E. O. Hurley and G. flirsch; Invercargill, Mr A. H. Turnbull: Feiiding, Mr J. G. Cobb; Canterbury. Messrs W. Wood, E." W. Roper, YV. Chrvstall, G. T. Booth and F. Waymouth, Nelson, Mr G. Lauren son. The President gave an interest’ng. address. It was resolved, owing to the length of the agenda paper, that speeches be limited to five minutes each. After some discussion, Messrs Caldwell, Deuniston, Reid and Chrystall were appointed a committee to inquire into the establishment- of a Federation of Chambers of Commerce.

Mr Roper brought up the question of commercial reciprocity with the Australian Commonwealth. He moved, “That this conference, whilst deprecating any sacrifice of New Zealand’s autonomy, is strongly of opinion that an alliance with the Australian Commonwealth, based on the broad lines of legal, social, military and commercial reciprocity, will be of advantage to both nations, and will be another step in the direction of the consolidation of our Empire.’" Mr Chrystall seconded the motion pro forma. Discussion on it was deferred till to-morrow, when it will be the first order of the day. Mr Griffiths moved. ‘"That it is essential to the well-being of the colony that all classes of the community, no matter what their station in life or political creed may be, should have inplicit confidence in klie administration of justice in the Law Courts of the colony. (2) That, apart from the personal character of Judges and Magistrates, it is essential, in order to inspire the community with that confidence and to enable Judges and Magistrates to act fearlessly in accordance with their convictions, and with a ieeling- of comfort and security, that Judges and Magistrates should be as far as possible absolutely independent- and secure from improper interference and influences. (3) That the tenure of office of District Court Judges shall be during their ability and good behaviour, provision being matte for the dismissal of any Judge for misconduct or incapacity. (-1) That tenure of office of Magistrates having extended or special .jurisdiction under the Magistrate's Court Act, 1893, should also be 'during their ability and good behaviour,, provision fosing' hiclclg for tli© clisiniss&J. oi any Magistrate for misconduct or incapacity. (5) That the salaries of such Judges and Magistrates should be. adequate and fixed by Act of Parliament. (6) Tnat effect should he given to the resolutions passed by the Legislative Council on cars subject (October 16, 1894; **Hansard. 1331. page 803)."" Mr Demiiston seconded the motion, which was set down for second place on the order paper for next day. Mr Caldwell moved, “That this conference desires to convey to the ... ost-master-General its congratulations and appreciation of the benefits due to his action in regard to the reduction in postal rates within and beyond New Zealand; that this conference respectfully conveys to the Postmaster-General its unanimous opinion that the time has now arrived wlmn telegraphic rates throughout n die colony should be reduced to the minor m rate of' 4cl per word, with a minimum charge of 6d."’ The motion was carried.