COMMERCE CONGRESS

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9115, 6 August 1915, Page 3

COMMERCE CONGRESS

BUSINESS FURTHER ADVANCED YESTERDAY.

The conference of New Zealand Chambers of Commerce was continued yesterday, Mr James Macintosh (Wellington Chamber) presiding. BANKRUPTCY LAW. Remits from Wellington and WTanganui respectively, on the subject of bankruptcy law, were adopted as follows : “That in view of the unsatisfactory state of bankruptcy law in New Zealand. the Government be urged to amend the Bankruptcy Act by giving effect to the recommendations of the Conference of New Zealand Chambers of Commerce hold in 1909.” “That this chamber suggests that the Bankruptcy Act be amended in the direction of giving greater powers to creditors in the realisation of assets.” On the motion of Mr W. Gow (Dunedin). it was resolved that it bo an instruction to the executive that, when giving effect to the above resolutions, they shall, if possible, so arrange that registered private assignees may be substituted for local public assignees on the lines laid down in the recommendations adopted by the 1909 conference; if, however, it is found impossible to do this, then the plan as suggested by Mr M. Myers might be adopted; but whatever arrangement is come to, care must be taken to preserve creditors’ rights to employ private assignees when they think fit. BILLS OF LADING. The following remit from Auckland was referred to the executive, together with a recommendation that it be adopted:—“That the Government be asked to introduce legislation during the present session of Parliament amending the law relating to the liability of carriers by sea, and especially as to the exemptions from liability which are at present claimed by the shipping companies.” The executive was also instructed to deal with a remit from Vvellmgton Central asking it to consider various matters arising out of the terms and conditions of bills of lading, and to obtain and circulate amongst the chambers a full and clear statement of the law relating thereto, and recommendations as to the best means of remedying the present disabilities of shippers and consignees of goods. Mr A. Leigh Hunt was asked to give evidence on the question, before the executive. Other matters discussed are reported under separate headings.

The conference "'ill resume at 10 a.m to-day.