CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLI, Issue 9514, 23 November 1916, Page 7

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ANNUAL CONFERENCE

IMPERIAL TRADE RELATIONS

DISCUSSED,

The annual conference of the Association of New Zealand Chambers of Commerce ■ tvas opened yesterday. Tho president (Mr James Macintosh) occupied (ho chair, and theie was a full attendance of delegatus. The conference was formally opened hr the* Acting-Premier (Hie Ron. James Allen), whoso address is reported in another column. PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS.

Ta,; yro-jiciant, .in .moving the recctlion of the report, cf the executive tor iho puet year, -,aid : ■'Uiie retort bmii's the work of the association 1- up to flats. Before us at this conference wo have over oO remits, and a-glance at the agenda. paper will show tuat a large proportion of theso refer to trade during and after .the war. Thi, is - in keeping with what has been done at ' similar gatherings .througnouc the world. ‘As mentioned "in' the report the great Economic Conference of the Allies; held in Paris ■in June last, veto m mended :—(a) "Measures for the warperiod; (b) transitory measures for the period of commercial, industrial,. agricultural, and maritime reconstruction of the Allied countries; and (cj -permanent measures of -mutual- assistance and collaboration among tb.e Allies.” As the report goes on to say—“ The key-note of that. Conference was an expressed determination on the part of fho Allies id act in concert to provide for the proper development of their resources, and" 1;o mutually defend themselves agafnst any economic poliev or measures which might b© adopted after the war by present, enemy countries to the detriment of the economic development of the Allied countries.-” Again the, British Imperial Council, pf Commerce ; at the Conference held, in .London about the same time uTged the following recommendations. . {Here I again Quote from the report.) That* .arrangements should be made.' at-the earliest, possible moment to -provide

(a) I’or'preferential' reciprocal trading ‘. relations hetwoc-n all parts of the British Empire.- ' ‘(bV For reciprocal trading relations be- . tween tile Brjtish .Empire and the Allied TOuhtnesj. '■ ' . , - (c) For the favourable treatment ot neutral <mintfies; and f<J) For restricting by tariffs, othei■wiso trade relations with all onojny , , countries hs. render or a return to pre-war conditions inipossible. "In effect the remits which you will be called upon to deal with-at this conforesee endorse these-recommendations. We want to make auitc Bur ® whon the war ds over everything, shall be prepared and ready. ■ so far as that is possible, to begin again our peaceful ai ocations: lit the meantime we should see to it that we husband our trade and' let as little ’of it as’ possible •go to foreign markets. • preferring to do without the goods which we cannot obtain within oiir Empire- or from, onr Allies. V little temporary ■ self-denial of this kind will do ns no harm, and wo would ■have the satisfaction of knowing we had saved busihess 'for', onr own psople. It is. agreed p.u all sides that iu the future we' shall in the - first place . confine our trade within the' borders o.£ . our own Empire, and. -1 secondly, with our. Allies. It is. to our mutual * interest that .. ,we should 'pull -together so that we...may tfuiokly restore the. ravages ,of war- If everyone. could ontor- into .this work wholeheartedly with a, full determination to win through what a groat result would follow. What a wonderful -change has been- effected .in..the Old Country under, the stress of war with regard ter machinery, methods, and la'pour. Is it net pleasant to see how all classes arc working together for the common-- cause, the glory of the race, and the advancement of mankind ? How deeply one-wishes that , this happy state of things would, last. ...Is there never to ho complete .harprony, between Capital and ■ Labour P, , Surely this is possible; at anyrate. it. should be the endeavour.'pf.. everyone; to help forward the .coming o.f that' time. To-day the workman—he openly confesses it—gives as little 'gs he cari and exacts as much as he can. The employer,; oil ' the other hand, is no better, for' he does . exactly the same. There arc exceptions in both cases, hut in the main,; 1 am sorry to say,'this indictment is true. When will the 'day come when, on the one hand, nion will bo as scrupulous and as careful to sec that they give full value for what thev receive and be more concerned that they be not paid over much than at receiving less than their due. These ideas may be considered Utopian, but they are not; they are just the ..ideas of ordinary honest people. It. is sad to see that even in the midst of this war —the very greatest the world has ever eeen—when the very existence of our Empire is at stake, wrangling and bitterness should exist amongst ourselves, yet, so it is. But for the belief that the day of reconciliation, is truly coming one ivould despair of the future pf mankind. The hope is strong within all of us that- a better time is coming, a time when men will understand each other better, trust each other more, and help each other more. ‘Then let us pray that come it may, As commit will for a’ that. When man to man the world o'er, Shall brithers be and- a' that.’ Mr Waiter Low (Dunedin) remarked that, the Association of Chambers was much indebted to the personal attention the president had given to details connected with the organisation during thu war. Thanks were also specially duo to the Wellington committee who had assisted him. Ho seconded the retention of-tho report. The motion was agreed to. LOYAL EESOLUTIOYS. The president moved the adoption of the following resolution“ That this conference, representing chambers -of commerce of New Zealand, desires to place on record , its profound admiration of and thanks for the invaluable services rendered to the Empire by the Royal Navy, and its sincere admiration and appreciation of the valour, heroism and devotion shown by the British Army and by all ranks of His Majesty's forces wherever duty has called them, and the conviction that in conjunction with onr gallant Allies their efforts ultimately be crowned with success, and at the seme time expresses its sincere sympathy with tl\e wounded and with the relatives of those who have givan their lives in maintaining the honour of the Empire.” Mr George Feuwick (Dunedin) seconded the resolution, which was adopted by acclamation.

The president- than moved: —"That thi = conference of Nov Zealand Chambers of Commerce reaffirms the resolutions passed at last conference, whereby it recorded its determination to do all in its power to assist the Government in organisms and using to the fullest _cx tent all the resources of the Dominion to aid in continuing the war until it is brought to a successful conclusion.'"’ Mr H. S. Brown'(Canterbury") seconded the motion, which, was a (Treed to. RULES OP THE ASSOCIATION. Several technical amendments ,to_ Unrules of, the Association were submitted and adopted. . ' DUTY ON OIL ENGINES. - Air E. Anderson (Auckland) drew attention to the fact-that m TO per cent, duty had-'come into operation on British oii engines' under the -Finance Act.

He moved .that the conference should heartily approve of the action or the executive in protesting against the duty on British oil engines without an equivalent increase on foreign engines. Mr T. O. Jenkins (-Rodney; seconded the motion suggesting that the impest on foreign engines should be 40 per cent. BANKRUPTCY REFORMS. Mr A. Leigh Hunt moved the adoption of the following remit from Wellington Central “That th** Government bo again urged to amend ’ the Bankruptcy Act by giving, effect to the recommendations made at the conrerences of 1009 and 1915.” ! Ko -urged that it was quite time the official- assignees were abolished and registered trade assignees appointed to act ip their place. , The president seconded the motion. BRITISH TRADE ‘PROTECTION AND - TRADE* RELATIONS. Mr J. G. Harkness moved the adoption of the following;—“That this conference desires to re-aSirin the principles contained in the resolutions agreed to at the conference of Chambers of Commerce, held on the 4th, sth, and 6th August, 1915. and io urge on the National Government to make such arrangements at the earliest possible moment. .as, will provide; “(a) For preferential reciprocal trading between all parts of the British Empire. "(b) For reciprocal trading between all parts of the British Empire and the Allied countries. "(c) For the favourable treatment of neutral -countries. “(d) For restricting by tariffs and otherwise, trade relations with all enemy • countries, so a a to render dumping or a - return to pre-war conditions impossible.“ He urged that it would bo the duty of. tho Government' to" dead with matters in the future which it had never touched, before and had been left to individual; enterprise. Action would have to bo taken in a socialistic direction. There would hfiv© to be a more complete . organisation of the notion 6 resources and its uealth and labour. These two must co-operate and must not in tho future ba-antagonistic. There must 'bo confidence in ther ri*h and poormutual sincerity on - the part of every class. This co-operation was necessary for our "salvation." ’* Post-war relations with* Germany toust* be very different to TvHaf they had been. There m\M be. preference throughout the Emnire with favoured treatment/to the Allies and some less consideration , .to neutral countries. . - .. . - Mr F. E. -Jones (Christchurch) seconded the adoption of-the proposals,, re-, mar-king that-, .they, "had already bee“ thoroughly well discussed and generally there was concurrence m the view war there must- be ■ .commercial combination Jenkins ,(Rodney) - considered that clause (c) was too vague. lie suggested it should read — For the favourable treatment of neutral countries,- -as fhi- as nihy'be ‘ conducive to the truest W |^ r T. of sec°nld Georr Fc»“ kk .O^mi that it was sufficient to affirm a general principle without-going -into details in a fashion that 'might; hamper tlie Imperial Government.. would .hare_ to rlst 'witli - the ■British Government to decide to wKaV extent trading ;with QeiS/'IW 1* allowed. There need be little fear that the «• QM Country would Weaken « f' deep antipathy to everything. Goi." l ““v Mr C. M. -Luke alluded -to the tian-sitionary-condition of things at and urged the ••'Teat value of methods of production. Ao to relations with other countries he expressed the view that the less details were entered into' just now. the better. New Zealand could only move in sympathy- °"A ; with what-was. '.arranged,in., the. UW C< Aftew wme - further discussion the , amendment ■•was--negatived. .. _ .;m s - Dalton (Imperial Tiado Commissioner') was at this point aske 'to sneak, and he pointed ..opt that all 'these .questions were being seriously considered at' Homo, by vanpus, committees. Effective action ' would be taken, regard-, ing them in the immediate future,- and New.'Zealand must, announce what, its attitude was, going to be in,, regard to -enemy trade not only nr principle but detail. Eater..on New '.Zealand should be prepared.-to.submit definite proposals. So far,, as . the-trado - in. produce between Britain and Germany was concerned representing it was rhougnt that the combined markets of Russia and .Italy’ 'were- almost, sufficient to replace Germany as a customer and supplier ot the United -Kingdom. It might no, be necessary to trade with Germany o anything' like the same extent as in the pa*t. There were many side factors which had brought trade from Germany to New Zealand, and which need not existwhen the. war .was over. lie contended that, it was mot necessary tor New Zealand to trade with, Germany.as she had -done in the past. As to potash products it was hoped that they would bo obtainable .from some other country apart from Germany. . . Mr W. A. Beddoe (Canadian Trade Commissioner) then spoke .in favour of reciprocal relations within Die Empire. He favoured, the broad sense in which the proposals before the conference' Were drafted. Details could be eptered into later on. Mr Beddoe gave a very com.plete explanation ,of how treaties had been entered into, and indicated that alterations meant a matter of considerable complication.’) ’ The proposals submitted by Mr Harkneiss were adopted. - 1 • 1 • - PROPOSALS 'WITHDRAWN.

The following remits from South Canterbury .and Wellington' Central respectively' "wore deleted from the order paper':— , “That the Government be requested to dace on the statute book a law to the effect that all enemy goods be entirely prohibited from coming into this country.” “That this chamber, in view of the possible. early termination or the war, asks the co-operation of other chambers in the Dominion in urging on the Government the desirability of legislating in the direction of putting a very, high tariff, not less than SO per cent.,"and to last for a number of years, on German and Austrian goods that may bo imported.”

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN. My' C. M. Luke, moved the adoption of tin? following remits :

"That legislation be introduced making it compulsory for all goods imported into the Dominion to. have the-country of origin clearly marked on the. goods and packages. , In every ca.se the seller should be- bound to , give true informariem regarding the country of origin.’’— iVeUington Centra], "That in the opinion of this chamber it is desirable that the Empire adopt a distinctive trade mark for all goods manufactured within the Empire, to be jccompanied by the words 'Made in .”’ (A lion rampant, surrounded by eubs, is suggested.)—Hamilton ■Mr E. Hall seconded tho moliou pro forma. He remarked that the matter .vas hedged round with difficulties, it being represented that branding was impracticable in- some cases, while in others no protection would be afforded. Mr R. Fell (Nelson) remarked that Hamilton did not appear to be represented, and .he moved as an amendment that its remit should be deleted. Mr W. Gow (Dunedin) seconded the amendment, which was carried. The AVollington Central remit was carried. ALL-BRITISH. COMTE ACTS". Mr C. H. Edwards (Napier) .. moved, and Mr Burliness, seconded “That This conference gives its hearty support to the following resolution pass ed by the Royal Colonial Institute, and .urgtfs ; the Government - to carry the resolution into operation as tar as New

Zealand is concerned: —‘That with a view to eucourasins the establishment of new industries in the British Empire and giving a measure of confidence and security to capital to be embarked therein, as‘well as assisting the expansion of existing industries the Governments of the Empire be urged to make It obligatory on all Government departments, muniojpalitifc's, railways, dock, and harbour boards, gas, water, and electric light corporations, and all such bodies spending public moneys, or enjoying charters from Government or other public authorities, to purchase Empire-made goods, and to -place all con tracts with British firms, exceptions to bo made by special permission of proper authority only in cases where such a course is considered to be at variance with public interests/ The motion was supported by Messrs C. :\I. Luke, F. E. Jones (Christchurch), T. D. A. Moffett (Invercargill). I - V.L Man ton (Westland), and T. B. Williams (Wanganui), and carried. STANDING COMMITTEE.

Mr F. W. Hannon moved the adoption of the following Wellington remit:;—^ “That tho executive of the association be recommended to set un a standing committee to consider trade relations during and alter the war. That • thia committee bs asked to take into consideration the recommendations of th*» Economic Conference held in Paris, and those included in the report of the Committee of the London Cham* her of Commerce, of May, 1916, togethej with those which have been adopted by this association, and that tho members of this committee bo requested to keep themselves acquainted with suggested #alterations in trad© relations with a view to advising bo as to Safeguard the terests of commerce in New Zealand. * Mr C, M. Luke .seconded the motion. TRADE COMMISSIONERS. On the motion of Hr C. ,W. Parker (Marlborough) it ivas resolved to urg© upon the Government the advisability ui: appointing, immediately after the war, competent commercial men as Trade Commissioners in, Allied countries. COMPANY LAW AND - REGISTRATION' OF FIRMS.-- , The president moved —“That it is advisable that the Government should have the power of insisting on any. individu"ids, firms, or companies : producing, manufacturing or trading within the Dominion being British controlled, both os regards management and ownership; and that with this object in. view, -this conference is of opinion: That the Go> ernment■ should-, legislate to . provide: Tnat before a company ho registered in New Zealand, at least four-fifths of its shares must be hrid; by British subjects; that in. the case of a new'company, all applications for shares shall set out the nationality of the applicant; that in all transfers of shares -in- a- company,- tht nationality of . both the - transferor and the .transferee shall be included on the transfer form; that the annual list ol shareholders of a company • required to bo filed with the Registrar of Companies shall state the nationality of shareholders in addition -to the information at present furnished; that foreign.. com panies now trading, and hereinafter: foreign companies on. commencing to' trade in New Zealat} . through' an.', attorney, agent, or other representative, :he required to file with tlio Registrar of Coro panies, a' list of shareholders; setting out the nationality.-of such shareholders (2) That the Government.,shquld intro, duce measures for the .registration...pi individuals, firms .and partnerships, pro during, manufacturing, or trading with in the Dominion, to provide .that . the names and nationalities' •pf the; propf-ie-tors or partners should .be disclosed.’; Mr Macintosh pointed out that, as, the company law stood to-day it was quite competent for foreigners to register themselves, as a company, adopt an obvious British name and ostensibly trade ■. as, though it .were a British controlled, company. When war broke put the rega ■Jation. and control, of enemy interests in British countries followed as a, met ter of course. .The Governments pi Great Britain'. and in British possess!one and the British commercial community suddenly awoke to the foot that then were, trading in the! United- Kingdom and. in British possessions ‘many companies which had availed themselves, or the privilege granted bv British company law to trade (sonie of them having adorned British names), but which were j-eally controlled, oiraed and worked- for the benefit of foreign shareholders. ..-’With regard to New. Zealand all that', was now' required was that foreign companies should appoint an attorney in New Zealand pud lodge power of attorney, with the Registrar of the court, and ' thus foreign company could then trade in.'New Zealand in the same way that any-other business concern codld , carry . .on commercial transactions. He saw- no" reason why persons trading in New Zealand should not file with the Registrar the actual names of the parties. Mr G. Fenwick (Dunedin) ’suggested the -foilowing addition to the first motion “That after the registration ’of new companies or in the case of,,corn-: panies already in existence, it shall, not be permissible for such companies to carry on business if the share register of such companies shall ahow ' that more than one-fifth of such' shareholders enemy nationality—that is owing allegiance to nations who have been at war with Great Britain in'the present struggle or if it can be proved that such shares shall be held in trust for any enemy subject.” •After some ■ discussion it wag decided to refer tho remit to .the executive with a view of having it .redrafted. ' FREIGHT PRIMAGE. . Hr T. B. Williams (Wanganui) moved; “That steps be taken to have the fjeight primage imposed by British Shipping Companies on goods shipped to and from England abolished.” . Mr A. Harris (Wanganui) seconded the motion, which was carried. SHIPPING PROFITS. The following remits were submitted from Invercargill and Betiding respectively;— “That considering the recent action of the shipping companies in raising rates of freight whilst declaring abnormal profits, in tho opinion of this chamber- it is desirable that the matter be brought under the notice of Parliament, with the suggestion that the Dominion .-should, acquire its own ships and. become carriers for all New Zealand prpduce and imports.” “That for the protection of the people of (die Dominion against excessive -sea freights, and in order to prevent enemy capitalists from obtaining control of ships trading to New Zealand, this com ference urges the Government to establish a national line of steamers between Great Britain and. the Dominion.” ..

"Mr T. D. A. Moffett (Invercargill) referred. to the abnormal increase of freights. On hemp alone tho excess profit had been ..£190,000 and on frozen meat it bad been J5292.0C0, On wool it was -£1,145,009, and cheese .£91,000.- The profit on wool alone uould justify the Government in stepping in and having State-owned vessels. Large shipping companies seemed to Iw combining to create a monopoly. In twenty years’ time the shipments of wheat had increased U tho extent of 200,000,000 lbs. In any event tho Government should be asked to pas* legislation preventing shipping rates being altered within six months. The manner in which increased freights were suddenly sprung upon the mercantile community was most bafiling and vexatious. There were some shippers who got preferential treatment-, a system of space commitments prevailing in the interests of large controlling bodies. The inalienability of State vessels was a strong point for consideration.

Air H. Tolley (Feilding) suggested that some shipping members of the chambers might be invited to come before the conference to make some explanation on the subject of freights from their noint ofview. Afembers of country chambers might possibly be under some misappre-

tension. "Kit there did not seem to he any tangible reason for recent increases. : On the suggestion of Mr 3. G. Harkness these and other remits on similar lines -were deferred until to-ciay a vien of having them embodied in one resolution. . </v The conference adjourned until 10 a.m. to-day.