BILLS OF LADING.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 6739, 20 September 1883, Page 2

BILLS OF LADING.

(Pek United Press -Association.)

Auckland, September 19. A special meeting of the Chamber of Commerce was held to-day; Mr L. D. Nathan, president, presiding. The following letter was received:—. ■ ■"■ ■'■'■.%.'■ .'..-,:

- Sydney Chamber of Commerce, August 27.1883.', Secretary Chamber ol Commerce, Auckland. ' 81r,-The sorious evils that havo arisen by the Introduction ot special clauses in bills ot lading issued by the steam computes engaged in the Australian trade bare been nnder the consideration at this Chamher, and it has been resolved to Jnrfte the co-opera-tton U the London Chamber in. ventilator the question and to assist in devising means to secure the adoption ot aa equitable form of bill of lading. I en. rio.e copy of the letter addressed to the London Chamber on the subject, and have bfen in»tricted to invite the ostitance ot your Chamber in the effort nowbeine made to revovo the eitls.complamsd of by similar action on your part, or by any otber meana which your Committee may deem advisable. Cms H. Hates, Secretary.

The Chairman moved—"That this Chamber considers the clause introduced into bills of lading now in use by the leading steam shipSing companies trading with the Australian olonies practically relieves, them from liability, and that immediate steps should be taken to secure an equitable amendment of the same in the interests of shippers." He said that as at present drawn out the provisions of these bills were.most:.arbitrary,.affording no protection whatever to importers. , Mr Peacock seconded the motion,:and in doing so endorsed the Chairman's remarks. Mr Stevenson said the Orient; Company were most to bhune in the matter under consideration; and as the Union Company's bills of lading were modelled on those of the Orient Company, it was of vital interest in this Colony. Mr M-'Millan followed in a similar strain, characterising the Union Company's bills of lading as exceedingly arbitrary. • The motion then passed. ' ■■■ Mr Peacock then moved — "That this Chamber consider Imperial legislation is necessary to remedy the defects in the existing law referred to in the foregoing resolution, and that copies of the above be sent to tho London Chamber of Commerce, Sir William M'Arthur, M.F., Mr Mundella, M.P., and Mr Thomas Russell, C.M.G., requesting their coS Deration in the direction indicated."— arried.

—Piers are to be erected at the mouth of the harbour of Suuderland, England to cost £300,000.