CONFERENCE OF CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 8732, 19 February 1890, Page 5

CONFERENCE OF CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE.

A conference of delegates from Chambers of Commerce was opened in Duuedin on the 28th inst. Mr J. M. Ritchie, president of tbe Duuei'iu Chamber, of Commerce, w.ib chairman and delivered the opening address.i

A paper on " Commercial Federation," by Mr Pulsford, of Sydney, was . read by Sir A. S. Faterson, and after discussion o resolution was carried affirming the great importance of absolutely free interchange of products between the various colonies whether by reciprocity or ou the bßsis of a customs union.

Resolutions were passed in connection with the papers ou " Immigration " and " The Mining Industry," appearing in another column.

A paper was read on " The New Zealaud Hemp Industry" by Mr Paterson, the writer being Mr G. Booth, of Christchurch, and a resolution passed as follows: —" That the growing importance of the flax, export, and thn very general complaints that have been received in the colony through public and private channels as to the injury tho trade undoubtedly suffers from inferior manipulation and irregular, if not dishonest paokiDg, constitute (in the opinion of this conference) sufficient reason for a vigorous attempt beiug made to reform these evils, aud call for combination among producers and shippers throughout the colony for that end. Further, this conference is of opinion that should some practicable scheme of classing he forthcoming the Governmentwnuld be warranted in grantiug their assistance to the extent of giving the use of a railway shed at each principal port of shipment for such a purpose, and also appointing an expert officer to tho work."

Mr Hallenstein read a paper on " Trades Unions," and a resolution was passed—" That iv the opinion of this conference it is highly desirable that standing representative boards of arbitration and conciliation be established in connection with trades unions."

It was also resolved—" That this conference is of opinion that the failure which has marked the efforts for the adoption of a bill of lading more equitable in form seems io lead to the conclusion that the remedy is to be found in legislation ; and the matter is commended to the different chambers of commerce throughout the colony to take action to that end."

A motion was also adopted as fellows:— " That the proposals which have been made for the establishment of telegraphic communication between Australia and the mother country by means of a Pacific and Canadian line, to be the joint property of Great Britain, Canada, and the Australian colonies, have the warm approval of this conference, and it is strongly of opinion that the Government of New Zealand should see that this colony is from tho first identified with the movement, and should have a special connection with the cable and a share in the property."