CONFERENCE OF CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11937, 10 January 1901, Page 6

CONFERENCE OF CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE.

(Per United Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, January; 9. The conference of delegates from Chambers of Commerce was opened to-day. Mr W. Wood president of the Canterbury • Chamber, was in the chair, and the follow-! ing delegates were present: —Auckland, j Messrs D. B, Caldwell and A. B. Robert-; son; Dunedin, Messrs G. L. Denniston, A. j S. Paterson, and R. T. Wheeler, jun.; j Westport, Messrs A. D. Bayfieia and T. ! Baillie; Wangamii, Mr T. L. Griffiths; '■ Wellington, Mr N. Reid; Palmerston North, Messrs E. 0. Hurley* and G. j ITirsch; Invercargill, Mr A. H. Turnbull; ! Feilding, Mr J. G. Cobbe; Canterbury, j Messrs W. Wood, E. "W. Roper, W. Chrystall, G. T. Booth, and F. Waymouth; Nelson, Mr (i. Laurenson. ■ The President gave an interesting address. It was, resolved that owing to the length, of the agenda paper speeches be limited to five minutes each. After some discussion, Messrs Caldwell, Denniston, Reid, and Chrystall were appointed a committee to inquire into the establishment of a federation of the 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 witß the Australian Commonwealth, ibased on broad lines of legal, social, military, and commercial-re-ciprocity, will he of advantage to both nations, and will be another step in the direction of consolidating our Empire." Mr Chrystall seconded the motion pro forma. Tlie discussion on .it was deferred till -to-morrow, when it will be the first . order of the day 1 . I <

Mr Griffiths moved—"That it is essential to the wellbeing of the colony that all classes of the cemmunity, no matter what their station in life or political creed may be, should iiave implicit confidence in the administration of justice in the law courts of the colony. (2) That, apart from the personal character of the*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- feeling of comfort and security, that' judges and magistrates should 'be as far us possible absolutely independent and secure from improper interference and influences. (3) That the tenure of the office of District Court judges shall.lbe 'during ability and good behaviour,' provision being made for the dismissal of any judge for misconduct or incapacity. (4) That the tenure of office of magistrates having extended or special jurisdiction under 'The Magistrates' Courts Act, 1893,' should also be during ability and good 'behaviour, provision being made for the dismissal of any magistrate for misconduct or incapacity, j (5) That the salaries of such judges and magistrates should he adequate and fixed by act of 'Parliament. (6) That effect should be given to the resolutions passed by the Legislative Council on this subject oil October 16, 1894 (Hansard, 1894, page 803)." Mr Denniston seconded the motion, which was set down for second place on tjie order paper for next day. Mr Caldwell moved—"That this conference desires to convey to the Postmaster- > general its congratulations and appreciation of the 'benefits due to his action in regard to the reduction of the postal rates within and beyond New Zealand; that this conference respectfully convey to the iPost-master-general its unanimous opinion that the time has now arrived when the telegraphic rates throughout the colony should be reduced to a uniform rate of per word, with a minimum charge of 6d." The motion was carried.