CONFERENCE OF CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11938, 11 January 1901, Page 6

CONFERENCE OF CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE.

(Per United Press Association'.) CHRISTCHUHCH, January 10. Tho Chamber of Commerce Conference resumed their sittings to-day with a discussion on the federation of chambers. The subcommittee's report on the subject, which was favourable, was adopted, and it was resolved that there ho a formal federation of the New Zealand chambers. The Wellington Chamber were requested to draw np a constitution and by-laws, and to circulate the same amonj the various chambers for approval or alteration ; also that there should lie a permanent Executive Committee in Wellington, whose chairman should be the president for tho timo being of tho Wellington Chamber of Commerce, and that the secretary of the federated chambers and Executive Committee should bo the secretary for the time being of the Wellington Chamber, It was further resolved that all presidents of chambers be ex officio members of the council. During the discussion 011 Mr Roper's paper on " Commercial Reciprocity with tho Australian Commonwealth" Mr Laureneon, M.H.R.. said that history showed no example where federation, once adopted, had pfterwards been repealed. His sympathies were with federation, but he could not give a definite opinion without more information, and the more tho question ivas advertised and [ ventilated the better. The resolutions with reference to reciprocity were withdrawn, as the conference were unwilling to express an opinion on the subject of federal-ion lintil they had further facts before them. It was resolved that representations be made to tho j bank authorities that closing the blinks 011 non-public holidays was unnecessary and inconvenient, and should be discontinued. Tho conference resolved to recommend to the. Government the advisability of an extended geological survey of the Buller coalfield, the consideration of the adjustment of railway haulage on the Weslport and Mokihinui line, the defence of Weslport Harbour, and the connection of that district with the general South Island railway system. Mr A. S. Paterson, of Dimedin, 011 resuming in the afternoon, read a paper on " New Zealand and Expansion," and moved—" (a) That in the opinion of this conference a wider extension of New Zealand trade is a matter of rational importance, and ought to engage the serious attention of the Government and commercial community, and a wisely-planned system of granting steam subsidies in furtherance of this object is a sound' and necessary policy and a proper use of national funds; (b) that this conference express strong appreciation and approval of the action of the Government in establishing a Department of Commerce and Industries, and express a hope that the new department will make an extension of trade the foremost object of its existence."—Mr Hirsch seconded the motion, which was carried. Mr Hirsch brought forward tho subject of commercial education, and, after some discussion, it was held over until next day. Mr Waymonth. 111 the absence of Mr A. de Pi. Brandon (Wellington), moved—"That in the opinion of this conference it, is desirable— (1) that improved and extended postal facilities bo provided between this colony and Europe: (2} that in nil postal contracts preference be civen to services carried on under tho British flag; (3) that with this view Government be urqed to endeavour to arrange for fa) a monthly mail service between New Zealand and Vancouver, and (b) a weekly mail service-between New Zealand and Australia, timed lo catch the regular weekly service between Australia and Europe, via Brindisi."—Mr R. T. Wheeler, Jun. (Dunedin), seconded the motion; and, after considerable discussion, it was carried. Mr lieid moved—"That it he a recommendation from this conference to the Oceanic Steamship Company of San Francisco that, with a view to foster and promote trade between tho United Slates and tho various ports of this colony, and following the precedent of the Shaw, Savill. and Albion Company. (lie New Zealand Shipping Company and Union Steam Ship Company and Oceanic Company should adont the following rules as to freight:—(l) That uniform rates of freight bo charged to all the main ports of New Zealand; (2) that the rates charged to New Zealand ports (inclusive of cost of transhipment and coastal freight) shall not exceed tho rates charged 011 like poods to Melbourne."—Mr Denniston seconded tho motion, which was carried after a short discussion.