CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22630, 23 July 1935, Page 13

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ANNUAL MEETING MR J. C. BEGG THE NEW PRESIDENT The' Tudor Hall of the Savoy Restaurant accommodated well over 200 persons last qight, on the occasion of the annual meeting of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce. The chair was occupied by the retiring president (Mr C. B. Barrowdough). with whom were associated the incoming president (Mr J. C. Begg) and the vice-president (Mr C. J. Darracott). Among the guests, to whom a welcome was extended by the chairman, were Sir Jagies Grose, who delivered an address, Mr R. Masters (Minister of Industries and Commerce), Mr A. H. Allen (president of the Associated Chambers of Commerce of New Zealand). Mr James Hogg (president of the New Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation), Mr J. L. Gardiner (president of the Importers and Shippers’ Association); Mr J. A. Hanan, M.L.C. (chancellor of the University of New Zealand).’ Dr W. Newlands, representing the University Council, Mr J. B. Waters (chairman of the' Otago Harbour Board), Mr T. Somerville (president of the Dunedin Manufacturers’ Association), Mr James Begg (representing the president of the Otago Farmers’ Union), and Mr J. J. Marlow (president of the Otago Expansion League).

CHAIRMAN’S ADDRESS ■ Moving the adoption of the annual report and balance shee.t, the chairman stated that in the year 1931 the retiring president, in the course of. his address,

claimed that the year then concluded had been the heaviest year in the history of the chamber. Every president since that date had commented upon the many and Varied problems with which the chamber had been faced during' his term of office, and the year just concluded had been no exception. That this should be so was only to be expected, afad, he thought, afforded ample testimony that the Duur gdin Chamber of Commerce had beenmak-. mg its, due contribution to the solution of the many problems .which had faced a much-afflitted world. \ That contribution had entailed the expenditure of much time and thought on the part of the council, the executive, and the various committees. To them all he extended the thanks of the chamber; and he took the opportunity of expressing to

them all his personal appreciation of their loyalty and support/ In particular he •wished to record his appreciation of the unfailing assistance of the., immediate past president. Mr W. H. Brent, to whose mature judgment, and kindly advice he owed much. Me was. also extremely in J debted to the vice-president, Mr C. J. Darracott, who had been unremitting in the performance of the duties of his office. It was a matter of sincere regret that Mr Darracott found himself unable to accede to the unanimous wish of the council that he should occupy the presidential chair. Nor could the speaker , refrain from acknowledging the keen in-terest-and assistance of the secretary* Mr H. P. West, TRADE WITH THE, EAST For many years investigations had been made by the Government and others as • to the possibilities of trade with the East. The imposition r of quotas had had the effect of turning attention even more to the opening up of new markets. It was appreciated that it was only with the process of time that the East would adapt itself to Western ideas and develop a taste/for Western products. But there could be no doubt that the tide was beginning to turn, and that in Japan, at any rate, a very definite interest in New Zealand primary produce was beginning to be, felt. Already* of course, Japanese buyers were a very important factor in the wool market, and Dr Kagawa, in a recent .visit, had stressed and increasing potentiality of Japan for absorbing increased quantities of wool. He had also stressed the fact that New Zealand wool was particularly appreciated by Japanese buyers. Visitors to the East agreed that there was an increasing demand for New Zealand dairy produce. Geographically New Zealand was well suited to meet the needs of the Eastern market, and no effort should be spared to develop trade in this direction. A recent Kotarian delegate to Japan had aroused so much interest during his visit that the Japanese authorities had arranged for a small trial shipment of New Zealand butter, cheese, and lamb to be shipped free o,f charge in a Japanese boat. \ FUTURE PROSPECTS

As prosperity in New Zealand de-pended-so much on world conditions, they could not be ignored. European conditions, it was true, offered little encouragement. Rumours of war were current» though it was to be hoped that saner counsels would prevail. The outlook in the United States of America was uncertain. Sir Frederick W. Pascoe gutter, who had made a study of con-

ditions there, said; “We can, and we must, hope profoundly that' this New Deal—whatever it means, and whatever it involves—will in the end, because it cannot now be reversed without a cataclysm, achieve the elements of a permanent recovery.” But the issue was still in doubt. These unsettled conditions must be a deterrent to the Dominion’s recovery. In England, however, there were very definite signs of improvement. In New Zealand the silver lining was becoming increasingly evident. Recent cable news had confirmed hopes that the delegation to England on the meat question would be productive of beneficial results. An agreement had been reached in regard to mutton and lamb beyond the most sanguine hopes of some who were acquainted with all the facts, and thanks were due to those whose efforts had brought about such an eminently satisfactory agreement. The prospects for wool were bright. There had been a slight improvement in butter prices, but the future of the dairy industry was, un- ! fortunately, still obscure. Generally the prospects for the primary producer during the coming season were better. Unemployment figures on the whole showed improvement, though there "were seasonal fluctuations. Future improvement must come slowly, and as in the Old Country, by the application of sound economic principles. Prosperity could not come from the various inflationary proposals before the country. It could not come from a system of guaranteed prices which could only be obtained by taxing one section of the community for the benefit of another. Above all, efforts must be directed to breaking down the trend of post-war nationalism which had led to the withering of international trade that had been witnessed during recent years. Such a policy could only dry up an important number of outlets for the Dominion's national products. SILVER JUBILEE The chamber, in common with every body and institution throughout the Empire,’ joined in the expressions of goodwill that had been extended to their Majesties in this, their jubilee year. As had been said, there was a. feeling that May 6, 1935, would prove to be a date of high significance to the British Empire. It was- impossible to resist 1 the prevailing impression that the King, who had seen the Empire triumphantly through the greatest war in history, was now proclaiming the passing of the most severe depression in living memory. VICE-PRESIDENTS SPEECH Seconding the adoption of the annual report and balance sheet, the vice-presi-dent (Mr C. J. Darracott) said that during the past year the chamber had been called upon to attend to many matters ol vital importance to the business community, and these had been as varied as they had been numerous. In some cases

is 11 |fev ;

it had been found necessary strongly to criticise legislative measures, but whereever criticism had been offered an endeavour had been made to make such criticism- of a constructive nature. In connection with commercial aviation, it must be agreed that the long view should be taken, and plana made for the future. There was no doubt that in the next five years aviation in this country would become a most important link in the transport system, and if it was possible to secure an air port in the heart of the city every effort should be made to achieve this laudable object. Continuing, Mr Darracott said the unemployment position had considerably im-

proved since that time last year. At different times during the year the council had given consideration to this difficult problem, and was at preseitt endeavouring with other bodies in the city to do something for unemployed returned soldiers. Mr Darracott concluded with a reference to the exceptionally fine work done by the president during his term of office. He had gained the esteem of every member of the council for his fair and unbiassed chairmanship and for the faithful way in which he discharged his onerous duties. It was a pleasure to

work under his leadership, and much of the success of the year’s work had been due to his faithful and untiring efforts on behalf of the commercial community. The motion wag carried. ELECTION OF OFFICERS As the nominations did not exceed the number required to fill vacancies on the council the following officers were declared elected; — President—Mr John C. Begg. Vice-president—Mr Maurice S. Myers. Council—Messrs I. S. Cantrell, J. B. M'Kinlay, P. N. Bundle, J. Elvidge, J. C. Anderson, A. W. Jeayons, J. H. Gilbert J. H. Duncan. Nominated members—Mr A. M. Cameron (Otago and Southland Fire and Acci-i dent Underwriters’ Association), Mr W. J. MTnnes (Otago Automobile Association), and Mr E. J. Taylor (Otago Hardware Association).

Honorary auditors—Messrs Brodrick and Chalmer.

On taking the chair, the new president expressed appreciation of the honour conferred upon him by his election. He felt certain of efficient help from the other members of the council during his term of office. His association with the chamber was due, to some extent, to the fact that his interest was largely in rural matters. The fact that the chamber was representative of varied interests gave it strength, but it might be-sug-gested that its effectiveness would be toned down by the fact that a common factor must be reached among the various interests before a resolution was adopted. He did not think, however, that this criticism would find support if the record of the chamber were examined.

NEW MEMBERS

The following new members were elected:—Messrs Alfred Clark Ltd. (Mr Alfred Clark); Bowron and M'Lellan (wool scourers and exporters). M'Cracken and Walls (Mr R. Walls); Reginald G. Kain, Ltd. (Mr L. S Hutton); Eadie Bros., Ltd. (Mr J. R. Edie); Ascot, Ltd. (Mr J. A. Neilson); and Mr J. M. Fisher (Tasmanian Government Trade Commissioner).

ADDRESS BY SIR JAMES GROSE An address, which is reported elsewhere, wa« delivered by Sir James Grose, who was cordially received. Upon its conclusion, the speaker was accorded a vote of thanks on the motion of Mr M. S. Myers. VOTE OF THANKS A vote of thanks to the retiring president was moved by Mr E. E. Nicolson. Chambers of commerce were becoming of greater and greater importance as the years went on, he said, and consequently the position of president was an onerous and an honourable one. Mr Barrowclough had always been willing to face any difficulty that arose, and had endeared himself to the members of the chamber.

M\ m Ut

I which, for a commercial institution, was saying a great deal. —The vote of thanks was carried with acclamation. On the motion of Mr H. L. Longbottom, a vote of thanks tvas accorded the retiring members of the council, the honorary auditor, and the honorary solicitors. CHURCH SERVICE An invitation to members to attend the evening service at Knox Church on August M was received from the Rev. D. C. Herron. The chairman explained that it was the custom of the members to attend divine service soon after the annual meeting. This was in accordance with the custom of chambers in the Old Country. He hoped that as many members as possible would accept the invitation. OTHER SPEAKERS Speaking on behalf of the Farmers’ Union, Mr James Begg said that during hig Association with the chamber any question affecting the primary producers had always received full consideration. He emphasised that international trade was still' shrinking and that the primary producers could not expect a return to normal conditions until the trend in international trade moved in the opposite direction. New Zealand wanted the world to buy more of its produce, and it must do the same with the rest of the world.

Mr T. Somerville, who represented the Dunedin Manufacturers’ Association, expressed his appreciation of Sir James Grose’s adddess, and said he was sure the members would face the future with a good deal more confidence as the result of what they had heard. The president of the Otago Importers and Shippers’ Association (Mr J. L. Gardiner) extended good wishes to the chamber, and stressed the happy relations which existed between it and the body he represented. Several vocal items were contributed during the evening by Mr A. MacDonald, whose accompanist was Mr D. S. Sharp.