Invercargill Chamber of Commerce

Southland Times, Issue 11298, 2 November 1889, Page 2

Invercargill Chamber of Commerce

Friday, Ist November. The ordinary monthly meeting of this body was held this afternoon; the president, Mr J. Turnbull, in the chair. In reply to the Chamber's request for a shortening of the time occupied by the express to and from Dunedin, the Commissioners wrote stating that the time had been reduced by a quarter of an hour, the gain being made both ways between Dunedin and Clinton. The arrival at and departure from Invercargill would remain as at present, but the start from Dunedin would be "a quartet of &a. hour later in the morning, and the arrivalthere at night a {quarter, of an hour earlier.— The Chamber appeared to be greatly amused by the intimation, but resumed its gravity and solemnly passed a resolution to the effect that it regretted the Commissioners had not been able to see their way to make a perceptible acceleration of the speed, and that the Commissioners be solicited to reconsider the matter.— Mr W. Y. H. Hall pointed out that under the former the slow train— that from Clinton to Dunedin in the morning— was actually timed to cover the distance as quickly as the express, while even under the new arrangement the latter only yielded the race to the former by a few minutes. . . In reply to the Chamber's overture for a reduction in the freights of lime, coal, manure, stock and dead meat, the Commissioners wrote intimating a reduction on lime, and giving the new, tariff.— The Secretary read a table of comparative rates that he had compiled to give the Chamber information as to the extent of the concession. From this it appeared that the reductions range as follows per ton:— From 1 to 12 miles, from 2s 6d to Is 9d ; 20 miles, 3s 8d to 2s 9d ; 35 miles, 5s 8d to 4s 2d ; 48 miles, 7s 5d to 5s 3d ; 60 miles, 8s 4d to 6s 3d ; 80 miles, 9s 6d to 7s Id; 100 miles, 10s 3d Lfco 7s lid ; 150 miles, Us lOd to 10s ; 200 miles, 14s 5d to 12s Id.— lt was resolved to thank the Commissioners for the reduction granted, but to inform them that in the opinion of the Chamber the concession should have been greater, as the limited reduction would scarcely accomplish the object in view, viz., to induce the' farmers to use lime extensively ; also that the Chamber regretted that no reductions had been allowed on the other commodities mentioned in their letter to the Commissioners. The sub-committee appointed to draft a letter in reply to the Commissioner of Trade and Customs, who had declined to act upon die Chamber's request that the Government should make strong representations to the Victorian Government on thequestion of their prohibitive tariff on oats, tabled their draft letter. The document expressed the Chamber's non-concurrence with the view of the question set forth in the 'Commissioner's letter, and expressed the opinion that while Victoria had undoubtedly a right to make her own fiscal arrangements, it was still within the scope of the New Zealand Government's functions to make friendly representations on the matter of the respective tariffs. — Mr Nichol, in speaking to the question, did not suppose anything they could say would make Victoria alter her policy, but approaching each other on such subjects from time to time would keep the question of reciprocity in the foreground, and it might be hoped before long, by means of a conference or other form of intercourse and ventilation of opinion, some general scheme would be adopted mutually beneficial to the whole ..of the colonies. — The letter was adopted. _ Mr Macpherson obtained the suspension of the Standing Rules to move "That the Chamber approach the Railway Commissioners, and point out to them that in the opinion of the Chamber the special fares for the Exhibition are excessive, and suggesting that they be reduced, so far as Invercargill is concerned to, say, 12s 6d and 7s 6d first and second class return, respectively, and for other places in proportion."— Mr Nichol moved as an amendment that the fares be 7s 6d and 5s respectively. He said the Exhibition was a national affair for the benefit of all classes, and the rates at present fixed were simply prohibitory to the mass of the people. If adhered to comparatively few would travel, but if lowered to what he suggested the trains would be crowded. He would be inclined rather to make them less than the figures quoted than more, so aa to allow almost the entire community the opportunity of moving about and seeing the Exhibition.— Several other members supported the amendment, and all present concurred with the mover's views, but it was feared if such a sweeping reduction were asked the Commissioners would decline to consider the suggestion at all, ancl_ Mr Macpherson's motion was accordingly adopted— but only by a narrow majority. A large amount of correspondence of no particular moment having been disposed of, Mr R. B. Williams was elected a member of the Chamber and the meeting adjourned.