CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Southland Times, Issue 17304, 28 March 1913, Page 7

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

QUARTERLY REPORT. The following report will be presented at the meeting of the Chamber of Commerce to-day : This Is the first quarterly meeting of the Chamber since the annual meeting, during which time various matters of interest have been brought before the committee, the most Important of which has been, amongst others, the question of a reciprocal tariff with Austral ia. This subject, was taken into consideration at a conference held in Christchurch, our delegate being Mr Thos. Fleming, who has given an account of his stewardship. The matter is still being considered, and no doubt ere long some definite steps will be taken. Meantime steps have been taken to obtain the opinions of those interested in produce, but so far the replies have not been numerous. The question of hemp contracts has also been before the Chamber, and also the matter of arranging for distinguishing marks or brands on cornsacks, both matters having been passed on to the proper quarters. The construction of light railways has been under discussion, and the Government has signified Us approval of such, but no definite action has yet been taken. The Land Agents Bill has become law, and It Is expected that good will result therefrom. ’ A visit by North Island members of Parliament has eventuated, and their tour Is . expected to prpve of much benefit to Southland. This Chamber was represented on the tour by the president The Boston conference has taken place, Mr A. S. Paterson, of Dunedin, being our representative, and his report has been received. The advisability of tiie appointment of a grain grader for the, Invercarglll-Rlversdale section has been discussed, and a representation has been sent on to the Department of Agriculture. ‘The ever-recurring subject of a more regular service between Bluff and Auckland has been again brought before the Chamber, and It is hoped this service will soon be put on a better basis. The Dominion Royal Commission has come and gone, and evidences point to much good resulting to this dominion from the visit. The president and secretary met and welcomed the Commissioners at Bluff, who unfortunately did not Include a stay at Invercargill in their Itinerary. The next matter of paramount importance is the Auckland Exhibition at the end of the year, and It is sincerely to be hoped that active steps will be taken by Southland to be fully and well represented. A meeting has been called by his Worship the Mayor for Monday evening, the 31st Inst, when a large and representative gathering Is looked for. ; Th e membership has been increased by the election of ten new members, and a further Increase Is much to be desired; so that the Importance of our Chamber may be more fully demonstrated.