THE BOARD OF TRADE

Southland Times, Issue 17660, 18 February 1916, Page 5

THE BOARD OF TRADE

PERSONNEL DECIDED. BEGINS DUTY ON Ist APRIL. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, February 17. The Board of Trade set up under the provisions of the Cost of Living Act of last session, will comprise;— J. R. Hart (Ashburton). P. Halley (Wellington). G. A. McDonald (Westport). Mr Hart is a well-known ex-banker and farmer of independent means, with special qualifications for the work he will be called upon to undertake. Mr Halley is a Conciliation Commissioner for Wellington district and will combine the two functions. His Conciliation work is well known for thoroughness. Mr McDonald is a solicitor and barrister of Westi>ort, who was a member of the 1912 Cost of Living Commission. He is a well-known legal advocate for the miners’ unions of the West Coast, and his selection should prove most acceptable to that section of the community. He also holds a degree in social economics. The Board will commence its duties on Ist April. According to the Act the Minister for Industries and Commerce is President. This, however, does not mean that Mr Massey will have to work constantly with the Board, though all formal business must be reported to him. The original intention of the Act has not been strictly adhered to so far as salaries are concerned, as it has not been thought necessary to make an appointment as chairman, on account of the fact that there is legislative provision for making the Minister president.