CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Southland Times, Issue 17971, 12 March 1917, Page 2

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MONTHLY' MEETING. The Invercargill Chamber of Commerce met on Friday, the vice-president (Mr A. le H. Hoyles) presiding, and there being also present : Messrs W. A. Cox, J. McQueen, W. S. Fleming, A. S. Gllkison, C. Jones, F. St. J. Loughnan, E. H. Whitmore, and F. S. Seamon. Apologies for non-attendance were received from Messrs J, H. Reed, D. McDonald and T. D. Kingsland. QUARTERLY' REPORT.

The secretary (Mr J. T. Prain) read the following report : —Since the annual general meeting in December the usual monthly meetings have been held and have been well attended. Besides the ordinary meetings to consider the new proposals, which have been somewhat delayed, regarding the f.o.b. contracts for grain, seed, etc. F. 0.8. Contracts. —The terms and conditions of sale of grain, seed and produce together with definitions, also a suggested sale note were submitted through the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce for consideration by this Chamber. After full discussion the following resolution was passed and approved : “That the terms and conditions of f.o.b. contracts as submitted be appnved except that clause 6 should read :

' In sales of grain and all classes of produce, except grass and clover seeds, railway, harbour board or private weighbridge weights ex store be accepted as final (provided the private weighbridge has been certified as accurate by the Inspector of Weights and Measures within six months of the time of weighing) relative weighbridge tickets or certificates must be furnished by seller to buyer on request.' ” This resolution was wired to the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, and duly confirmed by letter but no reply has been received, and so far the whole matter is yet in abeyance. Sectional Committees. —At the January meeting the usual sectional committees were appointed, and it was decided to print the annual report as usual. This is now in the hands of the printer and will be issued almost at once.

Sunken Tonnage.—A resolution submitted through the Navy League regarding the replacement by Germany of all sunken tonnage was approved and the following motion carried . —"That this Chamber is strongly of opinion that Germany should be compelled to undertake to replace every sunken ship before peace negotiations are opened, and urge that the Imperial Government should Insist on these terms."

Territorial Camps.—A resolution from the Napier Chamber requesting the Gov. eminent to dispense with territorial camps this year, or not to hold camps between the 20th of March and 20th of April, was approved by the following motion : "That this Chamber supports the Napier Chamber’s resolution and that it objects to the most Inopportune time of year in which the Department is in the habit of holding its camps.” Valedictory.—A farewell luncheon was tendered Mr C. J. Ronaldson (a past president) by this Chamber and the Southland League jointly on his transfer to Christchurch, and an appreciative resolution of his services placed on the minutes and conveyed to him in due course.

Obituary.—Feeling reference was made to the death of the Hon. R. McNab, and a motion of condolence with his relatives and appreciation of his services to the dominion was passed and transmitted to the Government and duly acknowledged.

Membership.—Seven new members have been elected during the term, and one resignation has been received, thus placing the roll at 83, It only requires 17 more members to reach the century and this record should be attained easily before the end of the current year. General. —Several matters of minor Importance were considered during the term, and altogether it may be taken for granted that the Chamber fills a requirement that no other body can fill. The report was adopted. OTHER BUSINESS.

The Canterbury Chamber of Commerce wrote stating that they had protested to the Postmaster-General against the discontinuance of the practice of telephoning telegrams, to which he had replied that the Order-in-Council could not be revised. The Christchurch Chamber asked for support in the matter. —It was resolved on the motion of Messrs Loughnan and McQueen to support the action of the Christchurch Chamber, and that a letter be forwarded to the Postmaster-Geheral accordingly. The Minister of Defence wrote as follows regarding a resolution passed by the Chamber regarding territorial camps:—“ The matter of holding these camps has received very full consideration, and from information in my possession, I am persuaded that they should not be abandoned. In order to minimise inconvenience to employers the camps will be spread over a period of four months, viz., from February to May, and even into June if necessary, to enable men to train in turn. Employers should therefore arrange with local officers of regiments to which their men belong to have the men called into camp at convenient times during that period. Officers commanding in each of the four districts have been authorised to meet the industrial situation as far as possible, and to arrange with employers direct, thus saving time and inconvenience.” — It was decided on the motion of Messrs Loughnan and Jones that the contention of the Napier Chamber be upheld, and that the protest of the Invercargill Chamber against holding territorial camps at inconvenient times be reiterated.

The Department of Agriculture, Industries and Commerce wrote in regard to making some alteration in the grading of hemp.—Received. The Vice-Consul of France, Auckland, wrote in reference to putting New Zealand firms in touch with French manufacturers and producers.—Received. The managing director of the Birmingham Gazette forwarded a reprint copy of that publication, to be placed at the disposal of members. —Received. In regard to f.o.b. contracts, it was agreed that the matter be referred to the Export and Produce Section Committee, they to consult with the local Grain Brokers’ Association in reference to the alteration referred to in the Quarterly report, with power to act. It was decided to continue the annual subscription of £1 to the London Decimal Association. The report of the Technical College Board was received. The manager of the British Standard Exporter offered a number of volumes, each of 1000 pages, dealing with manufactures in Great Britain. —It was decided to accept the offer, and to supply the names of interested local firms. The Canterbury College prospectus was received. Mr Cox brought up the Question of the fixing of prices by the Government for wheat, which, he contended, did not tend to encourage wheat growing. Under present conditions the more wheat that was grown, the greater the tendency for prices to become lower. If there were a shortage the price went up. All wheal should be commandeered irrespective of the Quantity grown, and a payable price given. After some discussion, it was decided that Messrs Loughnan, McQueen and Cox should draft a resolution for transmission to the Associated Chambers of Commerce of New Zealand, with a request that action should be taken at once. Accounts amounting to £lO 17» Sd wrto p*u payment.