CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Stratford Evening Post, Issue 84, 14 August 1929, Page 4

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MONTHLY (MEETING. C i | In the absence of the president . ! (Mr J. B. Richards), Mr W. Donald presided at last night's monthly meeting of the Chamber of Commerce. Also present were: Messrs J. Orr, F. H. Vosseler, E. H. Young, I W. Hoskin, J. H. Fletcher (postmaster), W. L. Kennedy a nd W. Power (secretary). PRESIDENT'S REPORT. In view of his inability to attend the meeting the chairman Reported on various matteis leftiph his hands, as follows 1 — Landlord and Tenant Act: This is a drastic measure, and, while in older countries it may be necessary, immediate adion does not seem urgent ho**3. The citie s probably tne iK:ed c£ 'same and it would probably be as well to advise the Associated Chambers executive that in the opinion of the Stratford Chamber any move in this derection should emanate from a city Chamber. Telephone connections at Lowgarth and MaTioe: These must be decided by the residents concerned. Privately, members may do something useful, but as a Chamber we cannot interfere unless asked for assistance. Avia- r tion: It was impossible for me to attend the meeting held at New Plymouth on August Bth. Primage duty: After consultation a telegram was sent to the Associated Chambers. This duty will bear hardly on retailers and the consuming public, particularly large families. Government overhead expenses: The circular from the Canterbury Chamber should be supported. Indeed this seems to me the chief need at present. Remits to conference: I suggest the following: That the Government be urged to appoint a Commission to report to Parliament on (a) existing undesirable infringements of private rights and (b) recommendations to rectify same.

CLOSING OF MAILS. Messrs Halliwell, Thomson, Horner and North wrote asking the Chamber to endeavour to have made later the time for closing of mails on Tuesdays and Fridays by the midday north express.

Mr Fletcher said he had seen Mr P. Thomson and had explained the position, Mr Thomson agreeing that it would be impossible to make a change. Generally an hour was al- ; lowed for dealing with mails, but other inward and outward mails had to be considered in fixing times. , PRIMAGE' DUTY. The secretary reported that the '•sociated Chambers had been advised that the Chamber was opposed to the proposed increased 'prniage duly. \ The chairman said he had been I consulted on the matter by the pre- ' sident. It appeared to the speaker that the wholesalers could pass on the charge but retailers would find it hard to do so. Therefore, the -retailer would have to bear the extra chare. Mr Orr thought revenue should be raised in some other manner. The sending of the telegram was confirmed. CONFERENCE REMITS. The conference remit suggested by the president was approved, and the framing of further remits was left in the hands of the president. GOVERNMENT OVERHEAD. The Canterbury Chamber forwarded a memorandum prepared at their request, urging the Government to follow the example of all business organisations and reduce 1 its overhead expenses to a reasonable figure and taxation to what the Dominion can afford to pay. It was decided that the Canterbury movement be sxxpported. INDUSTRIAL PROBLEMS. Mr T. 0. Bishop, secretary of the New Zealand Employers' Federation, wrote that at present he could not \ suggest a date on which he could meet the Chamber and discuss matters arising from the Industrial Conference. About the end of August, however, he might be able to make the desired visit. It was decided to ask Mr Bishop to name a date when he could come to Stratford.