STRATFORD BUSINESS MEN

Stratford Evening Post, Volume II, Issue 296, 5 July 1933, Page 4

STRATFORD BUSINESS MEN

Chamber of Commerce OPEN MEETING TO MEMBERS The Stratford Chamber of Commerce meeting last, evening was open nr>t f-"lv t« <hp e v ' , <*'it ; v> council b')t to ell me"'b"rs. Present wore: The president. Mr. J. B. Richards. a*>d Messrs. W. J. Poison, M.P.. J. C. Allan D. postmaster. C. Fisher, J. C McDnn-all. R. H. Wlr'te, R. R. Ce'rtis. S. Ilayton. D. White, Rurman, E. Norrlen and tho secretary, M"' Win. Power.

Tho president explained that tho. midorlyintr motive which prompted the executive to hold the usual monthly meeting as one open to all was to nff r,r ' l <hem nn impression of the activities of the chamber. Tho activities of a chamber, however, were somewhat restricted under present circumstances, he said, and it was considered advisable to proceed largely with routine business until more favourable conditions obtained.

Main Trunk Railway The president reported that the committee had in hand the matter of (he Stratford Main Trunk railway. He explained that at present no definite time table had been proposed and until one was announced the committee would be unable to proceed further. They had the assurance of the district manager that the department would favourably consider any suggestions made by the chamber provided of course the reasons were sufficient. Freight Charges The question of the high current freight rates was the subject of a circular from the Canterbury Chamher of Commerce. The chamber passed the following resolution: "In view of the general fall in commodity prices and Hie competition from countries with lower costs and in view of the fact that the overseas companies since 1924 had afforded very little relief in outward freight rates, representations be made to tho companies to obtain substantial reductions. The chamher affirmed that freight rates for all general cargo should be left subject to ordinary business competition, untrammelled by any restrictions at present made operative in agreements for the carriage of produce and foods f-mercd into by produce control boards. Mi". Poison made a lengthy siattment on the matter, and his remarks were taken in committee. It was finally resolved that: "This chamber affirms as a general princip'e that produce control boards should 'j>ke full advantage of competition offering when negotiating freight agreements.''