CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 267, 15 December 1914, Page 3

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

MEETING OF COUNCIL, The ordinary monthly meeting of the Council of the Chamber was held yesterday afternoon, the president, Mr T. F. Gibson, in the chair. The Importers' and Exporters' Committees reported as follow: — Trade with Central and South America. —That the letter from the Department of Commerce had been considered, and that until shipping facilities are provided steps could not he taken in the matter of export of meats aiid produce to Panama. Trade with Enemy Countries; —That the newspapers be asked to publish the letter and tables from the British Imperial Council of Commerce. It was suggested that the council consider the question of recommending the Government to increase the preferential duty. This latter subject was held over for consideration at the quarterly meeting. The committee also reported on the subject of war prizes and freights, and cargo in detained steamers,.the reports being adopted. The question of suggesting to the Government the imposition of a war tax was postponed until next meeting. A letter was received from the General Manager .of Railways, advising that the goods staff was prepared' to quote rates on the telephone in straightforward cases.

The New Zealand Trade Commissioner wrote, in reply to a letter with reference to German and Austrian goods being obtained in. Great Britain. The letter was received.

The General Manager of Railways wrote, in reply to a letter, that it would not be possible for accommodation for the examination of passengers' luggage to be provided at the Christehurch Railway Station. It was decided to interview the General Manager on his next visit to Christehurch.

Letters were received from the Dunedin Chamber and the Secretary of the Post Office with reference to telephonic communication between Christehurch and Dunedin in the day time. The secretary of the Post Office replied that the matter had been under consideration, and it was regretted that the work could} not be undertaken at present, but would liav.e consideration in the Estimates for next year. . The Secretary of the Post Office replied to the letter on the present cost of cable messages, that the use of authorised codes was proposed to be extended to other portions of the Empire outside the United Kingdom as soon as arrangements were complete. TLe Canterbury Chess Club applied for the use of the Chamber for about a fortnight during the Christmas holidays, free of charge" It was regretted that the request could not be complied with. A resolution of sympathy with the family of the late Mr F. Waymouth in their recent bereavement was passed, the members standing.