CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 26 June 1924, Page 7

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

THE MONTHLY MEETING

The monthly meeting of the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce was held last evening. Present —Messrs F. C. May (chairman), J. Meehan. C. G. Curtis, T. R. Mackay, R. B. Bell, A. M H. Shirtcliff, J. Anstey, J. Cleland, R. D. Halstead and J. Scott. A letter was received from a German firm, asking for the names of any firms in Timaru dealing in old and new rag stuffs. Mr Meehan remarked that they were always glad to see German wool buyeis in Timaru. If they could sell to Germany articles that no other country would take, there was no reason why they should not get rid of them. Several other applications on the part of merchants for lists of certain firms in Timaru were received, and it was agreed to supply the information. The Board of Trade forwarded a circular from the Department Of Agriculture with reference to the importation of fodder, packing, etc., from foreign countries. It stated that regulations had been made prohibiting the importation of such matter from the United States of America, and making it necessary for fodder and packing brought in from Great Britain to be’destroyed within three days unless certified as disinfected. 1 A member pointed out that hotelkeepers were now not at liberty to sell the straw covers in which bottles were packed, as. under the new regulations such packing must be destroyed within three days of receipt. It was decided to draw the attention of the Inspector of Health to the matThe Wanganui Chamber of Commerce wrote with reference to the excessive charge made by banks for the signing of letters of indemnity. A cliargoi of 10s 6d was made, and it was considered that 2s 6d would be sufficient. Mr Scott agreed that it seemed an unfair charge against the importers. Mr Halstead said that the merchants could get over the difficulty by paying tlie shipping companies a deposit to the extent of the valuo of the goods. It was decided to endorse the re marks of the Wanganui Chamber of Commerce with regard to the matter. The Wellington Chamber of Commerce wrote stating that :t approved of the retention of the one per cent, primage dutv, and suggested that the money should be used in advertising New Zealand abroad. Mr Anstey moved that in view ol the fact that the duty had been a wai measure it should-be removed. Mr Mackay said he did not think the Government would remove the duty, as tliev needed the revenue. Mr Anstey’s motion was then put, and lost. It was decided in write to the Wellington Chamber asking for further information.

Mr Shirtcliff said that taxation was a burning question at the present time, nnd he thought that the revenue from the duty, if retained, might be used in lightening other taxation. Mr Scott thought that if thev passed the resolution as asked by the "Wellington Chamber, nnd the matter was placed before the Government, thev would get the answer they required. The Government was already spending a large amount of money in advertising New Zealand at the Wembley Exhibition. The matter was then allowed to dron. Accounts amounting to £ll 9s 9d were passed for-payment.

APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES. The following committees were appointed: — Grain Committee—Messrs T. H Mackay, J- Meehan, and F. O. May. Transport Committee —Messis R. D Halstead, W. G. Irwin, and P. IS Foote. Emergency Committee’ — .Me-si-s .1. Anstey, C. G. Curtis and .1. Cleland.

GENERAL BUSINESS

Mr Curtis raised the quod ion of trade with the East, and asked that the secretary' should bfc instructed to write to the Department ol Industries ami Commerce for the latest, particulars. Mr Curtis also brought up the mailer of (lie profc'i'cnlial railage rates. He understood that railage charges on classes An. b. e. d. r ;jj : yw : omfty.vp classes a, b. e. and d goods railed lrom Timarn 10 Lvtiolton. were 18s per ton, but I lie railage the other way was charged on tariff rales. He thought the question w: < cue on which the Transport Committee should investigate and report. Both suggest ion- were .'greed to.