CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18651, 21 August 1930, Page 6

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce was held last evening. Present—Messrs P. B. Foote (president), W. H. Orbell, H. Lowry, J. McLeod. A. P. Greenfield. G. W. Morrison, W. G. Irwin, W. A. Marshall, C. R. Ingram, G. Benstead, J. Cleland, J. Anstey, J. Meehan, J. H. Gilbert. G. H. Andrews, G. D. Virtue, W. D. Revell, and the secretary (Mr J. Leggott). The Greymouth Chamber of Commerce wrote eulogising a copy of a letter forwarded to the Minister for Mines, asking that the Government pay a subsidy on all gold won in New Zealand. The Chamber was asked to . support this proposal. The suggestion made was that the price of gold should be advanced £1 per ounce. It was also stated that there was a movement throughout New Zealand in connection with this problem. It was decided that the president and secretary frame a suitable reply to the Greymouth Chamber, indicating that this matter did not vitally concern this Chamber. The Prime Minister (the Hon. G. W. Forbes), acknowledging the receipt of the resolution passed by the Chamber in support of the retention of the sliding scale of duty on wheat, stated that this had not been affected by the resolutions which were passed by Parliament on July 22nd. A similar letter to the Rev. Clyde Carr, M.P., brought the reply that this matter was having his closest and favourable attention. The Chamber could take it that there was no possibility of the sliding scale being interfered with so far as the next wheat crop was concerned. Further, he believed that the weight of opinion in the House was thoroughly in favour of adequate protection for the wheat growers, whether by import duty or by subsidy. Mr Orbell said that apropos of the sliding scale of wheat duties, it was important to know that there had been formed a company in Timaru for the manufacture of strawboard, and it would utilise large quantities of the straw produced in South Canterbury, which would be wasted but for the commencement of this industry. When it was remembered that £220,000 was sent out of the Dominion annually in the importation of strawboard, and this would be saved and kept in this country, it would be realised how necessary was the retention of the sliding scale of duties on wheat. If these duties were removed, it would mean that people would not grow wheat, and that therefore there would not be any straw from which to make strawboard, and consequently a valuable industry would be lost to South Canterbury and to the Dominion. This new company would employ 60 men if not more, and on this account it would do a great deal to relieve unemployment, ment. The letters were received. Dangerous Crossing. Mr Greenfield brought up the matter of sending a remit to be considered at the Dominion conference of the Associated Chambers of Commerce. He said that they should endeavour to get a remit passed urging the Government to see that provision be made that motorists approaching a railway crossing should be signalled by means of a red light, indicating that there was danger ahead. He moved accordingly. Mr Irwin seconded the motion, which was carried. Mr Virtue said they should go further. He thought that something like automatic gates, or underground passages or overhead bridges, should be provided, and he moved that this be an additional remit to go before the conference. There was no seconder and the motion lapsed. Harbour Improvements. The secretary reported that for the next general meeting of members, it was considered appropriate that they should invite Mr G. T. Dawson, chairman of the Timaru Harbour Board, to address them on the subject of harbour improvements, shed accommodation, etc. Mr Benstead asked if this would mean that Mr Dawson would traverse the question of reduced handling of cargo. The reason he asked was that he had recently received a small parcel from Auckland, and on this he had to pay to the Union Coy. 3/9, and to the Railway Department 2/9 for handling it. If the Harbour Board could develop a scheme which would cut out the railway so much the better. Mr Andrews said he sympathised with Mr Benstead. The multiplicity of handling costs in respect of goods was one of the big problems which affected importers, and he hoped that some method would be arranged whereby these charges would be reduced. Unemployment. Mr Irwin brought up the matter of the Chamber doing something to relieve the present serious position of the unemployed in Timaru. He said there was a tremendous amount of stress here, and there were people who had not sufficient blankets to warm their bodies or enough coal to cook their food. Only those who came in contact with it could have any idea of the poverty that existed here, and he thought that the members of the Chamber might individually do something in the nature of finding employment for men onfy too anxious to do it. Mr Andrews said that having had some experience in connection with the question of the poverty that existed in Timaru, he considered that only an organised effort would be effective in achieving what Mr Irwin desired. The Mayor of Timaru had made an effort to secure assistance for the poor and needy, with his coal and blanket fund. The best way in which the Chamber could assist would be to co-operate with the Mayor, and he suggested that a sub-committee be appointed to work in conjunction with the Mayor. The remarks made by Mr Irwin were endorsed by Messrs Revell and Benstead, and a sub-committee consisting of Messrs Andrews, Revell, Benstead, Irwin, Virtue and Greenfield, was appointed to co-operate with the Mayor’s Committee. Mr Greenfield said that they should not overlook those employers who were doing a great work in keeping on men when they might be conserving their own interests by not doing so. Those people were serving the community well, and their efforts should be appreciated. These remarks were endorsed by several speakers.