CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVI, Issue 1699, 11 February 1862, Page 3

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

me usual monthly meeting of the Chamber of Commerce was held at the offices of Messrs. Betbune and Hunter, on Monday, the 10th February, W.W. Taylor, Esq., the Deputy Chairman, oScupying the chair. The following mem* bers were present : — Messrs. Carter, Pearce, Spinks, Johnston, Duncan, Dransfield, Lyon, Bethuno, Pimrazyo, C. R. Carter, W. B. Rhodes, and th« Seoretary. The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed.

The Secretary read the following correspondence which bad been reoejved since the last meeting. 1. -.Letter from Assistant Law Officer, replying to communication from the Chamber, respecting, the want of increased means of. supporting civil claims under £100. ■ . - •

Attorney General's Office, >: - ; a ' t,. Auckland, January 7, 1862. ,mb,— l have the honor by direction of the Attorney General to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 24th December, 1861,co?er. . ing copy of a resolution passed at a Meeting of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, respecting the want of increased means of enforcing civil claims for sums under £100, and to inform * you that the same has been laid before his Excellency, His Excellency feels that there is ' ground for the complaints contained in the memorial ; but does not at present possess any means for remedying the evils complained of. I am directed further by the Attorney-General to inform you that it is the intention of the Government to bring before the General Assembly at its next session, a measure providing as far as practicable for the requirements of the Colony as regards the establishment of proper Courts of inferior jurisdiction, cml and criminal. * ~ — - —

I am further, to assure you, that tbe Government is earnestly considering the subject, with a view of giving effect to the wishes expressed throughout the Colony to the same effect as thea set forth in the Memorial.

I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant, F. D. JFkhtok, Assistant Law Officer 2. — From Secretary of Lyttleton. Chamber of Commerce suggesting alterations in present Customs' Tariff. Chamber of Commerce/ Lytteltoo, sth February, 1862. Sir,— l am directed to invite the co-operation of the Wellington Chamber, in a Memorial to the Geneial Government, having for its object certain modifications of the Tariff, which. are acknowledged to be essential to commerce, and which have been uniformly resisted by the late Ministry.

The Tariff of 1858 is principally obnoxious because not only is New Zealand more heavily taxed than any, of the Australian Colonies, but that tbe chief burden falls on coarse and bulky goods, and on articles of iudispeosible necessity and little value, while fine and Valuable materials and articles of luxury are comparatively exempt.

I find that watertights, straw hats, blankets, and rough goods generally, pay from 15 to 150 per cent, on their cost, and pickles, sauces* fruits, &c, about 50 per cent. , , This Chamber recommends the assimulatipn of tUe Tariflf of New Zealand as nearly as possible to that of Victoria, believing that it will increase the Revenue and reduce the cost of collection, it will do away with many of the inconveniences and annoyances of opening 1 , examining, and weighing goods, and the disputes and differences thence arising, and white increasing consumption, it will lessen the cost of clothing, soap, candles, and other things necessary to the health and comfort of the people. I estimate the loss to be occasioned hj the reduction of duties on wine, beer, sugar, and goods by weight and measurement (at the same rate of importation as last year) at £26,700, and the increase on spirits, tobacco, and tea at £22,000, the balance of £4,700 being amply coveied by the saving to the Department in the I cost of collection.

I find that in 1859, under the old Tariff, th» duties of goods by measurement bad increased from £31,300 in 1858, to £35,600, while in 1860, under the new Tariff (with a greatly increased population) it only amounted to £23,700. I therefore anticipate that the revenue would be largely increased by the imposition of a less duty on goods by measure* ment, because that system bears heavily on coarse fabrics and bulky goods of little' value of which there would be an increased consumption. lam directed to transmit a copy -of the Tariff with alterations recommended by tbt» Chamber. „ — And I hare the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant, A, Lomssou, Secretary. 1. Ale, beer, cider, and perry in wood or glass, per gallon ,;*.;. 2. Cigars and snuff per 1b..... •'.... » e .i.% S - 3. Coffee, obJoory, cocoa, and obocplafcei. :,'■• 4. Cutlery, hardware, plated and hollow- = ."'.■ ware, ironmoDgery of all sorts, »n4

, bib-dies indeoApbf'^iikiaiis.ii..,^ Free\ 6. Fifo arms of every description .<;...*. 5 Q 6. Gunpowder, per lb t . . 3 7. Manufactures of silk, cotton, linen, and woollen, and all articles manufactured therefrom, drapery, haberdashery, hosiery, furs, and boots and shoes, per cubic foot 2 6 Hats, confectionery, bottled and dried fruits, mustard, olive oil, pickles, preserves, ' sauces, spices, and oilman's stores of all kinds Free. 8. Spirits and strong waters of every kind, sweetened and otherwise, of any strength, by Sykeshydrometer, and in proportion Jor any less or greater i strength, than strength of proof, per gallon „ 10 0 9. Sugar of all kinds, raw, per cwfc 5 0 " refined " 9 0 ! 10. Tea, per lb 0 6 11. Tobacco, per lb 2 0 12. Wine, in wood or bottle, per gallon . . 2 0 13. Cordage, twine, cotton yarn, bags, and sacks, wool packs, spirits of tar and turpentine, tobacco, for sheep wash, powder for blasting purposes, and all unenumerated goods, wares, and merchandise Free. The following reports of deputations on gold-prospecting aud steam mail service were brought up, and ordered to be read.

KEBORT OF DEPUTATION ON GOLD PROSPECTING.

At the interview which took place with bis Honor the Superintendent on Tuesday the 14th instant, the Deputation appointed under resolution of the Chamber explained the course which had been adopted to stimulate the efforts of the public in prospecting for gold in this province ; and at the same time solicited the aid of the Provincial Government to promote the object. The Deputation have much satisfaction in reporting that his Honor the Superintendent took a warm interest in the subject, and promised that the Government would contribute a moiety of the expense attending the equipment and employ men t of a competent prospecting party. Further, that he would at once offer a reward of £1000 for the discovery of an availablegold field within the Province of Wellington.

With regard to the definition of the term "available gold field" it was decided that it should mean, a distiict within which gold shall be judgtd to exist, by certain commissioners to be appointed upon the discovery being made mown; capable of establishing a profitable somce of industry, and ol affording employment to a body of not less than 600 miners ; — that is to say, yielding an average of from ten to fifteen shillings per day for each man actually employ- | ed ( ; to be best ascertained probably by the re- 1 suits of from six to eight weeks working. ' Upon the arrangements being perfected, the Sub-Committee of tbe Chamber have instructed Mr. Williams, the selected head of the prospecting party, to enter upon the duty which has been entrusted to him; a report of whose proceedings will from time to time be laid before the Chamber and transmitted to tbe Provincial Government with the least possible delay, after their receipt of each communication. William Spines, Mover of Resolution. Chamber of Commerce, Wellington, 21 n January, 1862, SLEtORT OF A DEPUTATION ON MAIL SEBVICE. The deputation which was appointed by the Chamber upon the motion of Mr. Dransfield, waited upon his,Honorthe Superintendent on the 14th ult, and represented the importance of at once taking steps to encourage the extension of steam mail service between Melbourne and Wellington via Otago and Lyttelton. His Honor took a bioad view of the great advantages which must ensue from carrying out such an object as that referred to, and signi fied his entire concurreiace with the Chamber; but at the same time expressed his regret that there were some members of tbe Provincial Council, who he had been given to understand, were averse to any further expenditure of the public revenues for steam purposes. Under such circumstances, he was not at present pre pared with a pledge to meet the wishes of the wishes of the Chamber by giving tbe required support to the undertaking ; although be would not hesitate to say, that he regarded tbe project with favour, and looked upon it as a sure means of promoting the real inteiests of the Province under his government. J. Deansfibld, Mover of Resolution. Chamber of Commerce, Wellington, 16th January, 1862. Mr. Dransfield, as chairman of sub- j committee on gold prospecting, brought up Report of Prospecting Party up to the 7th February, which was read by the Secretary. GOLD PROSPECTING. BEPOBT OF SUB-COMMITTEE, The Sub-Committee appointed by the Chamber to promote the prospecting for gold in tbe Province of Wellington, have much pleasure in reporting the progress which has been made in their arrangements since the last General Meeting of tbe members. It will be remembered that in tbe preliminary report of the Sub-Committee presented to tbe Chamber, the co-operation of tbe public was invited with the view of raising a fund to meet the necessary expenditure attendant on the employment and equipment of a prospecting party or parties. The Sub Committee aie happy to announce that tbe required assistance has been liberally afforded, the amount already subscribed reaching tbe sum of £134, which there is little doubt will be augmented to £200 ; this, with the promised-aid of tbe Provincial Government, will place ample means at the disposal of the Sub-Committee to carry thb project, it is confidently anticipated, to a successful issue; more especially when a reward of £ 100.0 is of fered by His Honor the Superintendent, as an incentive.

Desirous that no unnecessary delay should take place in commencing operations, the Sub* Committee instructed Mr. Williams to select competent persons to accompany him on his expedition, — to provide himself with a tent, tools, &c, and to start at once to tbe proposed field of action.

Uuder tbe discretionary power which was vested in Mr. Williams by the Sub-Committee, lie with his |pany, consisting of four men, pro.eeeded to the scene of his previi us exertions at Waieriki, in the Terawiti district, where gold Jbad already been detected, and in fact found to be generally diffused over tbe locality, although in small quantities, in order that by renewed efforts it might be ascertained whether it was likely to be payable ground. The party started from Wellington on Thursday, the 30th January, and reached Waieriki tbe same night, tbe following day being occupied in camp arrangements, preparing tools, &c, for the morrow's work. On Saturday, the Ist February, they commenced sinking a paddock or space of ground, eight feet by six, which was bottomed on Monday at a depth of seven

feet, the bed i"oek being found to be of blue slate with a small quartz vein running through it, the result of the wash dirt beiug a few specks of gold to each dish. On Tuesday the party commenced a race so as to divert the water from the creek, and enable them to sink across the valley. Oa Wednesday the race was finished, and a second paddock opened 12 feet by 6, which was bottomed the next d;iy at a depth of 5 and a. half feet, the gold being again found) but of a somewhat shotty appearance. The prospectors then proceeded to open out auother sinking of a similar depth to the last, the bed rock being of the same character, with no perceptible dip ; in this the color only was obtained. This was on Friday last, the 7th February ; I but before the close of the day another paddock was begun, upon the completition of which it is proposed to move a short distance further along the coast to Oterongo, to test the value of that locality. Such is a brief account of what has been done by the prospecting party up to the the 7th February, and although the results have not yet reached the expectations of the prospectors, yet there is conclusive evidence that gold exists in the neighbourhood of Wellington, but tlmt the lead has not yet been struck.

The Sub-Committee would here remark, that there is nothing discouraging in the report of these proceedings, extending as they do over so short a period, but rather, they conceive there is room for congratulation ; as eren in the rich fields of " Tuapeka " and " Weatherston's Gully," hundreds of sinkings were bottomed only to be deserted ; in some of which not even the color was found, while in others the prospects were so poor as not to repay labour : and yet, within the space of a few yards, large deposits were come upon at a less depth of sinking. It is reasona- ( ble then to suppose, that at Waieriki, where the gold is spread in every direction, that the gutter will be at length struck, and the metal found iv paying quantities.

The Sub-Goramittee would also observe, that in Victoria, fields have been deserted more than once in consequence of the miuers, not being successful in falling upon the lead ; but by repeated trials, and faith in the richness of the diggings from the general distribution , of gi)ld through the alluvial deposit, almost fabulous discoveries have been made, as in the instance of Bendigo, — proving indisputably, .that ''where the presence of gold has been detected so widely spread over the country, it is only by untiring energy and patience thai the ultimate richness of the field can be determined. Theoretical knowledge and dogmatical conclusions of geologists ure no doubt interesting aad valuable ; but they too often tend to discourage research in relation to gold prospecting in certain districts; it is to the practical — the experienced miner that we must look to develope the mineral resources of the country, more particularity, to stamp the value of its auriferous character. J. Dbansfield, Chairman oi Sub-Committee. Chamber of Commerce, Wellington 10th February, 1862, Moved by Mr. Hunier, seconded by Mr. Spinks, " That the reports now read be adopted by the Chamber." — Carried unanimously. Moved by Mr. Hunter, Seconded by Mr. Pharasyn, j That the letter received horn the Secretary of the Lyttleton Chamber of Commerce; be referred to a sub-com-mittee, to consist of the Deputy! Chairman, Messrs. Woodward, Pharazyn, Dransfield, Rhodes, and the mover, to take the same into consideration, aud re- 1 port thereon for the information of the Chamber. LCR.M. STEAMERS. The Deputy-Chairman brought under notice the great inconvenience whioh the public of Wellington feel from the hurried movemeuts of Ihe I.C.R.MCompany's steamers. Mr. Hunter said that if it had not been for the attention of Mr. Hoggard, who delivered the mails on Sunday, the merchants would have been put to very great inconvenience indeed. As it was, some were precluded from shipping goods. Passengers were also much incon venienced, as it had hitherto unfortunately happened that the Company's steamer had arrived late on Saturday, and sailed again on Sunday. He knew of one gentleman proceeding to Sydney, who was compelled to leave half his baggage behind, in consequence of the difficulty of getting it taken on board on a Sunday. Mr. Dransfield said, that from what he had heard, the I.C.R. Mail Company was not so much to blame as the General Government, who had fixed the time table, for if they deviated from it, they subjected themselves to a fine of £100 per day for every breach made. Tbe General Government had the power in their own hands, and, therefore, their attention should be called to the matter, so that the present unsatisfactory slate of things might be altered as soon as possible. Mr. Johnston said that what had falieu from Mr. Dransfield would necessitate their taking double action in the matter; the General Government could be memorialised to alter the time table ; and the Company's attention could be drawn to the difference of charges made for freight and passage money to Wellington, and that to any other port in in the colony. The charges had always been larger to this than to any other port, and he thought it highly desirable that that should be altered for the benefit of the public. The Deputy-Chairman said, that if they did not follow up what had been said by a resolution, no good would result, aud the matter would fall to the ground. Mi. C. R. Carter considered that Wellington had been treated worse than any other province by the General Government. There appeared a fatality with regard to the Company's vessels coming in on a Saturday, aud sailing on a Sunday. Tbe arrangements with regard to the Company's steamers were very bad indeed, and the sooner they were altered the better. The Company's boats ware useful for little else than to carry tbe mails, for tbe accommodation for passengers was bad, and the charges exorbitant,

Mr. Ht/tfTßii said, that what Mr, Car^ ter stated was correct at one time ; biit now the Otago people recsived their mails direct, aud we send our own vessel over for the Wellington mail to Nelson. He, (Mr. H.) considered that the Company's vessels were of no use whatever, if they did not convey goods and passengers. He bad required some goods from Auckland, but the freight aud charges were so exorbitant as to be almost prohibitory. After a few further remarks from Messrs. Duncan, Johnston, and Huuter, the following resolution was moved by Mr. Pharazyn, seconded by Mr. C. R. Carter,

That the Secretary be requested to represent to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, the inconvenience and loss the present Time Table of the I.C.R.M. Company, occasions to the general and mercantile community of Wellington. Also, to represent to the Manager of the I.C.R. VI. Company, (Capt. J. Vine Hall) the very high and unequal rates charged for passage money, and freight to shippers and .consignees of goods, from and to this port. Carried unanimously. The business for which the meeting had been oouvened, having been concluded, the meeting separated.