CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2769, 26 March 1910, Page 7

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

QUARTERLY MEETING

The quarterly meeting of tho Gisborne Ciiamber of Commerce was held on Thursday night. Present: Messrs A S. Wachsmann (chairman), J. R. Kirk, W. A. O’Meara, R. W. 'Kyme, F. W. Riacli, J. Howie, J. W. J. Preston. J. R. Redstone, T. E, Toneycliffe A. L. Muir, Crompton, F. C. Fiddy, D. J. Barry, I. S. Simson. Mr Ashton, manager of Messrs L. D. Nathan and Co., was elected a member of tlie Chamber.

The 'Secretary, of the Marine Department wrote advising the Chamber that the fishing limits for Gisborne had been extended to reach .between the East Cape and Portland Island.—The letter was received, the Chairman laying that it was most satisfactory. The Director of the Department of Industries and Commerce, wrote asking the Chamber to express a definite opinion on tho point of the time limit for furnishing export entries to the Customs. —Mr. Howie said that the shorter the time the better would it be for the Customs Department.; —Tlie Chairman suggested that the period of six days at present existing be adhered to. —This was agreed to, having been finally moved by Mr F. W. Riacli, and seconded by Mr AV. A. O’Meara. The Minister for Agriculture wrote acknowledging the Council’s communifeation regarding the registration of wool bale brands.—‘Letters on the same subject were received from the secretaries of the Napier and Dunedin Chambers of Commerce.—lt was decided to write to the Associated. Chambers of Commerce in Australia asking for their support. —Mr Riacli remarked that the consensus of opinion amongst growers was in favor of the proposal. The question of direct shipments to Gisborne was dealt with, the secret a rereading several letters from southern Chambers on-the subject. The Chairman said that a direct shipment system had proved of great value to Timaru and other places. Mr Tonevcliffe said that it might, not always suit the drapers to get direct shipments, as there were some things they had to have at a certain time. It might be possible to save, however, and lie presumed that the freights would be the same to Gisborne as to Wellington. In the majority of cases, however, shipments might be regulated by all tradespeople if they were sure of a direct boat, say every two months.

Mr O’Meara supported the proposal for direct shipments. Mr Barry 7 pointed out that his imports were discharged in Auckland, while the boat that discharged them shortly afterwards came to Gisborne. In reply to Mr Barry, Mr Preston said that the question of a regular coastal service from Gisborne was at present receiving the careful consideration of the Union Steamship Company. A general discussion followed on tlie subject of the trade with tlie C-oast, several gentlemen stating that in view of the fact that the Union Company’s Squall does, no call at Tologa and Tokmaru Bay in the journey to Auckland, a considerable amount of trade Was lost to Gisborne. Mr Preston said there was no getting away from the fact that Auckland had the East Coast trade. If, however, 10 tons of cargo were guaranteed frem Gisborne, the Squall would call there regularly on the upward journey. Mr Ivirk eventually moved that a 'committee be set- up to inquire into the matter amongst shippers; and then to approach the shipping companies on tlie subject. Mr Redstone seconded the motion, and the following gentlemen were appointed: Messrs Townley, Wachsmann, Burton, Barry, Riach, Toneycliffe, and the secretary. Mr Toneycliffe brought up the question of the Waioheka stock track, and moved that Government- be requested to push on the work as speedily as possible, as it was of great importance to the district. Air. Simson seconded the motion, which was carried, and it was also decided to make representations to Hon. Jas. Carroll and Air. AY. D. S. AlacDonald, ALP., on the subject.