CHAMBER OF CNMMERCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3282, 29 July 1911, Page 2

CHAMBER OF CNMMERCE.

QUARTERLY MEETING

The quarterly meeting of the Gisborne Chamber of Commerce was held! in the Borough Council Chambers yesterday, Mr J. W. Bright presiding over what was stated to be an exceptionally large attendance. The Acting Minister of Justice, writing under the date of July 10th, 1911, acknowledged the receipt of the Chamber’s letter of the 4th inst. drawing attention to the inadequate staffing of the Gisborne Police Force, and the condition of the police quarters. In reply, he had to inform them that instructions had already been given for the immediate addition of one constable to the Gisborne staff, and that every endeavor would be made to strengthen the staff when the next batch- of probationers is sent out of the training depot in about two month’s time. A report on the condition of the police quarters will be called for at once. —Received. The Acting-Prime Minister, the lion. Sir James Carroll, writing on July 13tli, stated that he had brought tlio matter of insufficient- and unsatisfactory quarters and the inadequate accommodation of the Gisborne Police force under the notice of the Hon. Mr Fowlds. —The letter was received. Mr Egerton Gill, secretary of the International Arbitration and Peace Association, forwarded a- resolution which was passed unanimously at a representative meeting at Auckland on June Bth last, and stated that his committee would be gratified if the local Chamber would pass a similar resolution, to be forwarded to the British and American authorities. Accordingly the following resolution was passed without dissent:

“That this meeting of the Gisborne 'Chamber of Commerce desires to express its profound thankfulness for the cordial reception given to President Taft’s overtures, made to Great Britain through Sir Edward Grey, British Foreign Secretary, for the peaceful settlement of questions affecting the two nations, suggesting that a treaty be made between Great Britain and the United States of America, by which every issue which cannot he settled by simple negotiation shall be submitted to arbitration ; and appeals to the members of this Chamber and' all interested in the welfare of our humanity, to encourage and strengthen the- hands of those who are endeavoring to bring the pr<*iosa!s to a successful issue.” Mr A. G. Beere brought up the matter of mails to Wairoa, and urged that a bi-weekly service be asked for. There was, he stated, a great deal of business transacted with Wairoa from here, and this was sufficient reason for better mail facilities. He would move t-liat the matter be inquired into. Mr A. S. Wachsmann seconded and warmly supported the the motion, saying that the matter had been brought up twelve months ago and that- a biweekly service had been started, but had ceased on the approach of winter. The motion was carried.

The matter of registering land agents was referred to by Mr W. Lissant Clayton, who moved : —“That it is desirable in the interests of the General public as well as the land agents of the Dominion that legislation should be introduced to register and license land agents on the lines of the “Sharebrokers’ Act of 1908,” with the object of (a) Protecting the. public from misappropriation of trust moneys held by agents from time to time; (b) Regulating commissions charged throughout the Dominion; (c) Prevention of those other than registered agents receiving commissions on sales of property. There was, he stated, perpetual trouble which gave land agents the name of “sharks,” a popular name he believed. The_mover dealt with the advantages accruing from the various clauses in the motion, which was seconded by Mr G. Tv. Paslev.

Mr A. S. Wachsmann also spoke, and stated that there were certain reasons, which he enumerated, for handling this matter delicately. The motion was. however, affirmed, and it was agreed to forward copies to other Chambers. A sub-committee was set up to inquire into the matter of direct shipments to this port. Mr A. G. Deere drew attention to the inconvenience caused by the presence of the wooden screen at present facing the entrance to the private letter box lobby, and suggested that a request be made to have the entrance moved to the letter box vestibule. It was_ agreed that the. matter bo inquired into.