of Commerce.
The questions of Trade Marks Regulation and of River Conservancy have been prominently before us and have, in conjunction with other leading representative Bodies in this place, been energetic cally taken up. As regards Trade Marks, I hope that a workable scheme will in due course be arrived at for the mutual benefit of all. As regards Conservancy, the "N.-C. Daily News" published on the 9th instant an unofficial translation of a memorandum which is stated had been forwarded by the Doyen of the Diplomatic Body at Peking to the Waiwupu, being a proposed modification of the terms of the Protocol of the 7th of September 1901. This memorandum was no doubt drawn up by the Sub-Committee appointed to reply to proposals made by the Waiwupu. In reply to a recent request of the Chairman of the Council, that the terms of the scheme be made public, the Doyen of the Diplomatic Body replied that the representatives of the Powers do not consider themselves authorised to communicate the terms of the proposals, in regard to the improve~ ment of the Huangpu, until they have been approved by their respective governments as well as by the Chinese Government, We recently issued to you a copy of a letter received from a member drawing attention to the losses importers were subjected to by the late delivery of piece goods from America and England. In America I understand the troubles would seem to have arisen from dislocation of shipping facilities during the past year, shipowners getting more lucrative rates of freight on food stuff and warlike supplies. As regards Lancashire the fault is doubtless to some extent with the manufacturer, the dyer, and the bleacher, who seem, when demand is good and prices right, to book more goods fora given period of delivery than they can possibly produce. Importers may then have to face forward exchange contracts at probably }d. per tael per month down and possibly also loss of market. I think few importers deal direct with manufacturers, therefore our claims for loss on contracts lies with our contractor, the Manchester merchant. In these days we hear much about the advantage that would occur to trade if the merchant were done away with altogether; that the merchant is out of date; thatthe manufacturers should deal direct with the consumer, etc., etc. But in practice I think it will be found that the middleman is still of some use in meeting the complicated situations that arise in the course of trade. During the year 32 arbitrations and surveys have been undertaken under the auspices of the Chamber, as against 22 in the previous year. We have found at times considerable difficulty in getting gentlemen, with expert knowledge, when surveys for some classes of imports are required. I should be glad if members willing to assist us would register the names of experts on their staff with the Secretary.
I have no further remarks to make, but before putting the formal resolution I shall be glad to answer any question or to give any information in my power. You will please understand that the Report and Accounts are at present before the meeting. After they: have been passed, any member who has anything to say on any other subject will be given an opportunity to do so.
There being no questions regarding the accounts and no observations about the report, the Chairman proposed: That the report and accounts as presented and published be accepted and passed.
Mr. J. N. Jameson seconded, and the resolution was carried unanimously, The Chairman—The next business ig the election of the Committee for the ensuing year. There.are twelve names down, but I shall be very glad if some member would suggest other names to add to the list. that these names edie de Bevior, Mr, F. Anderson—I beg to pro;
C. Brodersen, H. W. Buckland, J. Chapsal, R. H. Hunter, J. N. Jameson, H. Keswick, A. Korff, W. D. Little, A. McLeod, J. Stern, and A. Wright, as circulated, be elected as Committee for the ensuing year.
Mr. H. A. J. Macray seconded and the resolution was carried unanimously.
Mr. Schréder—Gentlemen, the Chairman has referred to a letter received with regard to delay in shipment: That letter was sent to your committee by my firm, Other firms complain of the same thing. We have since had time to think the matter over. Itappears to me that the best way to overcome the difficulty would be for us to
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.