Report of Committee.

The Committee beg to submit their report for the past year, which embraces the principal subjects considered by the Chamber during that period ending 30th June, 1882. The subjects which have chiefly engaged their attention are as follows:—

Direct Steam communication with Great Britain; Otago Central Railway; Otago Dock Trust; Dunedin Railway Station; The earlier delivery of Northern Mails; Delays in delivery of Cargo from ships discharging in Port Chalmers; Harbour Board's amended regulations and imposition of increased dues; The American Tariff on Wool; Jetty Street Crossing; Agricultural College; The New Chamber of Commerce Building; Bills of Sale and Bankruptcy Amendment Act and Conference relating thereto, held at Wellington; Associated Chamber of Commerce; Additional Wharf Accommodation; Refrigerating Meat and Dairy Produce.

The work of the Committee during the past year has, so far, not resulted in any very practical or useful legislation; but this has not arisen from any want of care or attention in the part of the Committee. During the past and present Sessions of Parliament, bills having any bearing on the commercial interests of this community have been carefully watched by the Committee, and, whenever necessary, the attention of the local members of the Assembly or of the Government have been called to the subjects, and suggestions made thereon. Several questions of more or less importance to the Commercial and Shipping interests have been brought under the consideration of the Committee; and one which has received a large amount of attention is that connected with the Harbour Board, and the legislation sought by that body.