TARIFF INCREASE

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 41, 12 November 1926, Page 4

TARIFF INCREASE

OPPOSITION BY BUSINESS MEN ASSOCIATION FORMED Opposition to any increase in the New Zealand tariff has culminated in the formation of an association. This decision was arrived at last nignt by a meeting of business men, called to consider the question. Mr. L. A. Edwards presided over an attendance of fifteen He saw strong objections, he said, to New Zealand being turned into a protectionist country She was essentially a primary pro luring country, and any increase in the tariff would be detrimental to her interests. "This country,” lie said, “must fail if we .lose our English market. The farmer to-day is finding that lie is not securing the prices for his produce he did a short time ago. He is still dependent upoi the slate of the market overseas for his success.” Continuing. Mr. Edwards that taxation to be equitable must fall more or less evenly on the community. They should not run away with the idea that Australia was prosperous because she had high protection. Australia was not as sound financially as New Zealand, [n his opinion the state of development of the Dominion did not warrant a protective policy. Mr. H. Jenkins said that he was of opinion that the interests of the general public would not. be served by an increased tariff. There was a certain amount of unemployment at the present time, but the position was not so serious as in other countries It was therefore contended by the protectionists that now was the time to increase the tariff, and thus absorb New Zealanders in fits mnnufactuie of secondary industries. The second contention was that the increased population caused by increased demand for labour would occasion a larger number of people living in the country. There were not many bread-winners who would benefit bv a tariff. If wealth could be created by an Act of Parliament, unpninlovinent would blfo he pbminiircd Such, however, was not possible. No tariff, he said, had yet succeeded in lowering the price of goods. Why should New Zealand try an economic somersault? be asked. Mr. G. H. Winder said that the question was lieoo’nin'’ an Imperial one. and New .Zealand’s decision in the matter might also he a decicling factor in the policy of other Dominions.' The following resolution was then carried unanimously: “That this meeting forms itself into an association to oppose any-increase in tariff duty.” At the conclusion of the meeting, the following were elected a committee: Messrs. A. Edwards. J. G. Harkness. G. F Winder. n’’d H. Jenkins The chairman remarked that several large establishments bad promised support, both financially and otherwise.