HOUSES AND MOTORS

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 54, 1 September 1926, Page 8

HOUSES AND MOTORS

Fixed principles of tariff policy eaunot he applied to the amendments introduced in the House of Representatives last night. The now or increased duties . are designed for a variety of purposes: (1) to give increased preference to British motor-cars; (2) to afford greater protection to New Zealand motor-body builders; (3) to protect the timber industry. Tho first of these purposes we must approve, and we believo that a majority of disinterested persons will approve it; but there may be some difference of opinion as to the

measure of protection that should be afforded. An advantage of 25 per cent, is now given to the British ear. If British manufacturers will use this advantage wisely, not leaning" upon it but supplementing it by their own endeavours, they should be able to win a great proportion of the local trade. It must be bQrne in mind, however, that price has not been the only handicap under which tho British car has laboured in this market. The foreign car has often been preferred because of the greater suitability of tho model and the better organisation of service.

The now duties will help as regards tho price handicap, but it is for the British manufacturers to see that the other obstacles to effective competition are overcome. The same may he said as touching tho increased protection granted to builders of motor bodies. If they cannot get the trade now they must look to their own house, and see if they cannot improve, their organisation and methods of manufacture.

The protection of the timber industry is upon" an entirely different basis. This industry deals with a raw material and

supplies a product essential in housing the people. If that product cannot bo obtained at a reasonable price locally it must lie imported. Tlio question then becomes: What is a reasonable price? Obviously, the cost of imported timber must be taken into consideration in answering this question. It would bo taking a one-sided view to say that tho price shall be Buch as will enable the local industry to carry on -with such methods.and such profits as the industry itself desires. As an | emergency measure, the Government, following the recommendation of the Industries' Committee, has decided to I levy a duty upon new classes of roughsavta. timber. This may not result in an increase in the priye of local timber, but it will almost certainly . increase the price of house-building where imported timbers have hfFherto been used. The Government >can justify this measure by pointing to fhe duty hitherto levied upon Oregon pine and asking why there should be a difference between Oregon and cedar. But we hope that this emergency action will not be considered a sufficient solution of the problem. There is plainly the need for a thorough investigation, of the milling and merchant business —an investigation in which the interests of house-builders -will not be overlooked. Some members of the House are certainly taking a one-sided view of the problem. Their advocacy of wholehearted protection for sawmillers does not accord with their professed anxiety to assist the erection of more and cheaper houses.