INCREASED TARIFFS

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 60, 8 September 1926, Page 11

INCREASED TARIFFS

(To the Editor.)

• Sir,—Mr. Winder's suggestion put forward in his letter published in last night's "Post" that all should unite in one society who feel that their "interests would be endangered if a protectionist policy be adopted in New Zealand is one which has much to commend it. Sir. Winder points out the dangers to importers in the possible losg of their markets, and urges them to action in their own self-interest. While there is much to be commended in Mr. Winder's viewpoint, I think there are many who will agree that the question of one tariff»policy should not be permitted to resolve itself into manufacturer versus importer. The question should surely be viewed from a national viewpoint and from that point .only. Declining prices for our produce in the world markets compel us to 100k > to cheapening our methods of production. Our wage rates are fixed by re- i ferenco to the cost of living. The object ! of a protective tariff is to increase prices, otherwise it does not protect. . Increased tariffs will increase living costs, and therefore_ wages. In fine, the protectionist policy is to increase production costs to meet declining prices. To advocate such action at thei present moment is perilously near advocating economic hari-kari. I think, therefore, that the suggestion of Mr. Winder's that united opposition should be organised to combat the protectionist propaganda now proceeding is desirable upon the broad ground of public interest. I believe that thia view is held extensively in the Dominion, and is not confined to selfinterested importers only. I shall be pleased to join with Mr. Winder or anyone else in an effort to combat this suicidal pohcy which is now being advocated. The tariff issue must be faced now, because we are promised a general tariff revision next year.—l am, etc., tu. a , , HUGH JENKINS. 7th September.