THE TARIFF.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2151, 6 August 1907, Page 2

THE TARIFF.

DEPUTATION .TO THE PREMIER. A RE-CONSIDERATION PROMISED* Press Association. WELLINGTON, August 5. A deputation representing manufacturers, importers unci distributors "1 boots and shoes waited on the Minister of Customs tliis evening. R. Hannah said it came as a surprise to find that the tariff was to be altered. As far as he knew all the manufacturers were satisfied with the duties they were working under. He was most surprised that some of the goods protected were of a class that very few local manufacturers touched, namely, rubber goods and-a, cheaper grade of slippers. He had received a telegram from the President of the Manufacturers Association stating that tlie manufacturers were satisfied with the tariff on boots and shoes with the exception of felts and rubber goods which should bo under tho old rate. A. Lindsay, senior partner, said they agreed that infants’ boots should be allowed in free but certain other things which could not bo made in New Zealand had been singled out for duty, goloshes, evening shoes and slippers for example. 0. Thornton, representing the Christchurch Retailers ' Association, * said the old tariff gave quite enough encouragement to local manufacturers. ‘

Air. H. Fitzer said, the operators themselves had never asked for further protection. The Minister in reply: "skid the primary of the Government m framing the tariff was to provide work for our own artisans before

thinking of. those of • other countries* Iho importation of boots was steadily increasing while our own manufacturers were practically standing still, jc.e admitted certain goods could nob c; produced .as cheaply here as in •Vher countries and lie hoped they never would be, but a good case-bait l made, out with, respect to felt'flippers which he believed were more- ■ ’ (css death traps. Ho was prepar- • 1 ask Cabinet to reconsider the- •' ■ ■er of felt slippers and rubber 'cus.

ROTORUA RAILWAY SMASH. CAUSE OF THE' ACCIDENT. Press Association, AUCKLAND, August 5. Information received by tno Auckland railway office in regard to tho Rotorua train accident is to tho effect that when the train started to move back tho ‘Westinghouse brake, which should have hold it, came off. The train quickly gathered * speed, rushing down hill at about, eighty miles an hour. The train con;

of two guard’s vans, a passenger car, and about 28 waggons. All the vehicles left the rails, and were very much smashed and shattered by the fall over tho hillside. The track was broken at tho scene of the accident, but a. special train left Auckland yesterday at 2 a.ni. for the place. Mr. Waite, traffic manager, was on board. At Frankton the train picked up an inspector. and a largo gang of men. Last night word came that the lino was clem again, and ordinary traffio .would bo reiv ed to-day. Guard Lowe was 33 years of ago, and bad been 16 years in the railway department’s employ, having boon stationed at Rotorua for the last two and a-half years.