AUSTRALIAN.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 March 1920, Page 4

AUSTRALIAN.

rAUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION] FEDERAL TARIFF. DETAILS OF INCREASES. SYDNEY, March 25. The now tariff applies to fresh importations and also goods in bond. Merchants during the past few months have been clearing stocks in anticipation pf higher duties. The new principles include the provision of an intermediate iscale, distinct from the duties levied on British and other goods, which is to come into force in the event of Australia making a reciprocal arrangement with other countries for granting concessions in duties, in return for other concessions. There will he also a deferred iscale operating on the date, coincident with the establishment of certain new industries in Australia. Also provision for increased imports on goods dumped or carried by specially subsidised vessels at ballast rates.

1 Regarding preferential increases affecting Britain and Dominions willing to reciprocate, the tariff, provides for ; preference up to twenty-five per cent. ; with a number of items at fifteen to

twenty per cent. Increases are proposed on soap, potted meats, pickles, confectionery sauces and similar goods where local competition exists to keep prices down. Excise duty on industrial denatured spirits are remitted considerably or increased protection is given on coal tar products and chemicals. There is an all round increase of two and a half per cent on machinery five to ten per cent, on boots. The excise duty on tobacco, cigars and cigarettes is unaltered. Kerosene is admitted free and the beer duty is raised three-pence per gallon and spirits by two to three shillings per gallon from United Kingdom and four shillings from other countries. Sugar is unaltered. Press comments on the tariff suggest it will undoubtedly increase the already high cost of living, as unfortunately it contains no provision for protection of the consumer.

SUGAR 6d PER LB. MELBOURNE, March 25. The retail price of sugar has been increased to sixpence per pound from today.