MOTORING

Hokitika Guardian, 28 January 1929, Page 8

MOTORING

OARS FOR NEW ZEALAND

QUESTION OF DUTY

LONDON, Nov. 13. A few days ago a correspondent ot tlio “Daily Express” complained of the cost of getting a motor-car into New Zealand. “1 am a salesman for one of the oldest motor firms in the country,” he said. “At Olympia I sold a £llOO car to a New Zealander conditional upon id not costing too much for transportation, taxes etc. IVc were informed by the New Zealand authorities that the cost would be approximately £COO.” A subsequent letter signed by Sir James Parr explains the position. The High Commissioner wioue:— “ S.M.’ did not mention whether the amount stated was- for a car admissible under our British preferential tariff or otherwise. The Customs duty on a car valued at £llOO imported into New Zealand is £203 12s if admissible under the British preferential tariff, and £541 7s under the general tariff. “It is estimated that freight ant' other charges would amount to about £7O and, as in the case of the British article the total landing charges involved would only amount to approximately £275. The inference to Tie drawn is that the car in question was, to a substantial extent, of foreign origin, and not entitled to preference as a British ear.” AMERICAN ASCENDANCY. “[’have recently returned from a visit to New Zealand,” writes Mr P. Hunt in the “Daily Mail,” “and the two chief reasons why American cars predominate there are: (1) The American car is more suitable to motoring conditions; (2) lower prices in spite of the higher duty. “At the samo time there is a strong desire in that country to purchase British goods wherever possible.”