N.Z. PIG PRODUCTS

Hokitika Guardian, 17 September 1929, Page 6

N.Z. PIG PRODUCTS

MOVE FOR INCREASED DUTY

(Australian Press Association)

SYDNEY, Sept. 16

A request was made for a duty of sixpence per pound on bacon and ham by Mr Patrick Grant, the President of the Primary Producers’ Union, who gave evidence before the Federal tariff Board to-day.

Mr Grant said that this duty would keep out importations of ham and bacon when supplies were available within the Commonwealth. It would also encourage tlie production of a better class of pig in Australia. Mr Grant added: “We receive New Zealand’s surplus products of bacon and ham at a lower price than is received from the consumer. Pig raising is more profitable in New Zealand than it is here, because of New Zealand’s more favourable, climate. This has permitted a .'cheaper production, while frequently * New Zealand bacon has been put upon the Australian market cither as New South Wales bacon or of Victorian bacon, the average quality of the New Zealand bacon has not been, up to ours.” The witness also pointed out that in pig products trade'with the East was profitable, andwas worth fostering, but it met with competition from New Zealand. '''

Mr James Harding, of Queensland, also gave evidence. He said that the New Zealand pork imports Australia were increasing at an alarming rate. The duty on pork was only ten per cent. Obviously, therefore, the New Zealand producers were taking full advantage to. dump a, portion of Llioir supplies into the Commonwealth. On the contrary, tlie duty on bacon, ham and pork New Zealand was double that of Australia, thereby preserving their owin' market for themselves.-

The Chairman of the Tariff Board interjected: “You are asking the people of Australia to bear a heavy impost in order to enable you to export your products.” The hearing was adjourned.

Mr Blow, the New Zealand Government agent, is watching the proceedings on behalf of the Dominion Government.