FEDERAL TARIFF

Hokitika Guardian, 26 November 1929, Page 5

FEDERAL TARIFF

EFFECT ON IMPORTS,

(Australian Press Association)

(Received this day at 12.25. p.m.) SYDNEY, Nov. 26.

Ths Prime Minster has issued a warning to importers contemplating taking advantage of the tariff immediately to increase their prices. He said the hopeful manufacturers would realize the purpose of protective duties was to extend stability to local industries, The assistant Minister of Customs predicts many additional hands will be employed in the cotton industry as a result,of the tariff.

Inquiries in Sydney show the duties imposed on soft goods and hosiery have already had an enormous restrictive effect on imports in progress. The tariff advances the duty on certain lines of textiles and foreign piece goods to 50 and 60 per cent, and on materials cut into shape, to seventy-five per cent.

One big city importing firm decided not to take delivery of large shipments actually afloat but will return them to the country of manufacture rather than pay the increased duties. The firm is reticent, out it is believed that others are acting similarly. MELBOURNE, Nov. 26.

As a result of the duty on stockings, one local firm expects largely to increase its employees and to increase the production of hosiery from two million to 8 million pairs per annum.

Mr Fenton (Minister of Customs) advises British manufacturers to open branches in Australia.