DUTY ON STOVES

Hokitika Guardian, 6 May 1932, Page 8

DUTY ON STOVES

request for abolition

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, May 5

A deputation representing a number oi Power Boards made a request to the Minister of Customs to-day that electric

,-;oves and cooking appliances manufactured in the United "Kingdom be placed on the free list in the British preference tariff, of the customs tai iff of New Zealand. At present they b,?ar 20 per cent, ad valorem duty. It was Mated that ninety per cent, of the Boards were strongly in support of a removal of the duty. It was urged that it was the duty ot all electric supply authorities buying power in bvA from the Government to use every endeavour to build 'up their load on the existing lines. The Minister in reply, said the point? put forward were- entitled to consideration. The figures submitted, did not. however, show whether theic had bet n an increase in the number of stoyermanufactured in New Zealand during the past few years. Re would submit the request to the- Development o f Industries Board and obtain a report on the progress of the New Zealand electric stove industry. A copy of that report would be forwarded to the executive of the Power Boards He understood there were several firms which manufactured electric stoves, and if the diitv were removed, it migW: mear 'the throwing of several hundred men put of employment. In any case, no action could be taken in the present session