CUSTOMS CHANGES

Hokitika Guardian, 7 October 1932, Page 2

CUSTOMS CHANGES

OUTCOME OF OTTAWA AGREEMENT. ? WELLINGTON, October 5. Alt is now anticipated that the Customs resolutions, giving effect to th e Ottawa agreement, will 'be presented to Parliament about the middle of next week. Since his return to New Zealand Mr Coates has been almost exclusively engaged in the preparation of the report of the Conference proceedings and the drafting of the necessary alterations to the Horn anon s tariff

The report, which seeks to present in proper perspective Ottawa’s aims and its accomplishments, ‘is in the printer’s k-.nds and the present intention is to table the document in the Horse on Friday. Next week, when the resolutions appear, Mr Coates wi.l deliver a comprehensive . statement explaining th e effect of the alterations Parliament will be asked to agree to. It has already been announced that the Customs resolutions will propose the exemption of all United Kingdom goods imported into New Zealand fiom the application of the surtax of 9-40ths, but the limited range of items enumerated in the secret Schedule of the agreement, oil which the existing duty is to be lowered, will necessarily remain confidential until th 6 resolutions appear. Intense interest is being manifested by local manufacturers in these con-' tern plated tariff changes, and there is much 1 speculation as to th e classes of goods likely to be affected. The contents of the schedule, however, have so far, remained a closely-guarded secret. When the resolutions are presented the House will also be informed, of certain figures connected with the meat pact which in. the meantime been withheld'.