TARIFF REVISION

Hokitika Guardian, 17 May 1933, Page 7

TARIFF REVISION

COMMISSION TO VISIT CENTRES

PROCEDURE TO BE FOLLOWED.

WELLINGTON, May 15,

For the purpose of taking evidence from persons desirous of making representations respecting the customs tariff, the Customs Tariff Commission proposes to visit various places in New Zealand. A special Gazette issued to-nights sets out the procedure to be followed by those making representations, and the schedule of information it will be necessary for these persons to supply. The commission is to report on or before September 30. A statement explaining the procedure, signed by the Comptroller of Customs, says that any person desirous to make representations in person should advise him at his Wellington address as to the article or articles in respect of which it is wished that the customs tariff should be maintained or altered. It is essential, the statement proceeds, that the place or places at which such evidence can be tendered should be stated as soon as possible. The itinerary of the commission must be arranged early. Where any association, organisation, or other body representing any particular industry, trade, or commercial interest is in a position to tender evidence of a satisfactory and comprehensive character and desires to do so, such evidence would be preferred.

PERSONAL EVIDENCE.

Where personal evidence is to be given before the commission the person intending .to appear should previously supply, if possible, written information along the lines set out in the schedule. Notice will be given in the Gazette and in the principal daily papers published in the district as to the time and place which the commission will sit in various centres, hut it is unlikely that sittings will be held except at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, / and Dunedin.' As the commission' is to report on or before September 30, 1933, it- will be necessary that those interested should indicate es soon. as possible the matters upon which: they - desire to make representations. All ' evidence, if a witness so desires, and subject to the approval of the commission, will be regarded as confidential. ■ The schedule sets , out the. lines of information to be given, . : including details of production j management, and distribution charges, as well, as the capital involved in the particular industry. Provision is also made for details of prospective industries.

AN IMPORTANT POINT,

li is important that as fat 'as pos* ‘Sible all evidence tendered 1 to the commission should relate to specific articles or closes of articles, and that where It includes matters of fact such as landed oos't, manufactured cost, selling ‘prices, cost of transport of goods or rates of wages, whether in New Zealand or elsewhere, such evidence should be supported by authorities or other documents on which the evidence is based. Any company, firm, or person desiring that the existing tariff on any class of goods should he maintained, increased, or reduced, should give evidence before the commission, as. in the absence of such evidence the commission may come to a conclusion which would be contrary to the interests of such company, firm, or person, and which might be other than the conclusion which would have been arrived at if such evidence had been tendered.