N.Z. DUTIES UP

Hokitika Guardian, 19 May 1933, Page 5

N.Z. DUTIES UP

ON FEDERAL COODS

ACTING ‘PREMIER’S COMMENT.

(Per Press Association — Copyright.',

WELLINGTON, May 18

Notice is gazetted to-mgbt that the rates of duty payable on United Kingdom goods will be applied to the following Australian goods as from the dates mentioned:—

On and from Ist. June: Cut and plug manufactured tobacco. On and from Ist. August:—Confectionery, fresh 'apricots, cherries, grapes, peaches, plums, tomatoes, cigarettes, spirits, floor coverings, apparel and hosiery, fur, skins and made-up furs, glass bottles and jars. China-ware, fancy goods, sporting re(jiiiwites, toilet preparations, motor vehicles, sashes and doors. Commenting on . the notice respecting the duties on Australian goods, Mr Coates states: “Under the tariff agreement between Australia and New Zealand, neither country can impose a customs duty or increase the rate of duty on goods produced or manufactured by. the other, except by mutual agreement, until after six months’ notice. Gazette notifications have nothing to d-o with the provisional agree: ment reached with Senator Miassey Greene, which has since been approved tby the Governments of both countries.”

“It is not the settled tariff policy of New Zealand that the duties on Australian products should be less than those on similar United Kingdom products, except in the case of ■special goods, such as timber, fish etc.” Mr Coates said: “Another reason for giving the notice was that it was found that with respect to tobacco and cigarettes the revenue, was likely to be prejudiced owing to the importation of such goods from Australia at lower rates of • duty -than' those levied on similar United Kingdom goods. Advantage was .taken, of the presence of Senator Massey Greene to obtain the consent of the Australian' Government to increase the duties on Commonwealth cut jand plug tobacco to the rates provided .for .in, the Customs Act Amendment Act passed in February last, -// ; '

“I regret that the ,particulars cannot at present be. supplied respecting; the agreement recently made, r' V< The usual course is-npt tp. publish, the details . until the legislation .has been introduced into the Parliaments of both' countries,” ■ '/-/ ‘ ••. /