TARIFF COMMISSION

Hokitika Guardian, 14 August 1933, Page 6

TARIFF COMMISSION

EQUAL TREATMENT SOUGHT

FOR GAS AND ELECTRICITY

[Per Press Association Copy rigid.)

AUCKLAND, August 14

Equality of treatment for gas and electricity industries was sought by James Lowe, general manager of the Auckland Ga»s' Coy., before the Tariff Commisioii. He said that the specific duties to which his company objec-eJ were those of, 25 per cent. on g- fi images, etc., 10 per cent, on gas , engines, and 20 per cent, on cast iron pipes. He asked that these items be treated in the same manner as similar clec.ric appliances. The duty on electric ranges was 20 per cent., and electrical motors were free, aud lie asked that the duty .on gas engines be abolished. He also urged that a <duty of at least 2d per gallon be imposed on crude oil importations, which, he said was affecting coil, coke and gas. The industry was being squeezed between state aided electricity on one hand, and free imports of crude oil on the other.

Professor .Murphy commented that three more gas companys were* showing quite good profits. Witness replied that that was due to good management. Their rate of expansion was being slowed down. In reply to Dr Craig, witness said th.it there was mot much danger of the gas industry being held up by strikes.