AMERICA'S TARIFF REVISION.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 557, 9 April 1913, Page 4

AMERICA'S TARIFF REVISION.

It has always been realised that a revision in the tariff of the United States would be a matter of far-reach-ing importance as far as New Zealand was concerned, and the result of the recent presidential election wag watched with tne keenest interest. The new President is pledged to a reduction of (he duties on various commodities which are exported largely from New Zealand, and any material reduction in tariff will mean a marked increase in the price of our chief exports. To the farmer the importance of the matter at present lies chiefly in the probable reduction of the wool duties. At present the duty on wool imported £o the United States ranges from GJd to Is Gd per pound according to quality and class,, and any substantial reduction in the wool tariff is obviously of the highest importance to wool growers. The probability of an alteration will enhance the value of New Zealand sheep, and Berve to maintain the price of our rural lands. Naturally, a tariff revision will not be accomplished without the keenest opposition of those interested in both the sheep and cotton industries in the United States. The removal of the wool duties must have a materia] effect on tho cotton trade,, and anything which tends to a reduction of prices in that direction will be strenuously opposed by the cotton growers. However, the emphatic pronouncement of the people in favour of the Democratic programme will impel the new President to urge his policy to tho utmost, and the outcome will be watched by New Zealand with interest. Of possibly greater ultimate importance to tht) Dominion is the possible reduction on dairy produce. Nflw Zealand is gradually becoming a dairying country, and the increase in the price of butter which would ensue from the opening up of an American market, would hasten the development of tho industry considerably. Already the prices received for our butter has led to very rapid development in tho dairying industry, and it is recognised that tho prosperity of the great army of small farmerß depends upon the price of dairy produce being maintained. High prices have been paid for dairying land, and the point has almost been reached when people are looking more to improved methods to add to their returns, than to any increase in the price of the product. The knowledge that methods are being continually improved, coupled with the prospect of a wide* field, and an increaso in prices should inspire our settlers with confidence. It should also inspire our legislators with the necessity for roading our newly settled districts in order that settlers may be enabled to carry on their business under reasonable conditions.