CUSTOMS TARIFF.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1744, 4 August 1917, Page 4

CUSTOMS TARIFF.

THE INCREASED TAXES. - After Sir Joseph Ward had finished reading the Budget, he submitted proposals for the imposition of additional Customs duties on certain luxuries, which were agreed to and are payable as from Thursday last. They are as under: — Fruits, preserved in juice Or syrup, 25 per cent, ad valorem; preferential surtax, 121 per cent, ad valorem. Cordials, bitters, and liqueurs when exceeding the strength of 33 per cent, of proof spirit, but not exceeding the strength of proof, 18s the liquid gallon (Is-increase). Cordials, bitters, and liqueurs when exceeding the strength of proof, 18s the liquid gallon (Is increase). Spirits and spirituous mixtures, the strength of which can be ascertained by Sykes’ hydrometer or other instrument, 18s the liquid gallon. Spirits and spirituous mixtures, sweetened, n.0.e., when exceeding the strength of proof, 18s the proof gallon (Is increase). Spirits and spirituous mixtures, containing more than 33 per cent, of proof spirit, excepting medicinal preparations, 18s the liquid gallon (Is increase). Wine of any kind containing more than 40 per cent, of proof spirit, 18s the liquid gallon (Is increase). Wine, sparkling, containing not more than 40 per cent, of proof spirit, 15s the gallon (Os increase). Essences, flavouring, containing more than 33 per cent, of proof spirit, ISs the gallon (Is increase). Cigars, 12s the pound (5s increase). 'Snuff, 12s the pound (5s increase). Cigarettes, 20s Od the 1,000 (5s increase). Tea, 5d the pound (3d.increase); preferential surtax, 2d the pound. Tea, in bulk, 3d the pound (3d increase) ; preferential surtax 2d the pound. Textile piece goods, 20 per cent, ad valorem. Silks, satins, velvets, plushes, including imitation silks, 30 per cent, ad valorem (increase of 20 per cent.). It may be explained that lea imported in packets was previously subject to 2d per lb when from British Dominions and 22-5 d per lb from foreign countries. Tea in bulk provided free from British Dominions is now 3d per lb, and 5d per lb from foreign countries. As lo beer duty, the previous minimum rate was 3 12-lGd, giving an allround average duty of 4d per gallon. This minimum is now advanced to 4 l-lfid, and-the average is expected to reach 5d per gallon. The duty on tobacco manufactured in Now Zealand is as under: — Cigars and snuff, (5s fid the pound; cigarettes mauufaclimed by machinery, 3s (id the pound; cigarettes made by hand, 2s the pound. The Minister stated that by the now tariff the revenue would be increased as follows: —Champagne £2,120; cigars £12,716; cigarettes (under 211 b.) £40,474, cigarettes over 2lib.) £3,011, silks, satins, etc., £20,130, In answer to questions, he said that Ihe beer duly was being increased by one-fourth, and that extra taxation should amount to £4G,000. He had no objection to the reduction 'of the strength of beer to (he lowest point. If the reduction affected revenue it would be the proper thing to consider the position again.