AD VALOREM DUTIES.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 189, 7 August 1873, Page 2

AD VALOREM DUTIES.

A preliminary meeting of persons in favor of ad valorem duties was held at M'Gee's Hotel last night, C. F. Watts, Esq., in the chair. Mr Levestam denied that the working man would be injured by the new tariff, and said that the statements that had been made by importers were not reliable. The tariff would have the effect of keeping in the country money that now went out of [ it. He moved : — " That a public meetj ing be called, to be held on Friday next, the Bth instant, for the purpose of the people of Nelson expressing their approval or disapproval oi the proposed alteration in the tariff, viz., changing the levying of duties to ad valorem from measurement." Mr Lights and said that the object of the petition was not to oppose ad valorem duties, but to protest against additional taxation. Mr W. Harley seconded the resolution. He saw the necessity of public works, and in order to secure them the people must submit to being taxed. Mr Graham thought a great many had signed the petition under a misapprehension. He believed in placing high duties upon articles that could he manufactured in the colony. Mr A. B. Jackson approved of ad valorem duties although he disapproved of some of the particulars of the tariff. On the motion of Mr J. Graham, seconded by Mr A. B. Jackson, it was resolved — That the chairman of the meeting be requested lo telegraph to Mr Luckie that a preliminary meeting decided unanimously in favor, of ad valorem duties in preference to measurement. Public meeting called for Friday, the Bth instant. General reaction taking place. Mr A. B. Jackson proposed, and Mr W. Hakley seconded—That a committee be appointed to make arrangements for a public meeting on Friday evening, in the Provincial Hall, if the use of it can be obtained ; such committee to consist of Messrs Watts, Levestam, Graham, W. C. Harley, Wylie, and the mover. Carried unanimously.