TARIFF REFORM

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8354, 14 February 1913, Page 10

TARIFF REFORM

INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION’S ATTITUDE. MR ROBERTSON SAYS “FISHER HAS COURAGE.” Arising out of a letter received from the Canterbury Industrial Association, the subject of tariff reform was discussed at last night’s meeting of the Wellington Provincial Industrial Association. The communication stated that at a meeting of the Canterbury body it was considered that the industrial associations were, as a body, entitled to haw something to say on the matter of tariff reform, and it was agreed that the Minister should be approached with a view to getting him to allow the industrial corporation, in conjunction with the various associations, to consider any alterations before submitting them to the House. The chairman (Air L. R. Partridge) said the matter was one the association had to bear in mind. The Government had promised that it would not decrease the Customs tariff, and if anybody was going to take any action to get a lower tariff, the association would, of course, have to be alive to it. Mr D. Robertson thought a committee should be set up to go into the question and ascertain from the Minister what he was going to do in favour of the Dominion’s industries. That was what the association was for. There were a good many things imported into the country which local manufacturers could make just as cheaply it they only had a chance. They needed some protection by way of an adequate tariff. The chairman moved that the association agree with the Canterbury Association and send the latter’s resolution to the Government. As a body, he said, they should be heard on any measure affecting tariff reform, before it was passed into law. Mr F. C. Crease seconded the motion. Mr E. Bull said that candlemakers in the Dominion were paying a duty of 60 to 60 per cent, on wax. Candles were coming here from Burmah and other places where wax was produced—mainly by black labour —at such a figure that colonial manufacturers could not look at it. “ The merchants don’t give a hang for colonial goods,” he declared. “ They will take up foreignmade stuff like that at per cent. We are paying 60 to 60 per cent.” Mr Robertson remarked that high wages had to be paid in New Zealand, and local manufacturers had to compete with importations from places where low wages ruled. “ You cannot get the right price for your work, because you have to compete with the world to get it,” he commented. “We should have a tariff to help us if we have to submit to these laws. Ward promised to attend to the tariff. Fisher, I think, has more courage than Millar. Ho was frightened to touch the tariff, I think. Fisher has courage enough to alter the tariff in onr favour, and I think the sooner wo take the matter up and ask him what he is going to do to assist us, the better it will be.” The motion was carried.