REMISSION OF THE TAX ON GRAIN.

Oamaru Mail, Volume III, Issue 735, 17 August 1878, Page 2

REMISSION OF THE TAX ON GRAIN.

A public meeting of merchants, farmers, and others interested was held at the Mechanics' Institute this afternoon, for the purpose of considering the proposal of the Government tq remove the tax from imported flour and grain. There were about fifty gentlemen present, and Mr. J. Hassell occupied the chair. We regret that owing to the pressure upon our space we are unable to do more than publish the resolutions submitted. Mr. N. Fleming proposed, "That this meeting having in view the disastrous results of a protective policy on those countries that have adopted it is desirous of seeing all import duties abolished on articles of inter-colonial production, and with this view will endorse the action of the present Government in the hope of like aotion being ultimately adopted in all the other colonies of Australia,"

The motion was seconded by Mr. P. Aitchison.

Mr. Steward proposed, " That while this meeting approves of the principle of free trade, and would like to see it carried out throughout the Australian Colonies, it is of opinion that as long as an import duty is imposed by any other colony upon New Zealand grain or flour it is necessary in self-defence tq impose a like duty upon like articles impqrted from auqh oolony." Mr. Bromley seconded the amendment. A second amendment was proposed by Mr, Dunlop—" That this meeting approves of the proposal to remove the import duty on grain, provided the import duty on timber is also removed, but not of the one without the other." On the question being put, the original motion and Mr. Dunlop's amendment was lost, and Mr. Steward's amendment was carried. It having been decided to telegraph a copy of the resolutions to the members of the House far the district, the meeting terminated.