FREE TRADE WITHIN EMPIRE.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 303, 29 August 1929, Page 5

FREE TRADE WITHIN EMPIRE.

FARMERS’ DISCUSSION. Matamata Meeting. A remit from the provincial branch advocating free trade and the abolition of protective tariffs, provoked Mr. J. W. Simpson to state at a meeting of Matamata farmers on Monday, that he was definitely opposed to the removal of protective duties as it would kill all the secondary industries by allowing Japanese and other goods to flood the market. Several secondary industries were only just struggling along now, and, further, American goods would also come in free, yet Americans were now proposing a further tariff increase on our butter, etc. He was in favour of Empire free trade only.

, Mr. Rollett stated Mr. Simpson had hit the nail on the head. He favoured free trade within' the Empire, but was against the use of the railways for tariff purposes. Such charges should be levied at the port of entry. Mr. Simpson agreed with the latter remarks.

Mr. Seed pointed out that the Railway Department stated it was not a protective tariff, but a concession. Messrs. Rollett and Simpson then moved that the branch approved of free trade within the Empire, but opposed any reduction in the tariff outside the Empire, with the qualification that it protested against the use of the railways for protective purposes.

Mr. Simpson pointed out that they should make it clear that they were opposed to any further increase ii. the protective tariffs alreadv in existence.

Mr. Prowse held there should be some limit, as there was something radically wrong when secondary industries could not stand on their own feet after all these years. Mr. Seed held when too much protection was given it made those protected too lazy. No amendment to the resolution was moved, however, and the motion was then carried unanimously.