THE TARIFF

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 3, Issue 612, 17 August 1933, Page 5

THE TARIFF

(Press Assn.-

P.ROTECTION AGAINST AUSTRALIAN METAL IMPOlRTS CLAIMED DUMPING ALLEGED

— By Telegraph — Copyright).

Auckland, Wednesday. The use of the word "iniquitous" in relation to the dumping of Australian sheet lead led to a brisk exchange of views at the Tariff Commission today between Professor Murphy and Mr. J. Hardley, secretary of the Dominion Lead Mills, Ltd., who asked that dutieb of 15 per cent for other Dominions and 20 per cent. for foreign be imposed. He said that Australian sheet lead was heing landed in New Zea.alnd at a price of £1 to £1 10s helow production costs. In the local industry five men were employed, but it was hoped to trehle that numher when c'onditons improved. "It is a most iniquitous thing that dumping should continue to he allowed,"- he said. Professor Murphy. "Why is it iniquitous? It seems to me that our huilders and plumbers are obtaining Useful material very cheaply." Mr. Hardley said that the local industry, after struggling along, had put £20,000 into buildings, thinking it would 'get some measure of justice. Professor Murphy; "Yes, but what do you mean by some measure of justice." Mr. Hardley; "That this country would never allow dumping." Professor Murphy: "There is no iniquity ahout that." Mr. Hardley: "There is." Professor Murphy: "You took a trading risk." Prices Would Rise Mr. Hardiey replied that he knew that, but if local industry was ohliterated hy dumping prices would rise to their forrner level. Professor Murphy said that "iniquitous" connoted something morally wrong, and that if the Commission was unable to meet Mr. Hardley's wishqs it would h@ implied that the Commission was conniving at com*mercial immorality. "I don't want to be associated with something morally wrong'. My reputation won't stand it." (Laughter.) Mr. Hardley agreed to. substitute the term "unfair trading." He said that his real grievance was against the New Zealand Government for aL Iowing dumping. Professor Murphy: "In order to keop five men in a joh you want to. raise the cost of iead in New Zear land?" Mr. Hardley: "We don't. It is a saving to the individual in the long run, because if we are ohliterated it Will mean that imported lead will b"e put up to the priee it is in Australia."