FLOUR DUTY

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 18, 12 April 1927, Page 1

FLOUR DUTY

INCREASE OPPOSED PROTEST FROM HAMILTON (From Our Own Correspondent.) HAMILTON. To-day. The threatened increase in the duty on imported Australian flour was discussed by the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce last night, when it was stated that Dominion flour had been selling at £lB 10s per ton. less 5 per cent, w’hile after all charges had been met Australian flour sold at £l7 5s u ton. less 2i per cent. The charges on Australian flour were £3 a ton duty, 30s freight, and 10s landing charges. The dispute was that imported flour still sold at £1 5s a ton cheaper than the Dominion product, although there was a difference of 7d in the price of wheat. Now Government proposed an additional £1 duty on imported flour. Mr. A. M. I3isley said the limit had been reached and a strong protest should be voiced. The millers were making money out of every class in New Zealand.

A resolution was passed that the chamber of commerce considers Government should reduce the duty on imported flour, and thinks it most iniquitous if additional duty is imposed. It was decided to give every support to the Taranaki chamber in condemning the Government’s policy in connection with the imposition of the duty. Although the duty was designed for protection the additional charges only resulted in increased prices of local wheat.