TARIFF REVISION

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 668, 21 May 1929, Page 7

TARIFF REVISION

N.Z. EXECUTIVE’S MOVE The Dominion executive of the New Zealand Farmers* Union has decided to make representations to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Agriculture regarding the appointment of a committee to inquire into rhe necessity for tariff revision. When the proposal for a permanent tariff board (of which one member should be a representative of the farming industry), came before the executive, it was pointed out by Mr. J. D. Hall that two years previously the executive had found itself unable to express an opinion upon a question so complex. The Government might favour such a project, but it had not worked either in Australia or in America. The question was one of importance, in the opinion of Mr. W. J. Poison, chairman, as farmers wanted lower costs, otherwise they could not progress. They held the tariff to be largely responsible for the high costs prevailing. Against this, a section of the community needed protection, yet this protection was increasing the cost of living, and the general expense. Although some way out of the impasse must be found he could not see any purpose in discussion by laymen of such an involved question. A tribunal of investigation should be set up, possessing the knowledge and information to determine where lay the | fault. He was against the wheat ques- ! tion being permitted to obtrude itself I into the discussion.

As far as possible they were anxious to assist their fellow farmers in the South Island, who were growing wheat. A broad view was desirable, and they should ask for a full investigation of the whole situation with no particular section of the community excluded.