TARIFF BOARD OPPOSED

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 670, 23 May 1929, Page 6

TARIFF BOARD OPPOSED

FARMERS’ UNION VIEW PARLIAMENT SHOULD DECIDE As the outcome of recent conferences between the Auckland Manufacturers’ Association and the Farmers’ Union, the farmers conference yesterday discussed the merits of a tariff board, the establishment of which has been strongly and persistently advocated by the manufacturers as a governing factor in industry. TN order that the conference should express its opinion, Mr. R. H. Feisst moved: “That the conference is strongly opposed to the setting-up of a tariff board, but considers that before any revision or alteration of protective duties is undertaken, there should be a public inquiry and report by * competent tribunal.” Mr. Feisst said that the executive had gone into the question, and bad come to the conclusion that a tariff board would be merely a shield for the industries, and would result in higher tariffs. The manufacturer* were in accordance with the union, and supported the proposal for a public inquiry. Captain H. M. Rushworth said that it was really on the floor of the House that the question could be combated, but with representatives in tbe House, the affair would be moved * stage further back, by the proposal to establish a board. The only way in which the farmers could voice their opinions was to have representation on the board. Personally, be would fight to the last ditch to prevent the question being removed from the floor of the House.