THE FEDERAL TARIFF.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3446, 27 March 1920, Page 7

THE FEDERAL TARIFF.

SOME OF THE PROVISIONS.

SYDNEY, March 25‘

‘The new tariff applies to fresh im--Iportations, also to goods in bond. Merchants during the past few months have been clearing stocks in anticipation of higher duties. The new principles include provision of an intermediate seale distinct from duties levied on British and other goods, -which is to come into force in the --event of Australia making reciprocal arrangements with other countries for granting concessions in duties in return for other concessions. There will be also a deferred scale, operating on a date coincident with the establishment of certain new industries ‘in Australia. There will also be provision for increased imports on goods dumped or carried by specially subsidised vessels at ballast rates. Re‘gaming preferential increases affecting Britain and Dominions willing to reciprocate, the tariff provides for preference up to ‘25 per cent. with a number of items at 15 per cent. to 20 per cent. Increases proposed on soap potted meats, pickles, confectionery, sauces and similar goods, where local competition exists to keep prices down. Excise duty on industrial dematured spirits is remitted considerably. Increased protection is given on coal tar products and chemicals. There is an all-round inc-reuse of 2% per cent on machinery, and 5 to 10 per cent on boots. Excise duty on tobacco, cigars and sigarettes is unaltered. Kerosene is adniitteil free. The beer duty is raised threepence per gallon and on spirits by two to three shillings Pol‘ gallon from the Uflifl‘-<1 Kingdom find four shillings fr.om other countries. Sugar is unaltered. . ~Press comments on the tariff suggest that it will undoubtedly increase the already high cost of living as_unfort'unately it contains no pmvision for the protection of the con. sumer.