THE PRICE OF TEA.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3629, 16 November 1920, Page 4

THE PRICE OF TEA.

PROPOSED REMOVAL, OF DUTY. WELLINGTON, Nov. 15. 1 A clause added to the Appropriation Bill In the House of Representatives on the motion of the Prime Minister authorised the Government to reduce the duty on tea by special order. Tea imported in bulk from British Dominions may be restored to the free list. The present duty on tea was imposed aft-r the outbreak of war as a method of raising'additional revenue. The prospect of the duty being lifted from tea has caused some anxiety among importers; who are bolding- stocks on which duty has been paid. ' The Prime Minister stated to-Say that the duty certainly would not he changed till the # end of the current financial year, on March 31 next. He .would not know the exact financial position* until the financial year had ended, and in the meantime he did not intend to sacrifice any revenue. The clause had been, inserted in the Bill in order that the Government might have power, after March 31. if financial conditions justified the change, to lift the duty from fen and so -rrVMe-vre the consuming pubic from one of the burdens added durh'p; t]v