REDUCTION OF CUSTOMS DUTIES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8093, 25 April 1906, Page 2

REDUCTION OF CUSTOMS DUTIES.

TO THE EDITOB. Sir,—The Premier's proposed reductions in the Customs duties seem to meet with very general approval, with the exception of that on tobacco, and I think very justly so. When we consider that not nearly one half of the people of this colony smoko, it is plain that it is the minority who will benefit, at a loss to the majority, by lessening the duty on tobacco. To many persons tobacco smoking is a very objectionable habit. Even the Government recognises this, and so provides smoking carriages oh the railways. Smoking in many cases is an injurious habit. If not, why is it illegal for youths to smoke? Then again, it is a dirty habit. What a large amount of expectorating it causes in our streets! How disgusting it is to see a lady with hor skirt trailing along the pavement come to a part where a set of smokers have congregated! I have seen such parts so wetted with spitting that I have preferred to loavo the pavement and walk on the road. When I was farming and employing a good many men, I did not allow them to smoke while at work, but at 10 a.m. and again at 3 p.m. I gave them ten minutes' rest, when those who likod could light their pipes. If this plan were adopted in the borough, it would be better than as now, when we can see men working with pipes in their mouths. If the Premier really desires to benefit the laborer and his family, let him discourage the smoking habit. Tho money a man spends on tobacco, if judiciously laid out, would provide his wife and family and himself with many comforts, or it would !be a provision for hard times, or times of sickness. Anyway, tobacco must be considered a luxury lo those who uso it, and certainly not a necessary article of consumption.—l am, etc., Thbifi,