THE TARIFF.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 60, 24 July 1907, Page 2

THE TARIFF.

Per Press Association. Wellington, July 23. A deputaton brought under the notice of tin- Minister of Customs to-day a grievance suffered by local bodies in consequence of the revised tariff increasing [the duties 011 east iron pipes and electrical appliances. It was pointed out I tluit the tariff woull result in a lienvy |loss to tlie City Council and other local ' bodies which had various public works 1 in hand.

The Minister, in reply, said the policy of the Government was to find work for its own people before finding it for anyone else. Encouragement should be given to an industry which had already been started in the colony. The total remissions of taxation amounted to .0370,000 under the Government proposals, and the increases to .0132,000. It was absolutely impossible for the Government to sacrifice any more revenue. There was 110 justification for steam machinery paying twenty per cent, duty and electrical machinery being allowed to come in at 10 per cent. He liad fruitlessly endeavored to get electrical engineers to diffeientiate between electrical appliances and electrical machinery. Probably something could be done to give relief -so far as copper' or insulating material was concerned. If electrical engineers would assist him in the way he required, he would be able to give the matter better consideration. Masterton, July 23. The Borough Council to-night discussed the increased duty on iron pipes of greater diameter than five inches. The duty in this class of pipes has been increased from 5 per cent, to 20 per cent. This was considered a very serious matter for local bodies when carrying out gas, water and drainage work. A motion was carried entering an emphatic protest against the increased duty. It was also decided to seek tlie co-operation of all local bodies in the colony in protesting, and to forward the resolution to the member for the district.