THE TARIFF.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 60, 6 August 1907, Page 2

THE TARIFF.

THE BOOT NDUSTRY. Pur Press Association. . Wellington, August n. A deputation, representing manufao Unci's, importers ;inil distributors of boots and shoes, waited on the Minister lof Cu>.lonis, this evening. Mr !*• Hinnali said it came us a surprise that the tariff was to be altered. .As far as lie knew all the manufacturers wer; satislied with the duties they were working under. lie was most surprised that some of the goods protected were of a class very few manufacturers toadied, namely, rubber goods, and a cheaper grade of slippers. He bad received a telegram from the president of the Manufacturers' Association, stating Hint the manufacturers were satisfied with I the iaiilF on boots and shoe.*, v/ii:! 1 to*, exception of felts and rubber goods, . \vlii:-h sh.mld be under the obi rate Mr i A. Lindsay, «wir., said they agreed tluit .infants' boots should be allowed in .free, but certain other thicg-s, which r.cnld not be made in New Zealand had been singled 0"t for l.;tv—goloshes, f.enir.g shoes, anil flippers for example. Mi J. Thornton, repivseutii.fi the (Tirisfchurch • Ketailers' Association, said the o'.i tariff r ( ave quit:: mft'r.inn!' eneouiagement to oca: inarxi.facturers. Mr W. H. I'itzer said the operatives themselves had never asked for further protection.

The Minister, in reply, said the primary object of the Government in framing the tariff was to find work for our own artisans before thinking of those of other countries. The importation of boots was steadily increasing, while our own manufacturers were practically standing still. He admitted certain goods could not be produced as cheaply here as in other countries, and he hoped they never would be; but a «ood case had been made out with respect to felt slippers, which he believed were more or less death traps, and rubbers goods also. He was prepared to ask the Cabinet to reconsider the matter of felt slippers and rubber goods.

TIIH DAIRY INDUSTRY. Per Press Association. Wellington, August 6. A deputation representing the dairying industry told the Premier this afternoon that the prospect of the duty on dairying machinery was not viewed favorably by the industry. It was pointed out' that a preferential duty had been imposed on such machinery from foreign countries, though none came from Britain. The new duty would add about .£!) to the cost of factory separators, which now cost about £9 (sic) to land. Replying, Sir Joseph Ward said there had not been any increase in duty on dairying machinery, though certain machines had been placed on the preferential list. He pointed out that eleventwelfths of New Zealand's export of dairy produce went to the United Kingdom. The Government had taken this into consideration, and tried to show New Zealand appreciated the position.

VETERAN COLONISTS HONORED. l'er Press Association. Kelson, August 5. 011 occasion of their guidon wedding. Mr and Mrs George Talbot, 01 Richmond, wcrr, presented wi'-h a silver t-i:-and coffee service and salver in celebration of the event, and in recognition of Mr Talbot's long and faithful service on many puplic bodies, including Mayor of Richmond, chairman of the Education Board, member of the Harbor Board, Victoria College. Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, Agricultural and Pastoral Association, Stoke Road Board, Richmond Institute, and others. The presentation was made by Mayor She* I of Richmond. Mr Mnginnity, chairman of *he Education Board, supporting. There was a gathering of Mr and Mrs Talbot's family, and 9. large assembly of their friends.