NEW TARIFF.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 March 1920, Page 5

NEW TARIFF.

SCHEME FOR AUSTRALIA. deader living cost entailed. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Received March 25, 10 p.m.

Sydney, March 25. Tlie new tariff applies to fresh importations and also to goods ■in bond. Merchants during the past few months have been clearing stocks in anticipation of higher duties. The new principles include the provision of an intermediate scale 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 011 the date coincident with the establishment of certain new industries in Australia; also provision for increased imports on goods dumped or carried by specially subsidised' vessels at ballast rates. Regarding preferential Increases affecting Britain and the Dominions willing to reciprocate, the tariff provides for preference up to twenty-five per cent, with a number of items. Fifteen to twenty per cent, increases are proposed on soap, potted meats, pickles, confectionery, sauces and similar goods where local competition exists to keep prices down. The excise duty on industrial denatured spirits is remitted, and considerably increased protection is given on coal tar products and chemicals. There is an all-round increase of 2'/ s per cent, on machinery, and five to ten per cent, on boots. The excise duty on tobacco, cigars and cigarettes is unaltered. Kerosene is admitted free, the beer duty is raised 3d a gallon, spirits by two to three shillings a gallon from the United Kingdom and four shillings from other countries, and sugar is unaltered. Press comments on the tariff suggest it will undoubtedly increase the already high cost of living, as unfortunately it contains no provision for the protection of the consumer.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. .