AUSTRALIAN TARIFF.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 April 1920, Page 6

AUSTRALIAN TARIFF.

VIEWS OP LONDON MERCHANTS, j APPROVAL FOR PREFERENCE, By Telegraph-—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, March 20. Austral'an mercantile circles are anxiously awaiting full details of the tariff proposals. The general feeling approves of the removal of the embargoes and the granting of preference to Britain and the Dominions, with limitations where economic conditions are lower than those of Australia. Some merchants consider that the new tariff must cause a reduction in British exports to Australia. Mr. Tredwen, chairman of the Australian Merchants Association, says that while giving us a welcome preference over foreigners, Australia evidently does not want to encourage imports. This may raise a difficult position regarding shipping. Mr. Tredwen states that at present steamers are going to Australia with only one-quarter cargo. The increased tariff will mean that still less cargo will he shipped and fewer steamers will load for Australia. It is. therefore, likely that there will he insufficient tonnage to lift all Australia desires to export, and possibly there will be increased freights for produce to Europe. Soft goods' trades in response to Inquiries by the representative of the Australian Press Association, state that they do not think the proposed increased tariff on woollens will adversely affect trade, particularly while the present conditions in the world prevail. The full effect of the tariff will not be realised until the pre-war conditions are resi- --'l. but it is likely that Australian competition with England for many years to come will be confined to lower and medium cloths. Even then it is doubtful whether Australia will be able to produce sufficient for its own needs. The tariff, together with the high cost of production and other charges, will be sufficient to exclude English cloth* not of the first quality, exee.pt to the extent to whicli the Australian production will fall short of the demand. Regarding better solid worsted goods, the effect of i the extra tariff will-not be appreciable. I except to increase the cost to the Australian purchaser. Machinery, plant, and skilled labor are all wanting in Australia. to enable her to compete seriously in the, production of the highly finished | cloths.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.