THE TARIFF DEBATE.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 December 1921, Page 4

THE TARIFF DEBATE.

Considering the- long time that has elapsed since the tariff was revised, the time occupied over the passage of the Bill, which was passed on Thursday -night-, was very moderate. The discussion was not remarkable for either eonStrueUve Assistance or convincing criticism, this probably being due to concentration on certain points connected With the o'f livi’ng. At the same time it led to some improvements in the flriglhflt SbHWhJIF, blit the Government was able to maintain all its propositions. The tariff as finally passed is not free from blemishes; yet it may be deemed as a comflientlabfe- -effort to deal with a very intricate and complex profilem, more particularly in view <rf the desire to earry cbt the principle of preference within the Empire, while if satisfactory arrangements can be made with AtlSttalia for an acceptable reciprocity, a good forward move Wiil'fakb place. During the debate there was strong objection voiced by some members to the large -powers vested in the Executive in dealing with special duties by Order-in-Uouncil under nearly ev&ty clause of the Bill. The principle involved ■is one that should be jealously guarded, and The powers bfily Used under very -special circumstances. There was much in the Ctmt&rttiofi that a Tariff Board should be provided, and no satisfactory reason was adduced against the suggestion. As to making refunds, it is obvious that only the importers would be benefited, Unless Parliament that refunds should only be made in respect of *diity-]sald godfls Actually held in stock by the importers concerned, for once they are attld any refrrtid Would merely go to swell profits. Time wifi prove how the new tariff works-, and if it requires amendment it is nof likely the Government will oppose the operation. Meanwhile it should "be given a fair trial, and if i£ to be httped it will yield a revenue that will permit of ifi dthef forms of taxation that are pressing hard upon certain sections of the community.