THE AMERICAN TARIFF.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2705, 30 August 1894, Page 2

THE AMERICAN TARIFF.

WHAT FREE WOOL MEANS TO HEW ZEALAND. Wellington, August 26. Now that the United States is to all intents and purposes prepared to receive wool free of duty (says the Post), it only awaits the President’s assent to the new Tariff Bill, which will have that effect, and if the assent is not given within 10 days from the passing of the measure it becomes law without bis signature. The opinions of a gentleman well qualified from his official position to be recognised as an authority as to the opening given to this colony for developing an important trade will be read with interest. In the course of an interview which an Evening Post representative had yesterday with Mr J. D. Connolly, of Auckland (the American Consul for New Zealand), who is now on a visit to Wellington, that gentleman remarked that he certainly thought there was a wide field under the new condition of affairs for the introduction of New Zealand wool into the United States. On the principle that the first in the field was most likely to catch the market and retain it, it was advisable that this colony should be up and doing,, and he would suggest the chartering of some vessel by those most interested in the exportation of our staple products, loading it with samples of the best wools grown in the colony, and despatching it, together with an expert able to afford American buyers all the information required, to New York. The principal markets were in the east, and New York was therefore the beat market to ex* periment with. There was a splendid field in front of any enterprising woolgrowing colony, and the present chance if not seined by New Zealand would in all probability be snapped op by Australia, the Argentine, or soma other country. First-class wool was likely to be in much demand. Heretofore the heavy duty rendered it too expensive for general use, and in consequence shoddy was largely used. Only the best quality wools should be sent, and care should be taken, if a market is established, that future shipments were equal to samples. The importance of this was obvious after the colony’s experience in the flax trade, when it “ killed the goose that laid the golden eggs.” Ju the flax trade a grievous mistake was made iu sending away indifferently prepared flax, aud the very last shipment sent out of the colony to 9au Francisco was of such inferior quality that samples were actually sent back by the buyer to the exporters with a request for a reduction in price. Not a bale had gone there since. If the same thing was done with wool the same disaster would follow. Importers would not bo imposed on.—• Otago Daily Times.