THE TARIFF PROPOSALS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8504, 6 August 1907, Page 5

THE TARIFF PROPOSALS.

By Telegraph—Press Association

WELLINGTON, August 5. A deputation representing the manufacturers, importers and distributers of boots and shoes waited on the Minister of Customs this evening. Mr R. Hannah said that it came as a surprise that the tariff was to be altered. As far as he knew all the manufacturers were satisfied with the duties they were working under. He was most surprised that some of the goods protected were of a class few manufacturers touched, namely rubber goods and the cheaper grade of slippers. He had received a telegram from the President of the Manufacturers' Association stating that the manufacturers were satisfied with the tariff on boots and shoes with the exception of felts and rubber goods, which should be under the old rate. Mr A. Lindsay, senior, said that they agreed that infants boots should be allowed in free, but certain other things which could not be made in New Zealand had been singled out for duty; goloshes, evening shoes and slippers for example. Mr J. Thornton, representing the Christchurch Retailers' Association, said that the old tariff gave sufficient encouragement to local manufac■Hirers Mr W. H. Fitzer said that the operatives themselves had never asked for further protection. The Minister, in reply, said that 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 that certain goods could not be produced as cheaply here as in other countries, and he hoped they never would be. But a good case had been made out with respect to felt slippers, which he believed were moie or less death trap-, and rubber goods also. He wa3 prepared to ask Cabinet to reconsider the matter of felt slippers and rubber goods. By Telegraph —Press Association. WELLINGTON, August 5. A deputation representing the dairying industry told the Premier, this afternoon, that the prospect of duty on dairying machinery was not viewed favourably 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 £9 to the cost of factory separators, which now cost about £97 to land.

Sir J. G. Ward, replying to the deputation, said that there had not been any increase in the duty on dairying machinery, though certain machines had been placed on the preferential list. He pointed out that eleven-twelfths of New Zealand's export of dairy produce went to the United Kingdom. The Government had taken this into consideration, and tiied to show New Zealand's appreciation of the position. Sir Joseph Ward promised to consider the request made by the deputation that the Government should subsidise to the extent of one-eighth of a penny per pound the shipping companies carrying butter to South Africa.