DUTY ON RAW COTTON.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8524, 29 August 1907, Page 5

DUTY ON RAW COTTON.

♦ ' '"* By Telegraph—Pres3 Association. WELLINGTON, August 28. A deputation of woollen manufacturers waited on Hon. J. A. Millar torday, to request the retention of Is per pound duty on raw cotton. If this duty is removed, it was pointed out, it would be an inducement to some manufacturers to turn out shoddy. The reputation of the New Zealand 'woollens had been built up on pure wool. Last year 87,000 pounds of raw cotton was imported, and practically all of it was used to adulterate woollen goods. After stating these facts Mr P. Hercus, manager of the Kaiapoi Company, suggested that mills should be encouraged in the production of the pure article. The Minister remarked that the duty had been originally imposed under the belief that New Zealand manufacturers had agreed not to use cotton. Experts advised him that a certain percentage of cotton improved the manufactured article. Samples of colonial woollens had been tested and found to contain cotton. He produced specimens. He had not altered the duty, fearing that some mills might have to shut down, as he knew of two who would if a prohibitive duty was enforced. He thought the law should require a true description of materials to be stamped on the foods. He had prepared a Bill on the Ii les of that operating in Australia, and hoped to bring it forward this session.