CONDEMNED.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 2997, 21 September 1908, Page 5

CONDEMNED.

. PREFERENTIAL TARIF? ON WOOLLENS. LONDON, September 18. The Congress of Canadian Chambers of Commerce passed a resolution condemning preferential tariff on woollens.

Mr Rolland, in his presidential address at the Canadian Manufacturers' Association's Convention j.t Montreal, said that under the preferential tariff the woollen industry had steadily declined. The value of woollen manufactures imported in the year ended April, 1* 97, was £1,400,000; the value for the year ended April last was £4,200,000. There had been since 1,900 a ; decrease of capital in Canadian wool production of £720,000, in the dumber of hands , employed of 2,200, and in the annual vajue of products £320,000. He appealed to Canadians to insist on an increase in woollen duties to pre r vent the extinction of the industry. A deputation of Canadian woollen manufacturers waited on Sir Wilfrid L,aurier last month, and asked for the imposition of increased protectit n on woollen goods, on the ground that the preference extended to Great Britain was ruining their-trade. Sir Wilfrid Laurier declined to comply with the request, expressing the belief that the difficulties in which the manufacturers found themselves wc re not due to the tariff, but to a temporary depression in trade. The dutied under the tariff of December, 1906; on women's and children's dresi goods, coat linings, etc., made if Wool, not exceeding, in weight six ounces to the square yard, when imported in the giay or unfinished state,' to be dyed or finished in Canada, are 17J per cent, under the British preferential tariff, 22£ per cent, under the intermediate tariff, and 25.per cent, under the general tariff. The duties on blankets, composed wholly of pure wool, are 22fc per cent, 30 per cent., and 35 per cent, respectively. The duties on fabrics, manufactures, wearing apparel, etc., are 30 percent., 35 per cent., and 35 per cent. SockS and stockings of all kinds, hosiery, etc., are dutiable at 22J per cent., 30 per cent., and 35 per ceilt.