The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. In the cause of Truth and Justice we strive. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1871.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 860, 12 September 1871, Page 2

The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. In the cause of Truth and Justice we strive. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1871.

If the expectations of tho Colonial Treasurer are realised, and a reduction of duty takes place on the importation of New Zealand and Australian wools into America, means will have been furnished of rendering the Californian mail service a commercial success. The present duty is 10 cents per lb and 11 per cent, ad valorem, and it is anticipated that the rate on colonial wools will shortly be reduced to 5 cents per lb. In the report of Mr Vogel's mission to England reference is made to the subject. Mr Vogel says:—" I am informed that the concontractors have made arrangements to carry wool at the following rates: —Erom New Zealand to San Erancisco, at the rate of id per lb ; from New Zealand to New York, by railway from San Francisco, 1£ per lb, or by the isthmus of Panama, l|d lb. "When these rates to New York are compared with the rate by sailing vessels, direct to New York or by way of England, aud allowance is made for the great saving in time which will be effected, it will be apparent that considerable quantities of wool will be sent by the contract steamers, not only for the Californian market, but for New York. The importance to New Zealand of the main steamers calling at the different ports whence wool is likely to be shipped, is very much increased by tho prospect of this extensive trade in wool direct with tho United States."

On viewing the statistics of tho colony for the year 1870 it will be seen that the total value of exports from tho various parts of the colony was £4,822,750. Gold was exported to the value of £2,163,910; wool represented £1,703,9 M; kauri gum, £175,074; flax, .£132,578,; grain, £141,135; tallow, £75,583; and other products made up tho balance of £430,532. Our exports to the United Statos during that period did not exceed £37,913, consisting chiefly of kauri gum, and the imports were only £G0,497. Prom the Sandwich Islands, which form a link in tho line of communication between the colony and California, the imports were £10,587, and the exports only £535. It will thus be seen how insignificant are the present traffic and interchange between the two countries, and of what importance it becomes in considering the continuance of the Californian mail service that facilities should be afforded for a considerable exportation of New Zealand wool and flax to the United States. Assuming that the entire production of these two articles found their way to San Francisco, the freight, at the low rate of a halfpenny per pound, would represent nearly £103,000 per annum. If even one-fourth of our total production of these articles found an outlet in America, it would prove a valuable assistance in assuring the permanence of our Pacific mail service.

How far any special treaty, entered into with the United States, may be inconsistent with the treaty obligations of the Empire is another question. It certainly must strike the observer as somewhat singular that, while the New Zealand Reciprocity Bill, which it was intended should empower the colony to enter into reciprocal agreements with the neighbouring Australian Colonies, should have been objected to on account of the difficulty felt by the British G-overnment togrant to any portions of the Empire power to make commercial treaties with oneanother, New Zealand should have pushed a step further, and asked the United States to inpose a differential duty on New Zealand and Australian wool and flax. While, however, much may be said in favour of the latter proposition, the former appears open to the objection of being a special favouritism, and a departure from the principles of free trade. It would tax the foreign but not the colonial produce, imposing a burden upon tho many for the benefit of some particular interest. The proposed arrangement with America is, however, a step in the opposite direction, as it provides for the partial remission of a duty. Tho matter in so far as New Zealand is concerned assumes great importance, as the opening of a special market for the chief product of Australia would be a certain, though an indirect means of forcing the neighbouring colouics to contribute to the Pacific service.