AN EXTRAORDINARY CONCESSION.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2358, 20 August 1887, Page 2 (Supplement)

AN EXTRAORDINARY CONCESSION.

In late Ministerial speeches, we have heard a great deal as ta the policy of encouraging local industries, the stern determination of the Government to do this by means of imposing protective duties, and the manifold wonders accomplished by the Minister of Public Works in placing orders in the hands of local manufacturers, instead of sending them abroad. Ministers, however, have been silent as to their latest and greatest achievement in using the Custom House in connection with local industries. No doubt modesty lias kept their mouths closed as to the manner in which they have applied their principles to the case of the Midland Railway Company. The facts, however, have come out, and a very pretty state of affairs they reveal. The Government, which avows Protection as its policy, and is so tenderly solicitous regarding the welfare of local industries, has actually thrown open the New Zealand ports to allow the Midland Railway Company to import everything it requires, altogether free of duty. We are not aware of any authority of law for this thorough going application of Froetrade principles, but it is possible the Government may possess the power of deliberately setting aside, in favour of a single importer, the duties which have been fixed by Parliament. That Ministers should, however, have exercised such a power is a striking oommeutavy on the sincerity of their professions of care for the interests of local manufacturers and producers. There might not be any objection to the company importing permanent way and rolling- stock free of duty, but the concession granted is said to extend far beyond this. Carts, dray's, harness, tools, in fact everything the company wants, whether it can be produced in the colony or not, is to be allowed to be imported free, and neither local producers, manufacturers, nor importers are to be allowed a chance. This is Freetrade with a vengeance, and most unfair Froetrade, we take it. The concession 'is sufficiently elastic, wo imagine, to allow the company, if it so pleases, or if it will pay, to import all clothing and the food required for the consumption of the men employed on the line. Wo can see no difference inprinoiple between importing the harness for the horses and the shirts and trousers for the men, free. In fact the company can defy all competition, and import and supply everything to those under it. Evidently it is not intended that any more money than can be helped shall bo put into local circulation during the progress of the works, and this fact is fatal to one of the illusions entertained as to the great benefits New Zealand is to derive from the Midland Railway, Although the first, wo fear it is by no means the last illusion in connection with the work, which the colony is doomed to see dispelled. In the meantime we commend this little arrangement between the Government and the company to the special notice and attention of the various Protection leagues.—Wellington Post.