THE EXCHANGE TARIFF

Evening Post, Issue 19, 23 July 1934, Page 8

THE EXCHANGE TARIFF

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —The secretary of the Njew Zealand Manufacturers' Federation. (Mr. A. E. Mander) is delighted because the exehango rate has been "definitely stabilised." "Certainty was the chief thing wanted—now we have it," he declares. Surely Mr. Mander has rushed in where an angel would fear to trea3. The only inference.to be drawn from his .statement is that the manufacturers aro pleased to have tho position j*gardlng exchange stabilised becauso they thereby receive an additional 25 per cent, tariff protection against the entry of British goods. Farmers who are •clamouring for Free Trade while at the same timo demanding a high rate of exchange may explain their attitude as best they may, but so far as the New Zealand manufacturers aro concerned, Mr. Mander has given tho show away. In tho circumstances now can it be claimed that New Zealand is giving the English manufacturer. the same treatment in the. New Zealand market as tho domestic manufacturer, as provided by the Ottawa Agreement? Is it any wonder that when Mr. G.le M. Mander asked in tho House of Commons whether in view of'the New Zealand tariff reductions the Government would take the. opportunity of arranging a free exchange of commodities,, Mr J, H. Thomas, Dominions Secretary, gave a somewhat cold reply?—l am, etc.,CONSUME!!.