THE TARIFF.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXIX, Issue 7242, 30 July 1907, Page 3

THE TARIFF.

• A WORRIED AND WEARY MINISTER. WELLINGTON, July 29. A deputation of bicycle manufactur- ; ors waited on the Minister of Customs to-day. The deputation's complaint was that while imported bicycles under the original tariff were subject to a duty of 20 per cent., fittings required for local manufacture were similarly treated. They asked that all material for local manufacture should bo admitted duty free. They also wanted such duty as would shut out low grille, cheaply manufactured machines.

The Hon. J. A. Millar said the duty on bicycles and bicycle parts had been framed after careful survey of the information put before the Government. Seven months ago he had intimated that a revision of the tariff would take place. It was too late to come along now and ask for increases in the duty on imported articles. The House could reduce the duty.on any item, but it had no power to increase the duty; the only way to do this would be to withdraw the whole of the resolutions and submit fresh ones. He would look into the matter, but he would frankly tell the deputation that he did not see that their requirements could be met at this stage. It might be possible to do something in the way of imposing a specific duty on cheap articles from outside.

A member of tbe deputation: "Well, <.f the resolutions are put through, a great injustice will he done to the cycle trade during the next three years." Mr Millar: "Three years! I promise you I don't intend to touch another tariff-while I am in the House."

MASTERTON, July 29. At a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce to-day. the following resolution was carried: "That this Chamber miter a most emphatic protest against the increased duty on cast-iron pipes ot a greater diameter than five inches, as this will mean a heavy tax upon local bodies. '

w T,he Clty Councils of Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland have been requested to co-operate with the Dunedin City Council in endeavouring to induce the Government to forego the proposed duty on gas and electrical material and appliances already ordered. •*