DUTIES ON MAIZE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 53, Issue 257, 11 August 1933, Page 7

DUTIES ON MAIZE

THE VALUATION OF LANDS. TARIFF commission views. (Per Press Association). AUCKLAND, August 11. The retention of the present duties of '2s per cental oni maize * and the imposition of a tariff of Is on crushed maize now admitted free were sought by the Poverty Ray Maize Growers’ Association, whose representatives gave evidence at the Tariff Commission. Professor Murphy asked one witness if the duty would not injure the poultry industry. The witness replied that in view of tbfe recent price fall the imposition of a duty would not leave the consumer in a worse position than he was three months ago. Professor Murphy asked what was the price of maize land in Poverty Bay. The witnesses replied that it was from £2O to £6O am acre. Professor Murphy: That £6O land has to come down. Witness: It has. It was £l2O. Professor Murphy: It is a ridiculous situation and cannot go on. If you are taking into your cost of production the interest on land standing at the past fictitious value it would be better to get down the value of the land rather than stabilise it through the Customs. Captain Colbeck (fox* the Fai'iners Union): If we succeed in getting a reduction of the tariff on the necessaiies of life and the tools of production would it modify your views for protection? Witness: Yes, certainly. What we are asking for is really a defensive measui*e.