THE NEW TARIFF.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 174, 23 July 1907, Page 3

THE NEW TARIFF.

INTERVIEW WITH THE PREMIER.

(By Telegraph.— Parliamentary Beporter.J

WELLINGTON. July 22.

"The Tariff proposals of the Government, so far as I can judge, have been favourably received throughout the colony," said the Premier to a "Star" representative this evening. "Representations are being made on one or two points, and these will be carefully considered by the Government. The two points that had to be kept in vievr in adjusting the tariff were the desirability of some remissions on foodstuffs and the articles of apparel, and the consequent necessity of increase upon certain articles in order__ to make up proportion of the loss "of revenue, which, amounted to some £375,000. ' The Government is prepared to receive suggestions in regard to the alterations, but those making them must remember that while we are giving great relief in some directions and assisting local industries in others, a certain amount of reasonable consideration must be extended to the revenue of the colony in dealing with the matter. The readjustment of the tariff under the most favourable circumstances is a very difficult-work to carry out but from communications received from all parts of the colony, I judge that the proposals of the Government as a whole have met with general approval." "The one point upon which some criticism has been levelled at the Government," continued Sir Joseph, "is in regard to the removal of the duty from motor cars. There has been some misconception as to why motor cars were placed on the free . list. Only cars of British manufacture are free, foreign makes having still to pay a duty of twenty per cent. Under the old tariff motor engines imported separately from the cars were admitted free of duty, and they were the most costly part of the cars. As tyres could not be made in the colony, it was decided to place them on. the free list. Under these circumstances, the Government, after considering representations made on the matter, considered that it would be better to admit the whole car free, and not have the j component parts under different headings. The placing of motor cars on the free list does not injure any local industry and it enables many men who cannot afford to buy cars with the duty added to obtain them for trade and other purposes. At present only the comparatively well-to-do can afford to use the cars, and the importation of additional cars will give employment to many people in the colony. I think, however, that it may prove desirable to have the bodies of British motor cars put upon the dutiable list at 20 per cent, with bodies of foreign manufacture at 30 per cent, under the preferential tariff. There is no doubt that the motor car has now a place in industry, and the people of New Zealand should not be discouraged in the use of the modern method of locomotion."