THE PLAINT OF THE TANNERS

Auckland Star, Volume XLIII, Issue 303, 19 December 1912, Page 2

THE PLAINT OF THE TANNERS

■ — TOO .MUCH OUTSIDE DaiAXD FOR NEW ZF.ALAVD HIDES. A deputation, consisting of Messrs. Wsmock and Jagcer. representing the tanning interest* of Auckland, was introduced this morning to the Minister of Customs (Mr. F. M. R Fisher) by Mr. J. H. Bradne?-. M.P.. the object of the deputation being to urge upon the Minister to introduce a_ export tax on New Zealand] hides. It was pointed out that the cost j of hides had risen in a few years from 2d or 3d per pound to lOd and lftJd, due, to a world-wide demand for Xew Zealand! hides, ottr hides being free from many of the drfects noticeable in hides from South i Africa, Queensland, and other places. The local demand remained unsatisfied 88 the result of this big drain, and the | industry was therefore seriously affected. The iCrnster, in reply, said there was not the slightest hope of the present <"3-ov-ernment acceding to such a request. By doing so they would be opening the way for similar requests in connection with other natural products like butter, meat, wool, etc. That would never do, and it ■was as weU that the position should be e__c_ry- understood.