THE COMPLETED TARIFF.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 246, 18 October 1927, Page 6

THE COMPLETED TARIFF.

The tariff is now in its final form, and one can get a better idea of what it involves. The net effect will be to extend or increase protection, though the protective system is not, on the whole, a "high" one. The trouble is that while the Prime Minister and Mr. Downie Stewart make admirable speeches about fiscal principles, their application of those principles hardly inspires general confidence. They are moderate protectionists, who seek to encourage a reasonable development of secondary industries along natural lines. Mr. Coates says that if local industries wish for protection they must be efficient. There is a strong suspicion, however, that when it comes to practical application the Government yields over-easily to pressure. Nearly everybody, it is true, tries to exert pressure, and the Government's position is extremely difficult. The debates on the tariff have been rather melancholy affairs; so many members have been content to fight in the interests of some particular industry or industries located in their particular districts. The tendency since the first draft of the amended tariff was issued has beer to raise duties rather than lower them, and the idea that the income tax payer who has to pay more this year is going to receive compensation by way 6f lower Customs duties has been elbowed into the background. The duty on wheat has been raised; so has the duty on foreign agricultural machinery; also the duty on dairying machinery. What will be the net effect on the farmer's fortunes? The upshot of the whole business appears to be that as a community we shall pay more in Customs taxation, and the cost of living will be pegged up. Reduction in taxation and in cost of living seem to be further away than ever. No Government has ever promised more or accomplished less. _• r