HAT MANUFACTURERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 270, 14 November 1928, Page 8

HAT MANUFACTURERS.

QUESTION OF WINTER DUTY.

WATCHING THE MATTER CLOSELY.

"During the course of his remarks when speaking at his meeting on Monday evening, Mr. H. R. Jenkins, the I nited party s candidate, is reported o have said that 40 per cent was imposed on hat manufacturers' material hut he did not make it clear that that duty referred to some materials only" said a lepresentative of a hat manufacturing firm to the "Star" this morning. Certainly the greater percentage of importations at present in use i s free; but the chief difficulty is in winter months when people demand the heavier materials. Because of that fact a woollen mixture is necessary, then on comes the duty of 40 per cent. We are protected in summer months because during that time materials are allowed to come into the Dominion free of duty. At present we are ordering our 1929* winter plaits, but are taking the necessary precaution to have a statement from the Customs Department as to what materials will be admitted into this country free for winter wear." It was explained that the reason for the Customs statement was to endeavour to allow the local manufacturers a fair chance with the imported article.