THE NEW TARIFF.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9176, 6 August 1895, Page 5

THE NEW TARIFF.

-«_ THE INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION. A special meeting of the Industrial Association waa held last night to discuss the Customs Tariff. There were present— Messrs H. B. Kirk (President), E. Smith, R. C. Bishop, N. Oates, A. W. Beaven, A. G. -lowland, B. Buchanan, J. L. Scott, H. Hepburn, R. E. McDougall and J. Maddren. The Cn.viB.MAS said that he believed the majority of the people were opposed to the new tariff. Mr Horsley, who wrote apoloI ghdi'.g for absence, drew attention to the duty on cement. While it still paid 2s per barrel, all that used by County Councils would ba admitted free, and tbis, it was pointed out, would in a short time ruin the trade here. He (the Chairman) also learned that the Kaiapoi Company, who were about to start a new shirt industry, had abandoned it under the new proposals, and would consequently be unable to employ tho fifty hands they intended to. This duty on shirtings affected such makers as Hulbert and Co., who must curtail their shirtmaking. He learned that the jewellers were in sore trouble, as the duty on their stuff meant the throwing out of a large number of hands. Tho Secretary read a letter from Mr Bates, furniture maker, pointing out th*t under the tariff he woutd not ba able to compete against the Chiuese-made furniture from Melbourne. The Chairman, reverting back to the Kaiapoi Company, said the manager had told him that high class goods on which revenue could be made, had been left compara'ivoly untouched, while on the articles used by the poorer class of people the duties wero altogether too heavy. Mr Bishop offered it as a suggestion that tho Committee should hold an open meeting with a view of hearing from the difforenl trades how the tariff affected them. Ou that evidence he presumed they would be able fo arrive at a report which would be general in its application. Tho Chairman aud Mr E. Smith looked with satisfaction on tho suggestion. Mr Hgwland said that strong representation should be made from all the Associations and trades interested. After some consultation it was decided tc hold open meetings at 7.30 p.m. on Wednesday aud Friday next, at the Oddfellows Chambers, to discuss the tariff, and tc invite to that meeting representatives of the trades and industries affected to place iheii views' before the Association in order tc enable it to take further action on. tin subject. At an ordinary Committee meeting helc subsequently Mr J. Clegg was elected t member of the Association, and scvera accounts were passed for payment. A protest against the imposition of duties under the new tariff on flannelette and shirtings has been addressed to the Colonia Treasurerjby MrHarborrow, at present in the employ of Mr C. P. Hulbert as a shirt cutter. After reciting what has been done in connection with the industry Mr Harborrow says : —-'The proposed duties on the materials used, and which cannot be manufactured in the colony, would turn the pre sent small profits into a loss, and my employers have already notified mc of theii intention to close tho factory if tho said duties are imposed. This would deprive mc and others who are too old and incapable of. other employment of earning a livelihood. If it is desirous that the laboui of the country (especially those not over robust) should be employed, I would re spectfully suggest and strongly advocati that the duty upon all fabrics, cotton, flannelette (which is also cotton) and othei material of a similar character (not wool] which is used exclusively for minufacturinE' purposes should be admitted duty free. Th< opinion of many situated like myself is thai an extra duty on tea, coffee, and kerosene, insteadtof the proposed reductions, woult not be so much felt or so disastrous to th< wage earners of this country as the imposi tion of duties upon materials so largely used in the manufacture of articles for the poorer and more needy of the community, especially when there are no reasonable hopes of these materials being made in the colony. The number of employees under mc at present is small, in consequence of th* lack of spending power of the people and the great depression in trade. My depart ment i 3 not of large interest to my em pioyers, although, if there was a prospeci of successfully manufacturing and compet ing with imported goods, they would onl* bs too eager to embark in this industry on a much larger scale. As I consider lam fighting for the existence of those dependent on mc, I am sending a copy of this to the Hon. the Premier and a few other member: of the House, some of whom are acquainted with mc." (press association telegram.) AUCKLAND, August 5. A meeting of the Auckland Chemists and Druggists' Association, held this afternoon, protested against the duty on materials foi the manufacture of tinctures, perfumery, &c, but thought the duty should be increased on proprietary patent medicines. At a meeting of bootmakers a resolution was passed agiinst the alteration of the tariff as respects thoir trade. A meeting ol sh rt makers was held in the evening, and was largely attended by women and girls. -Resolutions were passed against the proposed alterations re flannelettes and shirting. A telegram was read to the effect that the Government were prepared to consider the suggestions and make certain concessions in the manufacture. DUNEDIN, Augusta A special meeting of the Chamber ol Commerce is called for Wednesday to discuss the Tariff proposals.