THE REMISSION OF DUTIES.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 10739, 20 August 1900, Page 6

THE REMISSION OF DUTIES.

OPINIONS OF SOME GOVERNMENT MEMBERS.

WELLINGTON, August 18. The Financial Statement appears to be giving some of the. Government supporters more food for reflection than they anticipated, and already there are mutterings, not loud but deep. Mr Seddon's budget is to a considerable extent the policy so long advocated by the Opposition party. The complaint of some of the city members on the Government side is that the Premier's proposals in the 'way of remission of duties will deal a severe blow to local industries. Mr Morrison, the member for Caversham. who takes a keen interest in the welfare of his district, pointed out to mc that the remission of duty on machinery would injuriously affect the local foundries. The Caversham match factory, he pointed out. would also suffer, while the remission of the duty on kerosene and candles would be a severe blow to the Orepuki Shale Works Co., after they had, on the strength of the existing duties, committed themselves to an expenditure of £70.000. North Island members are also -Tumbling, and Mr E. M. Smith, one of the staunchest Government followers, says Mr Seddon might as well go in for a free trade policy at once. The discussion on the Statement will begin on Friday next, and it is likely to be both interesting and lively. The remission of duty on rice and the reduction in those on tea", currants, and raisins will not at any rate for the present make so much difference to consumers as might bs expected. In some quarters the war in China has caused an appreciation in the values of tea and rice, and the better cla-ss of currants and raisins are in reduced supply by reason of the ravages of disease? on tbe Mediterranean coasts. From one c-use or another prices of household commodities have of late risen to an extent very noticeable to the heads of families. Thr tariff remissions and reductions will have in equalising effect.