THE FEDERAL TARIFF.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 11104, 24 October 1901, Page 5

THE FEDERAL TARIFF.

ACTION BY THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE.. (PBESS ASSOCIATION __EG_A_S.) AUCKLAND, October 23. The Chamber of Commerce is sending to the Premier evidence taken from leading exporters relative to the Federal tariff and }te effect on New Zealand trade. The agree in opposing any retaliatory measures. The Chamber has decided to ask the Government to endeavour to arrange a reciprocal tariff with Australia, so that New Zealand grain, produce, etc., could be admitted free into Australia, Newcastle coal and timber to be admitted free into New Zealand in return. It was also decided to recommend the Government to subsidise vessels for opening up new markets for New Zealand produce. DUNEDIN, October 23. A special meeting of the Chamber bf Commerce was held to-day to consider the Premier's request for suggestions in connection with the Federal tariff. It was resolved— "That this Chamber views with regret the Bill now before the Commonwealth Parliament, which provides for the imposition of excessive duties on agricultural produce in New Zealand, and that while we are sorry the Government of the Commonwealth has thought it necessary to promote such duties we ore at the same time strongly of opinion j that it would be both unwise and unstatesI manlike to be drawn into retaliatory mea- | sures, for we believe that the greater the exchange between Australia and New Zealand the better it will be for both countries; that with a view to strengthening the bands of common nationality for their mutual advantage, our Government be respectfully requested to endeavour to arrange for a Customs agreement between New Zealand and , the Commonwealth; that as the bulk of our ever-increasing export trade must still be outside of the Federation, we are of opinion that facilities and. .inducements should be given to shipping whereby freights may be cheapened to our existing markets, and new and friendly ones be opened up and developed.'* resolution, was only carried by the casting vote of the gh* ir man against an amendment by Mr-Donald Reid to a somewhat similar effect, except that it affirmed that it would be impolitic to make any alteration in our tariff except such as may be found necessary to give equal advantage to our manufacturers, and secure the best •markets for our producers and merchants.