THE BOOTMAKING TRADE.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 11244, 9 April 1902, Page 5

THE BOOTMAKING TRADE.

DEPUTATION TO MR SEDDON

A deputation representing the operative bootmakers was introduced to the Premier by Mr W. W. Collins, M.H.R., yesteiday afternoon, with reference to the question of preferential tariff, and fche granting- of a rebate of duties on goods imported from Great Britain.

Mr Collins outlined the views of the deputation, and explained how seriously they considered a rebate on English boots would affect the boot trade in New Zealand. What they desired was that the goods New Zealand could manufacture should be made in the colony. Mr W. Darlow tihen read an extract from a telegram, reporting a speech by the Premier favouring a rebate up to 2(5 per cent, with Great Britain. This, he said, would mean practically free trade for manufactured goods, which would be against the cctony's interests, and they, therefore, took the opportunity of expressing their views to Mr Seddon, and asking him to consider the industries of the colony, and to let the present tariff remain with regard to Britain, raising it against other countries to 45 per cent. Mr J. Fisher said they thought that the same object Mr Seddon desired would be achieved by shutting out foreign competition, and not unhinging the colony's trade Mr T. Woods stated that under present conditions they were able to compete fairly roll with the English imported goods. But what really required consideration and protection against, were the trusts in America and other foreign countries. The Premier said a very big question had been opened up, and he was glad to have met them. The question of importmaterial free, to enable bootmakers to compefce with American, and French goods was now under the consideration of the Government. However, when they read a brief-synopsis of a speech they must not' Tun away with the idea that an indiscriminate rebate of 20 per cent, on all British manufactured goods had been in.tended, or that the Premier did not know what he was tallking. about. America was steadily improving her position in sending her goods to New Zealand. Without bemg a protectionist, he had done what he could to foster local industries, and should continue to do so. He was glad to have their assurance that the -New - Zealand workman was not afraid, of the British workman There was no doubt, these Trusts alluded to fixed prices for home consumption to force new-markets, .Vand'it was these Trust*, iln whatever was' dorief they S?fft ™m *> injustice, and he sure the Mother Country would not' desire suffered. Speaking about the importation SLiiJHw 1 « ;omo I tiv , es > the Premier !e x- &? * hm ? bad not Permitted the work being done in the colony. The too! per thing was, if poeeWe, to do all X work within the colony *' " Premier *» d *P» ta ".