EVADING THE CUSTOMS.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14407, 15 July 1912, Page 7

EVADING THE CUSTOMS.

MINISTER'S PROTECTIVE PRO-

POSALS

TO SHUT OUT "SHODDY" GOODS

(special to "tite pn_ss.")

WELLINGTON. July 13

I Measures havo been devised by the Minister for Customs (tho Hon. F. M. 18. Fisher) to prevent the importation ! into New Zealand of shoddy goods, and jat thc samo timo to incrcaso the Cusj toms revenue. Tho Minister proposes |to mako a recommendation to Cabinet that a man of wide experience and high technical knowledge should be appointed to tho High Commissioner's Offico to keep thc Customs Department advised as to what goods are being exported from Great Britain to New Zealand. From tho information in tho possession of tho Minister it appears that largo quantities of goods are being manufactured on tho Continent under, sweated conditions, by peoplo who are : paid from Is lOd to 3s a day for their labours. Theso goods aro branded "best quality, made in London," and aro shipped to England and then exported to tho colonies as articles of English manufacture, thus obtaining the advantage of tho preferential tariff. The Commonwealth Government has for somo timo employed two experts to supervise tho exports -for Australia, working both in England and on tho Continnont. Mr Fisher has been adviced that a third officer is to be appointed. . Another foature of tho import trado which could bo supervised is in connection with the shipment to New Zealand of under-valued goods. Judging from the experience of tho Commonwealth, Customs Department, it is Estimated that a largo increase of revenue would bo gained if this practice was prevented, and the supervision by the expert would counteract to a "largo extent tho competition of goods manufactured by* sweated labour in foreign countries. Having been informed'that certain classes of goods which aro stamped as genuine all through, contain shoddy materials, the Minister has given instructions that vigorous steps aro to bo taken to stop the importation of goods of this character.