The Dominion WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1927. CUSTOMS REVISION

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 297, 14 September 1927, Page 10

The Dominion WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1927. CUSTOMS REVISION

► Those who imagined that the Government’s Customs tariff changes would be confined to a very limited number of items will receive a surprise this morning when they peruse the lengthy list brought down last evening. It is quite evident that the months of investigation by the Customs Commission have not been spent in vain. There is every indication in the recommendations placed before Parliament for consideration that the tariff has been very thoroughly and systematically overhauled, and that the changes proposed are numerous and in some cases important. i It is impossible at such short notice to attempt to express any confident opinion as to the effect of the proposed amendments or to criticise them in any detail. There is plain evidence, however, that the revision has not been carried out in any haphazard fashion, but that a definite line of policy has been pursued, and a line which we believe will meet with very general approval. There is, for instance, a clearly marked desire to reduce the costs of the family man in the matter of various household essentials. Included in the items which come under this head are linoleums, crockery, household linen, etc. Provision is made in these cases for a reduction in tariff taxation, which means a reduction in the cost of living, and no one is likely to find fault with this. On the protective duty side the items which may be expected to excite most interest are the increased duties on various classes of-imported timber. For some time past the timber industry in the Dominion has been hard hit by the importation of foreign timbers. Local supplies have accumulated, mills have been closed down, and hundreds, if not thousands, of those engaged in the various branches of the timber industry have been thrown out of employment. The increased duty on foreign timbers now proposed is designed to discourage importation of certain classes of timbers from overseas, and lead to a greater consumption of the local product. Exception may be taken to this policy on the ground that it will have the effect of increasing building costs. This may be open to question; but in any case the serious condition of the timber industry warrants the additional measure of protection for the time being. The third feature* of the new tariff proposals is the decided movement for the further encouragement of British trade. In quite a number of instances it will be noted that the preference given to goods of British manufacture has been increased. This is what has been expected from the general attitude of the Coates Government, and it should be in harmony with the general sentiment of the people of New Zealand. Taken as a whole, 'therefore, it may be claimed that the tariff changes, or rather the policy pursued in regard to the changes proposed, is sound and commendable. It recognises the need for lightening the burdens of the average household; it provides a measure of protection for certain struggling industries: and it gives increased encouragement to trade within the Empire. The Minister of Finance and Customs, in his very complete review of the tariff amendments, anticipates a reduction in tariff taxation of over £300,000. It should prove a welcome relief.