MAKING FLOOR RUGS

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 11, 7 October 1927, Page 15

MAKING FLOOR RUGS

EXTENSIVE LOCAL MARKET. Explaining the alteration in the duties on carpet, the Minister of Customs states that it is now proposed that the duty of 25 per cent, and 45 per cent, shall be restricted to floor-mats and floor-rugs of or containing wool or hair and having an area not exceeding 60 square feet. Larger carpets will remain dutiable at 20 per cent, under the British preferential tariff. “The increased rate proposed in respect of the smaller sizes, of wool rugs,” adds the Minister, “is intended to assist in the manufacture of these floorrugs in the Dominion. These goods are made in Auckland, and the industry gives employment to approximately 60 people. A considerable quantity of New Zealand wool is used in the manufacture of these floor-rugs and the quality is generally recognised as being satisfactory. The evidence shows that the manufacture of these rugs can be extended with economy ,in costs. The market in the Dominion is extensive, and with an increased share of the trade the local maufacturer can, without any increase in-.price, turn what is now a relatively unprofitable trade into a profitable one/’