THE TARIFF

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 140, 10 December 1926, Page 8

THE TARIFF

COMMISSION'S WORK

REVISION OF THE TARIFF

EVIDENCE IN VARIOUS CENTRES,

The Tariff Commission appointed by the Government to make investigations preparatory to tho framing of the proposed amended legislation next year will visit various places in Now Zealand to hear evidence from persons desiring to make representations respecting the Customs Tariff. Except in special circumstances, however, it ia not expected that the Commission will be able to hoar witnesses at places other than Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Invorcargill, and Wellington.

It was notified for public information in tho "Gazette" last night that any person desiring to make representations in person should advise the chairman of the Commission \a to the article or articles <in respect of which it is wished that tho Customs tariff should bo maintined or altered. It is essential that the place or places at which evidence can be tendered should be stated as soon as possible, as the itinerary of tho Commission must be arranged at an early date. Whore there is an association or other body representing any particular trade or commercial interest, and that association or body is able to tender evidence of a satisfactory and comprehensive character, it will be preferred that the evidence be given by that association or body. Where personal evidence is to be given it is desired that the person intending to appear should previously supply, if possible, written information along the detailed lines set out in the First Schedule of the "Gazette" notice. Due notice wil be given as to the time and placo at which the Commission will sit in each of the centres it will visit.

As the Commission is to report on or before 30th June next, those interested should indicate as soon as possible the matters upon which they desire to make representations. Bepresentations made in writing by parties who do not desire to appear before the Commission in person must reach the chairman not later than 31st March, 1927, it is desirable, however, that they be sent in at the earliest possible date. All evidence supplied to the Commission either in writing or otherwise will be regarded as confidential.

It is important that, as far rs possible, all the evidence tendered to the Commission thould relate to specific articles or classes of articles, an^. that where it includes matters of fact such as the landed cost, manufactured cost, selling pric. :, or cost of transport of goods, or rates of wages, whether in New Zealand or elsewhere, it should be supported by the authorities or other documents on which the evidence is based. It is intended from time to time to publish in the "Gazette" lists of articles with respect to which the Commission has been asked or proposes to take evidence, but the Commission does not bind itself to take evidence concerning, or to consider only, the articles mentioned in the lists. A preliminary list of such articles is set out in this week's "Gazette."