INCREASED DUTY

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 126, 1 June 1927, Page 10

INCREASED DUTY

AUSTRALIAN VIEW

(From "The Post's'" Representative.) SYDNEY, 27th May. A serious view is taken by millers in New South Wales and Victoria of the Statement by the. Prime Minister of New Zealand (Mr. Coates) that the Ministry has decided to increase the duty on flour imported into the Dominion by £1 per ton, making it £4 per ton. Leading millers in Sydney and Melbourno say that if the duty is imposed it will practically put an end to their trading with New Zealand. This trade has been a valuable asset to the milling industry in the Commonwealth, and- the Federal authorities may be approached with a view to requesting the New Zealand Ministry to review its decision.

Commenting on the subject, the "Melbourne Argus" says: "For some years wheatgrowers in the Dominion have complained at competition from Australia in regard to both wheat and flour. For a period in recent years, purchases were under the control of the Government of that country, and when open market conditions were restored there was an appeal for a further increase in the duties. These at first were not met, as the Ministry had .to give equal consideration to consumers, but under consistent pressure from farmers and millers the .tariff was raised. It is unfortunate that sectional interests in both New Zealand and Australia are opposed, as they tend to create a breach in the trade relations between the two countries. Dairy farmers in the Commonwealth wish to stop New Zealand butter from competing in the home markets, and bacon curers would also like to see a check put upon the importation of hams and bacon from the Dominion. Potato-growers have also raised strong objection to New Zealand competition. On the other hand, apart from wheat and flour, potato-growers in the Dominion have urged that higher duties be imposed upon the Australian product when an opening in New Zealand for surplus Australian supplies has been afforded. These differences are disturbing, and are hindering trade when a broader view of the position by all the interests concerned would assist towards establishing an increased business between the two countries."