CANADIAN TARIFF CHANGE

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 49, 26 August 1930, Page 8

CANADIAN TARIFF CHANGE

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—Our Prime Minister's ultimatum to Canada calls for the serious consideration of every right-thinking New Zealander, and I suggest the following comments are opportune. What are we likely to gain or lose by this move? Is it suggested that the increased tariff on butter will be removed. This seems hardly feasible, seeing that the people of Canada have voted a new party into power pledged to increase tariffs on certain commodities, including butter. It is safe to say_ that all the butter produced in Canada is absorbed and it is not likely that they can increase their output for perhaps years ahead. Further, they must have butter, tariff or no tariff, and a penny halfpenny will not deter the housewife from purchasing her usual butter supply. Our own experience in New Zealand confirms this, as the fluctuating price o£ winter and summer does not affect our demand for this commodity. I hold that the difference of purchases of New Zealand butter will not be appreciably affected by tha tariff increase and we do not stand to lose our Canadian market, as seems to .be taken; for granted. : From the Canadian viewpoint they will resent our retaliation as aa attempt on our part to meddle jwith the internal administration of their country, and in like circumstances we would resent interferences from other countries with what we conceived to be our own intimate business interests. What effect is our increased tariff on Canadian cars likely to have on ourselves? The prices will be advanced, but buying will not stop. Purchasers of certain popular cars and trucks in New Zealand will have to pay £50 to £100 more for their cars, avowedly to fight the battle_ with an imaginary opposition to their butter sales scheme. The ethical consideration of one section of the community being impoverished to bolster the fortunes or another section has a somewhat dubious complexion. I am led to the conclusion that we would be wise if we left Canada to her own good sense to give us a square deal, and we showed to > the world a dignity and forbearance to our neighbours' that has stood 'to our credit in the past.—l am, etc., DOCEO. •. (To the Editor.) Sir,—l note that importers of Englishmade cars are complaining about cars coming in from Canada on preferential rate of Customs duty. I have long wondered why this is permitted. I know vail about the benefit to Canada, local purchases of materials, employment of Canadian workmen, etc., but to whom do the profits-go?. Do they benefit the Empire in any way? It is well to remember that Germany built up her military and naval power chiefly from profits made on what she sold to England during 25 years of trade. Preferential duties should only apply where the present conditions regarding country or origin, etc., are complied with, and also where not less than half of the capital of the manufacturing company is held by British* subjects. One would then bo Ktive that the Empire was really benefiting, and not a country which wiil sell us all it possibly can, but will, buy nothing from us if it can help it/ ' I am a Canadian myself, but a New Zealandcr by adoption.—l am, etc.,

DOCEO.

CANADIAN.