THE RIGHT TO TRADE

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 28, 2 August 1933, Page 8

THE RIGHT TO TRADE

TALK OF "INVASION"

FOEEIGN EXPLOSIVES

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, This Day. Tho uso by a witness before the Tariff Commission of tho word "invade" in relation to the possible future appearance on the New Zealand market of foreign oxplosives was quickly taken up by Professor B. E. Murphy, who drew attention to the protection the consumer received from competition. ; C. E. Campbell, for Nobel (Australasia) Proprietary, Ltd., asked that high explosives, and blasting powder manufactured in tho United Kingdom and Australia should continue to be admitted duty free and that • foreign should be taxed 15 per cent. He said that if given ,that preference his firm would undertake not to increase the selling price, unless costs beyond their .control incroased. Asked by Dr. Craig why ho wanted the' foreign duty raised, the witness said they heard rumours occasionally that markets might bo, invaded. Professor Murphy: Who do you say invaded? Have other people no right to trade beside your own trust? We all believe in international trade. Surely others have the right to come in for the protection of the consumer. I think you aro in a splendid position and that it is going a long way to ask for a duty because at sonio future date you may have competiti6n. I think you are in a splendid position and don't need any more. " ■ Witness: It has been a very costly organisation. . . ' Professor Murphy: I know. You are. a very big combine. If you have that market now and have another duty,/ what will happen to prices? Witness:'We arc undertaking not to' raise them. Professor' Murphy: You cannot give such an undertaking in these times of fluctuating currencies. Suppose the currency were inflated. Witness: We undertake not to increase prices unless the cost of production increased. Professor Murphy: That is a different matter. . . . '