DUTY ON GOODS

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 96, 20 October 1933, Page 4

DUTY ON GOODS

TARIFF COMMISSION

A reduction of the duty of 25 9-40ths per cent, to 20 per cent. on. axes, hatchets, and hammers imported from the United States of America was sought before tho Tariff Commission yesterday afternoon by Mr. G. Matthias, representing Messrs. Payette K. Plumb, Inc., Philadelphia..

. Mr. Matthias said he made the request because Plumb axes and tools were "quality" tools, and the recognised standard for all markets. Moreover, they were asked for and demanded by the usors in New Zealand.. Plumb axes and tools, owing to the present high landed costs, brought about by tho fluctuating conversion rate, exchange, duty, and sales tax, had been mado almost prohibitive of aale, as in consequence of such charges it was necessary to distribute them locally at prices which Svere beyond the purchasing power of ■ the user. , With factory prices, and a reasonable landed cost, there was a big demand for Plumb axes, hatchets, and hammers. Importations into New Zealand iv the past had been considerable and they would again be so if some reduction in duty should be granted.

Mr. E. D. .Berry, representing the Berry Engineering Works, Ltd., Palmeraton Nort"h, applied, for the retention of the existing duties on ammonia compressors, refrigerators, and their component parts, pasteurisers, and automatic stokers; Iv support of his application Mr. Berry stressed the importance of fostering the secondary industries of New Zealand in a time such as the present when there was such a large number of unemployed. Most of the goods manufactured by his firm were used by the dairying industry. Representing Thomas Broadbent and Sons, liuddersfield, Mr. E. W. Maclean, of J. J. Niven and Co1., Ltd., tendered evidence in support of a total withdrawal or an approeiablo reduction in the tariff on hydro extractors. The present duty, lie said, was 25 per cent. British preferential, and 50 per cent, foreign.