NEW ZEALAND'S UNDERTAKING

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 32, 7 August 1934, Page 8

NEW ZEALAND'S UNDERTAKING

(To the Editor.) Sir,—lv view of tho many attacks which have been made rocontly'on the findings of the Tariff Commission, more especially as they affect tho local manufacturers, I feel it is only right that attention should bo drawn once moro to the reasons why this Commission was set up. Under tho Ottawa Agreement which was made between tho New Zealand Government and his Majesty's Government in tho United Kingdom in return for certain benefits which were immediately received by New Zealand, tho New Zealand Government undertook to institute an inquiry into the existing protective tariffs and if necessary to lower them to such an extent as would enablo the United Kingdom manufacturer to compete on an even basis on tho New ■ Zealand market. This has now been done, and the Government has carried out almost in their entirety tho recommendations of the Commission. v The point I wish to make is that the United Kingdom carried out her part of tho agreement almost immediately it was made, and it is regrettable that attacks should bo niado on the findings of the Tariff Commission when they are really tho main part of New Zealand's undertaking. I think this fact should bo realised when any criticism is mado of tho allegedly harsh treatment which certain parties have received as a result of the. recommendations of tho Tariff Commission. —I am, etc., G. O. BUTTON, Secretary, United Kingdom Manufacturers' and N.Z. Eoprescnlatives' Assn. (To the Editor.) Sir, —Thero havo been a good many attacks made recently by propagandists for the secondary industries on tho findings of the Tariff Commission, but one ■ great benefit which the local manufacturers havo recently received and about which they have said nothing is that' in connection with' tho new No. 12 building scheme. Under this scheme, if certain imported materials are used a deduction from tho subsidy paid to builders is made. This seems a very severe penalty on contributors to the Unemployment Fund who may also be importers of the materials in question and also on those who wish to take advantage of the scheme, as "n a good many cases they will Ko practically debarred from obtaining any advantage from competition, a3 in some cases tho manufacture of somo of the articles is. in the hands of two or three local firms. I think it is only fair that the local manufacturers should give as much prominence to the benefits which they receive under this scheme as they have to tho alleged harsh treatment which they have received from the findings of the Tariff Commission. —I am, etc., TAXPAYER.