THE PROTECTION LEAGUE’S TARIFF.

Evening Star, Issue 7471, 15 March 1888, Page 3

THE PROTECTION LEAGUE’S TARIFF.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib,— Anyone reading the report of the Protectionists’ Association meeting in your issue of this evening would at once come to the conclusion that the Niw Zealand tariff for saddlery at present before the committee is much higher than the Victorian tariff. Such is not the case. What I find fault with in the Victorian tariff Is (ho far as saddlery is concerned) that it is compiled in a very loose manner—a large number of important articles that_ can be manufactured in this colony not being mentioned. I am certain no intelligent saddler had a band in its compilation. Our secretary unfortunately thinks that any attempt to improve on the Victorian tariff only results in failure. Now, I am not of that opinion at all, feeling quite sure that there are men in each trade in this colony quite equal to any that ever stood in Victoria. That being the case, the tariff for saddlery suitable for New Zealand was made up quite independent of the Victorian tariff. Your report says that the secretary replied that the committee had given the matter very careful consideration. That may be so; but then the members of the committee present knew nothing of the requirements of the saddlery trade. I am a member of the committee, but did not receive a notice to attend the first meeting held to consider the tariff, consequently I knew nothing of the matter until the meeting was over. The next meeting I conld not attend. It would only have been a matter of courtesy to have postponed _ the matter until I was present. If the committee can amend, the Victorian tariff on such stuff as perfumery, surely articles necessary for the daily service of man are worthy of consideration. So satisfied am I of the fairness and suitability of the tariff submitted by me, that I am willing the secretary should place it and the Victorian tariff before all the saddlers of Dunedin (wholesale and retail), and if there are. two that say they prefer the Victorian tariff, then I say let our delegate go with the understanding that it is the latter tariff we want. If this is not done,

then I want Mr Hodge to that the tariff submitted by us is the most, suitable for New Zealand.—l am, etc,, J* H. Richardson.

Dunedin, March 14.