OPINIONS ON THE TARIFF.

Evening Star, Issue 7627, 1 June 1888, Page 2

OPINIONS ON THE TARIFF.

Messrs Irviuo and Stcveusji) complain that their manufacture of washing soda will t-e cripplod if tho new duties are put in force. Soda ash, which now coineß in duty free, has been latcd at LI per ton, tho samo duty as is now levied ou washing soda. With the crude article and the manufactured article at the same impost, tho local manufacturer lias no chaDce of profit. As to the charge of per lb on pulp fruit, it in impossiblo to procure from Now Zealand growers a sufficient quantity of plums and raspberries to make up a fair assortment of juns such as tho market demands, and the bulk of these fruits have to be brought from the other side in pulp. This pulp being now taxed ljd per lb, the local trade will be unable to compete against the Australian and Tasmanian jams. Those firms that are eugaged in making up moles and shirtings are not by any means in love with the new Tariff, and thero seems every likelihood of a number of girlß and others being thrown out of employment if tho proposals are put iuto effect, A mectiug tf the New Zealand Manufacturers' Association was held last night, when the proposed tariff was fully discussed, and a number of recommendations were approved of, which will be forwarded to the Government. The Protection Leaguo Committee have received a number of suggested changes in the Tariff, and referred them to the general meeting of the League, to be held this evening. Amongst others, the following recommendation will be considered:—" That shirtings and cottons be exempt from duty."