CUSTOMS RECIPROCITY

Evening Star, Issue 18033, 29 July 1922, Page 8

CUSTOMS RECIPROCITY

SCHEDULE OF RATES

The'agreement entered into between the Commissioners of Trade and Customs representing, the Commonwealth and the dominion were presented to the Parliaments of both countries yesterday. In the paragraphs which follow, the first figures represent the duties which it is proposed to levy in Australia against New Zealand goods, and the second figures represent the duties which it is proposed to levy in New Zealand against Australian goods. Note.—(l) Where any item bears after it the letters n.e.i., these letters shall bo interpreted in the same sense as whenapplied to the tariff items from which the items of this schedule are derived. (2) Goods entering Australia from New Zealand- at present fall under the general tariff, and goods entering New Zealand from Australia are treated in the same manner: — AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS AND GROCERIES. Animals, living; cattle, horned. oth» than for stud purposes—free; free. Horses, ether than for stud purposes—free; free. Bacon and hams, partly or wholly cured—2d; 2d. Beeswax —free ; free. Butter and cheese (except cheese pastes and tinned or potted cheese) —2d; 2d per lb. 1 * . . ...... Coffee,-roasted or ground; in liquid form; or mixed with milk or other substance—6d. Coffee, roasted, per 1b—...5d per lb. • Coffee, essence of, and essence of coffee with, milk or any other food substance, ad val—...; 25 per ceyt. _ , Confectionery, n.e.i., including _ medicated lozenges, medicated confectionery, boiled sugars, liquorice n.e.i., sugared or crystallised fruits, per lb or ad val., whichever rate returns "the higher duty—2d; 2d'. Including internal containing packages. (other than plain bottles and plain trade packages). . Chocolate confectionery; mixtures of chocolate with other confectionery; and confectionery containing chocolate plain trade packages, per lb—3d; 3d. (2) In fancy' packages, or in small packages for retail sale, ad val.—2o per cent.; 20 per cent. Fish, fresh, smoked, dried, pickled, salted, preserved by cold process, or preserved by sulphurous acid, n.e.i.—...: free. Fish," smoked or dried (but not salted), or preserved by cold process—free. Fish, n.e.i.—free.

Fish, canned, not including fish pastes—free; free.

Fish pastes, ad val.—2o per cent.; 20 per cent. Oysters, fresh, in the shell —free; free. Fruits, preserved in juice or syrup—...; 35 per cent. Fruits (preserved in liquid, or partly preserved ,or pulped)—(a) quarter-pints and smaller sires, per doz—9d... (1>) halfpints and over quarter-pints, per doz—ls 3d;... (c) pints and over half-pints, per doz—2s 6d;... (d) quarts and over pints, per doz—ss;,,. (e) Exceeding a quart, per gal—ls 9d.;... ff) when preserved in spirituous liquid,, additional duty to be paid on the liquid, per gal—sos;... Grain and pulse, n.e.i., not prepared or manufactured, per cental—ls 6d; Is 6d. Grain and pulse, prepared or manufactured—viz., oatmeal and rolled oats, per 11>—2s 6d; per cental; per cental. Hay and chaff, per ton free; free. Hops, per lb—9d; 9d. Jams, jellies, marmalades, and preserves, per lb— —; Or package of that, reputed weight, whichever rate is higher,* and so in proportion for packages of greater or less reputed weight. .Tams and jollies, including calvesfoot, but not meat jellies, per lb—2£d; —. Macaroni, vermicelli, spaghetti, eggnoodjes, and similar alimentary pastes, per lb—ld, 2d, 3d—so per cent, ad val.; 30 per cent, ad',val. Meats, potted or preserved, ad val.—; ...; 20 per cent. Concentrated soup, ad va1.—...; 20 per cent.... Meats—viz.: (a) Fresh or smoked, per lb—lo per cent, ad val.; 10 per cent, ad val. (b) Potted or concentrated, including extracts of, and meat jellies, preparations in dry form for making soups, ad val—2o pei' cent, (c) Preserved in tins or other airtight vessels, including the weight of liquid contents, per lb —20 per cent, (d) Preserved by cold process, per lb—lo per cent, ad val.; 10 per cent, ad val. Milk, dried or in powder form, and the same in combination with casein, sugar of milk, or other milk products, per lb—2s per cent, ad val.; 25 per cent, ad val. Milk, preserved, condensed, or concentrated, sweetened* or unsweetened, per lb —25 per cent, ad val.; 25 per cent, ad val. Milk, sugar of (lactose), ad val.—ls per cent.; 15 per cent. Onions, in their natural state, per cwt —SI per ton; £1 per ton. Seed, lucerne, per lb—3d; free. Soap, all kinds, soap powder, extract of soap, dry_ soap, soft soap, liquid soap, soap solutions, washing or cleansing powders, crystals, pastes, and liquids, n.e.i., ad val.— ...; 30 per cent. SOAP. (a) Toilet, fancy, or medicated, per lb or ad val., whichever rate returns the highest duty—3o per cent. (b) N.e.i.; soap substitutes and compounded detergents for washing and clearfSing > purposes, not including saponaceous disinfectants, ad val. 30 per cent.; —. . Tallow, unrefined* > (a) In packages exceeding 41b net weight, per cwt or ad val., whichever rate returnsi the higher- duty—free; free. Vegetables, fresh, including beans and peas, per cental—free; free.

BEVERAGES., Wine, Australian (not including sparkling), containing not more than 40 pet cent, of proof spirit; per gallon, or for six reputed quart bottles, or the equivalent in bottles ox a larger or smaller reputed capacity, per ga1.—...; 4s. Wine, Australian, sparkling, containing not more than 40 per cent, of proof spirit; per gallbn, or for six reputed quart bottles, or the equivalent in bottle® of a larger or smaller reputed capacity, per ga1.—.,.; 15s, 16s, 15s, 10s. APPAREL AND TEXTILES. ‘ Textile piece goods, of wool or containing wool, n.e.i., ad val.—2s per cent.; 25 per cent. Apparel and ready-made clothing, n.e.i, hosiery, n.e.i., ad va1.—...; 25 per cent. Apparel, articles of—viz.: (a) (1) Blouses and stilts, of cotton, linen, or other material, n.e.i.; (2) blouses and skirts, of wool or silk, or containing wool or silk j (3) coats, girls’j (4) coats, women’s ; (5) costumes, of cotton, linen, or other material, n.e.i.; (6) costumes, of wool, or containing wool (except the costumes enumerated in sub-item (a) (7); (7) costumes, of silk, or containing silk, and in addition to the rate® specified in sub-items (1) to (7), ad val., or the rates imposed by sub-item (b) if higher—-25 per cent.; —. (b) Apparel, n.e.i., for the human body, partly or wholly made up, including materials out into'ahape therefor, also material defined by pattern or design for manufacture into apparel; second-hand apparel not imported for sale or trade and not exceeding a total value of £5, ad val (c) Corsets, ad val. —25 per cent.; —. Pure, wholly or partly made up into apparel, rugs, or other articles, n.e.i.; articles made, up to imitate or substitute fure or fur' trimmings, ad val’.—...j 25 per cent. Purs and other skins and articles made thereof; (a] Apparel or attire or other , •click is part or wholly made up, inckd-

AUSTRALIA-NEW ZEALAND TARIFF

Lead piping and composition piping, per cwt.—4s 6d; 4s 6d. Coil pipes, ad val—2s per cent.; 25 per cent.

Boilers, land and marine; feedwater heaters; fuel economisers, n.e.i.; steam superheaters, ad val.—2s per cent.; 25 per cent.

inc furs or other skins sown together, ad val.—2s per cent.; —. Gloves (except of rubber) —viz.: (a) Harvesting, driving, housemaids’, and gardening, ad val.—2s per cent.; 25 per cent, (b) N.e.i., including mittens, ad val.—lo per cent.; 25 per cent. Blankets, blanketing, shawls, and rags of wool or containing wool, ad val.—2s per cent.; 25 per cent. Hats and caps, in any stage of manufacture, n.e.i., including hat hoods, n.e.i., ad val.—3o per cent.; 30 per cent. Hats—viz.: (b) Wool felt hats, in any stage of manufacture, per dozen or ad val., whichever rate returns the higher duty—3o per cent, ad val.; —. (c) Fur felt hats, in any stage of manufacture, per dozen or ad val., whichever rate returns the higher duty—so per cent, adi val. ;—. Millinery of all kinds, including trimmed hats, caps, and bonnets. Hats, caps, and bonnets: (d) Caps and sewn hats, n.e.i., per dozen or ad val., whichever rate returns the higher dnty_; (e) hats and bonnets of all descriptions and materials, n.e.i., including forms, shapes, and framc_s, n.e.i., ad val.—3o per cent, ad val. ; 30 per cent, ad val. : LEATHER AND LEATHER MANUFACTURES. Leather, n.e.i.; belts, not being apparel, and belting, wholly or partly composed of leather, whichever rate returns the higher duty—...; 15 per cent, ad val. or 3d per lb. Leather—viz.: Calf, other than patent and enamelled —15 per cent., or 3d per lb; ...n.e.i., or other patent and enamelled — 15 per cent., or 3d per lb;...belt butts —ls per cent., or 3d per IT>;... Leather belting—ls per cent., or 3d per 1b:...

Leather manufactures, n.e.i.; leather cut into shape; harness, n.e.i.; razor strops, whips (including handles), keepers, thongs, and lashes, ad val.—2s per cent.: ... Harness and buggy saddles, ad val., whichever rate returns the higher duty—--20 per cent.;... Leather laces; vamps and uppers: leather cut into shapes; and pattern .solesleather loggings, ad val; 35 per cent. Saddlery, harness, whips, and wlnpthongs, ad va1.—...; 20 per cent. Leather bags, leather cloth bags, attache cases, and the like receptacles, n.e.i. (not including basket-ware, wicke-rware, or similar receptacles), ad val.—... ; 25 per cent. Portmanteaux, trunks, travelling bags, brief bags of leather or leather cloth, attache cases, suit cases, and similar receptacles, lOin in length and upwards (not including basket-ware, wickenvarc, or similar receptacles) ad va1.—...; 30 per cent. Leather manufactures, not being articles of apparel, n.e.i., ad val. —-25 per cent. ;... Leather bags, cases, trunks, portmanteaux, purses, wallets, handbags, purse hags, companions, reticules, satchels, or valises, with or without fittings, ad val.— 25 per cent.;... Camera covers and cases of leather, ad val.—2s per cent. ; 25 per cent. Boots, shoes, clogs, ‘pattens, slippers, shoettes, sandals, goloshes, overshoes, and other foot-ware, n.e.i., ad va1.—...; 35 per cent.

Bools, shoes, slippers, dogs, pattens, and other footwarc (of any material), n.e.i.; boot and shoe uppers and tops; leather socks or soles, n.e.i., ad val—3s per cent.;... EARTHENWARE. Mosaic flooring; tiles of all kinds and materials; sheets and roofing slates _ composed of cement a-nd asbestos or of similar materials; articles, n.e.i., composed wholly or in vhief value ofxfcment or of cement and asbestos, including articles of reinforced cement, ad val.—2o per cent.;... Flooring, wall, hearth, and garden tiles, ad va1.—...; 20 per cent. Roofing tiles, ridging, and finials, glass, and 1 earthen; sheets, plain or corrugated, roofing slates a-nd tiles, vidgnig, and finials, composed of cement and -asbestos or of similar materials; plaster pulp sheets, plain and unornamental, ad val.—... 20 per cent. UMBER. Timber, rough sawn, being the produce of Australia, per 100 sup. feet—...; free. Timber, rough sawn, bring the produce of New Zealand- —free; ~ Timber, viz.;—Picture and room mouldings, ad val.—2s per cent. Mouldings, in the piece, . and parcels, composed wholly of wood suited for picture frames, cornices, walls, or ceilings, ad va1.—...; 25 .per cent. PAPER. Paper bags, all kinds, n.e.i., ad va1.—...; 30 per cent. Paper bags, n.e.i. acl val.—so per cent.;... Wrapping -paper, all kinds, glazed, millglazed, or unglaZcd, including browns, caps, casings, sulphites, sugars, and all other bag papers, candle carton paper, tissues, and tinfoil paper, not printed, n.e.i.—'viz., in sheets not less than 20in by 15jrin or the equivalent, or in rolls not less than lOin wide, per cwt—6s; 6s. IRON AND STEEL. Knees, bends, elbows, junction and inspection boxes and covers, and other fittings, n.e.i., of cast iron for pipes, tubes, and tubing exceeding Sin in internal diameter, ad val.—3o per cent.; 30 per cent,'

Gas engines and) oil engines, n.e.i (not exceeding 100 brake horse-power), ad val. —ls per cent.; 15 per cent. Locomotives, ad val.—2o per cent.; 20 per cent. Agricultural machines and implements—namely: Wool presses; hay and straw presses, threshing machines and threshing mills, fibre-scutching machines, fibre-strippers, washers and presses; ploughs, harrows other than disc, potato diggers and sorters, grubbers other than string tined, ridgers lor preparing ridges and _ without any sowing attachments, tumip-thinners, turnip-pickera, turnipcutters, andi root-pulpors, stump jump ploughs, hay rakes and .grass seed strippers, Cambridge and laud rollers, dhaffoutters, with or without bagging attachments, also parts and fittings peculiar to the foregoing, hay rakes (horse)—free; free.

cultivators, disc harrows, seed and fertiliser sowers or drills combined or separate, seed cleaners and seed separators, ad val.—lo per cent.; 10 per cent.

_ Dairying machines and implements—viz., chums, cheese-presses, and dairycoolers; curdraills, butter-packers, butiterworkore, butter-pounders, milking machines; pasteurisers—free; free. Machinery, dredging, and excavating; grab?; earth scoops and ditching machines, ad val.—lo per cent, jlO per cent.

Stone-crushing machines—viz., jaw crushers (not including elevators, screens, or separators), ad val~2o per cent, j 20 per cent. Coal-screening machinery; screens, metal all kinds, ad val.— 2s per cent.; 25 per cent. Elevators, and conveyers, including mechanical stokers, ad val,—2s par coni; 25 per cent. Winches, cranes, capstans, windlasses, and hoists, n.e.i., ad val.—2s per cent. ; 25 per cent. nydxo-cxtractors, wool-drying machines, and manure-drying machines, not including fane or blowers, ad val—2s per cent, j 25 per cent. Suction gas producers, digesters, ad val. —25 per cent.; 25 per cent.

Machines for mixing, such as concrete, cement, or manure mixers, ad val.—2s per cent, j 25 per cent. Pumps for raising or distributing liquids, n.e.i., vacuum pumps, including those suited for use with milking machines, ad val,—2s per cent.; 25 per cent.

Transmission gear, n.e.l, including plummor blocks, couplings, collars, and friction-dutches,' to connect engines with machinery- for whatever purpose the machineiy may be used, ad val—2s per cent.; 25 per cent. Vacuum pans, other than glass, porcelain, or enamel-lined, heating boilers, washing boilers, ad val 25 per cent.; 25 per cent. Washing machines, clothes washers, mangels, and clothes wingers, for household use and otherwise, and wool-scouring machines —25 per cent.; 25 per cent. Weighing machines, scales, and balances, n.e.i.—25 per cent.; 25 per cent. Windmills—2s per cent.; 25 per cent. Bill-hooks, hush-hooks, slashers, and hedge knives—free; 25 per cent. Stereotypes, electrotypes, matrices, halftone and line blocks, ad val—2s per cent.; 25 per cent. Lead-headed nails, and galvanised cupheaded roofing nails, ad val. —2o per cent.: 25 per cent. . Iron and other nails, n.e.i., including dog spikes, but not including horse-shoe nails, per ton—£2; £2. _ Gas ranges, heaters, rings, and gnllers, and similar gas heating and cooking appliances, ad val.—3s per cent.; 35 per cent. . Upholsterers’ spiral sofa springs and similar upholsterers’ springs, ad val 25 per cent.; 25 nor cent. Valves, taps' tobies, hydrants, -and similar articles, n.e.i., ad val. —30 per cent.; 30 per cent. Brass work, and gnnmetal work for general engineering and plumbing, and other trades, ad val.—2s per cent.; 25 per cent. Metal bedsteads, cots, fenders, and fireirons. ad val.—2s per cent.; 25 per cent. Galvanised iron manufacturers, n.e.i., made up from galvanised iron, or from plain sheet-iron, and then galvanised, ad val.—3o per cent. : 50 per cent. Japanned and lacauered, metalware, ad val—3o per cent.: 30 per cent. Tinware, and tin manufactures, n.e.i., ad val.—3o per cent.; 30 per cent.

VEHICLES. Carriages, carts, drays, waggons, perambulators." and the like vehicles, and wheels for the'same, ad val—2s per cent.; 25 per cent. Cars waggons, and trucks, railway and tramway, ad val—2s per cent.; 25 per cent. PAINTS, OILS, AND VARNISHES. Eucalyptus oil—free; free. Gils in vessels, capable of containing 1 gallon or more—viz., linseed oil; linseed oil in admixture with -any other oil or ells, according to any standard which may on importation or from time to time be prescribed by the Minister, per gal. ...; 9d. Oils in vessels exceeding 1 gallon—linseed, per gal.—9d. . Paints, and colors, ground in liquid, n.e.i.; paints mixed ready for use; enamel paints; ships’ anti-fouimg composition; paint thinners, n.e.i.; driers, n.e.i.; kalsornine, distempers, and similar preparations, in powder form, ad val—2o-per vent. ; zO per cent. Putty, per cwt—2s; 3s. Varnishes; lacquers, Brunswick blackj japans; lithographic varnishes; printers’ ink reducer; terebiue; gold size; liquid stains for wood; metallic_ paints, and liquid medium for mixing with the same; petrifying liquids suited for waterproofing concrete,"plaster, and similar surfaces, or for use as paint, ad val.—2o per cent. ; 20 per cent, MISCELLANEOUS.

Brushes, brushwarc, and brooms, including knots or tufts for brush-making, ad val.—2s per cent.: 25 per cent. Cordage, rope, and twine, n.e.i. (excepting reaper and binder twine and yarn), ad val.—2o per cent.; 20 per cent. Reaper and binder twine and yarn, per cwt-—6s; ss. Carbonic acid gas, including tho liquefied or compressed gas, per ib —lid; lid. Gelatine, and glue, ad val.—2o per cent.; 20 per rent. Jewellery; plate, gold or silver: platedware—...; ad val, 25 per cent. Jewellery, rolled gold and imitation; n.e.i, and gold or silver plate; plated ware —25 per cent, ad val; —. Sheep dip—free. Sheep, cattle, and horse washes, in liquid or powder form—free; —. Ships—free; free. All other goods being the produce or manufacture of Australia or of New Zealand, at tho rates applicable to goods being the produce or manufacture of tho United Kingdom, upon entry into New Zealand or Australia respectively. MINISTER'S STATEMENT. [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON. July 28. ■ In committee the Hon. W. D. Stewart, Minister of Customs, explained the terms of the provisional agreement. He thought it might at first sight appear rather claimI rate, tot this arose from a desire to safeguard all the industries concerned. It did (not appear to him that any of the existing standard rates met the needs of the I two countries in this peculiar intimacy of ! their relations; hence the need for a more ! explicit treaty. Australia had- never before granted reciprocity with any of the selfgoverning dominions, whore’as New Zealand had extended such a tariff to all. New Zealand’s policy of generosity gave rise to a feeling that it was unfair to continue if we received no similar treatment from other British countries. He as Minister had not cared to disturb the policy that had been followed for years, but when Australia brought in its new tariff last year, and as a result of the fact it gave no concession to New Zealand, the latter decided to force an issue by putting Australia on the foreign tariff. If Australia had at any time given New Zealand her British preferential tariff, New Zealand would have accepted it. In the absence of any concession, the consensus of opinion of the dominion manufacturers was that Australia should be put on the foreign tariff in order to provide means of negotiation to break down Australia’s high tariff walls. _ When he conferred with the Federal Minister of Customs the' latter offered to pub New Zealand on Australia’s British preference tariff if New Zealand extended its British ■preference tariff to Australia. He (Mr Stewart) rejected this. Australia's scale of preferential duties was higher than that of New Zealand. Australia offered concessions which appeared lower than those , given to any other country ; but he again rejected these, as they did not promise any I chance for New Zealand manufacturers to compete with Australian. Eventually an agreement was reached on lines, briefly, as follow:—Australia takes New Zealand off her foreign tariff and grants Now Zealand admission to Australia on a lower tariff and free entry for certain products. We in return reduce our duties accordingly, except in cases where Now Zealand productions require special protection, i The items for which free entry was secured into Australia included fish, timber, hay, and chaff. Mr Stewart detailed 1 items on i which concessions had been secured from Australia on imports from New Zealand. I Goods of British origin transhipped or re‘I exported' from either country would be admitted under the British preferential .tariffs of both countries. Touching on wines, Mr Stewart said that there had been for a long time a grievance among the Australian growers that South African wines had an unfair advantage over their I wines in New Zealand in the matter of duty, and the complaint was made that in some cases travellers represented African wines as Australian wines; therefore 'the duty on Australian wines was substantially reduced; and an added import i duty was put on African wines. The reoi- ! procal treaty with South Africa was albro- ■ gated by New Zealand, as it was found to operate almost wholly in Africa’s favor. It was also found that African tobacco waa being made up in Africa and reexported as Boer leaf, getting the advantage of the reciprocal tariff. The Minister thought the result of the new tariff would be an ip crease in the Customs receipts,

because since Australia had put on the foreign tariff her trade with New Zealand had fallen away very considerably. In arriving at the agreement his object had been to fix the duties so that they would not constitute an impassable barrier to our entry into Australia, nor so love (hat they would enable our market i-o be Hooded to the detriment of local mauulacturcrs or producers. NOTES m THE ITEMS. MINISTER'S SURVEY. [Fnoxi Our Pahuamcntarv Hei’OMer.J WELLINGTON', July 23, Following his introductory remarks ou the Australian reciprocal agreement, the Hon. Dowuie Stewart proceeded to deal with the principal items which had been the subject of discussion. Cattle and Horses.—There is only a very intermittent trade, and as Australia has always admitted cattle and horses from New Zealand free it was felt that we should reciprocate. . Bacon and Hams.—The importations of bacon and hams to New Zealand have never been very great, with tho tariff at 2d the lb, and Australia now proposes to reduce her rate from 4d to 2d. > This will put competition on a level basis. Beeswax.—Australia agreed to take off the duty of lid per lb against New Zealand.

Butter and Cheese.—Tho duty was arranged at the comparatively low figure of 2d per lb to induce trade. Our butter is certainly of better quality than Australian butter, laud the large hotels and well-to-do people of Australia who want the best of everythin" will buy New Zealand butter, provided the difference in price is not too great. One of the large exporters states that even at present there is a growing demand for New Zealand butter and cheese.

Coffee and Coffee Essences. —In response to representations from Now Zealand manufacturers, who feared Australian competition, the duty on coffee and coffee essences was not reduced. During 1920 Australia sent £11,204 worth of coffee essence to New Zealand under a tariff of 20 per cent, ad valorem. Confectionery. —Looking to the advantage enjoyed by Now Zealand in tho price of sugar, it was felt that (hero was no good excuse for coming down to the British tariff, especially having regard to clause 10 of the agreement whereby Australia guarantees not lo grant any rebate or bounty on sugar. Fish. —This is a great concession to Now Zealand fishermen. Fish, fresh, frozen, and canned, also oysters, may enter Australia free. The trade should ha worth over £20,000 per annum to New Zealand if carriage can be arranged. Fruit in Juice. —It was found that the price of fruit, as supplied to the factories in Australia, gave an initial advantage to the manufacturers there of about 35 percent. over New Zealand. Against this tiro Australians are at a slight disadvantage in tho price of sugar, which is £49 per ton, as ago>"st our price of £36 per ton, or thereabouts. For this reason New Zealand refused to reduce the duty below 35 per cent. In exchange Australia reduced her tariff to tire British rates.

Grain and Pulse (n.e.i.).—lt war, found that tho rate under the Now Zealand tariff for grain and pulso (n.e.i.) and oats was 2s the cental, which was in excess of the Australian rates. It was accordingly agreed to reduce our rate to Is 6d (ho cental. Oatmeal and Rolled Oats.—This was reduced by both countries from 6s (Id 11m cental to 2s 6d the cental, and .should result in again enabling millers of the South Island to compete. Hay and Chaff.—There has not been any regular trade in hay and chaff, but in’years of drought large quantities have been exported to Australia, which, has agreed to free entry on both sides. Hops. —A reduction in the tariff from Is to 9d tho lb was obtained. Australis, refused to go lower than 9d, as one of her primary industries was affected. Jams and Jellies.—These are in somewhat. the same position as fruits preserved in juice or syrup as regards the basis of competition, and it was felt that New Zealand could; not safely come down to the British tariff, and that, we must hold a slight advantage.

Macaroni and Vermicelli, Etc.—lt was found impossible tor New Zealand to crane down to the British tariff, on account of the fact- that Australian flour is £7 per ion cheaper I ban the Hour obtained in New Zealand. | Meats.-- ’tec ynaiunnii'ni of the duties on meai-s .uivcw New Zealand entry to Australia for frozen, fresh, or smoked incatfi at 10 per cent, ad valorem, and canned moats are to bo. admitted at the same rate as mir British tariff. Milk (dried).—-An attempt was made to arrange that dried skim, milk powder should be admitted free into both countries; but Australia would nut agree, on account of the fact tliat an attempt was being made to establish this industry in that country. Milk (preserved, sweetened, and unsweetened). —Tho New Zeala-nd-British tariff was adopted by both countries. This is about the same as tho Australian rato of 2d the lb. Sugar of Milk.—A reduction from 40 to 15 per cent, was obtained. This should) enable a good export trade for the Southland 1 factory, which will get its goods into Australia at a lower tariff than any other country. Onions.—-A reduction from £6 per ton to £1 per’ ton was obtained. This was tho rato into New Zealand under the old! tariff, and it may result in some business wheu either country is short of onions. Seed (lucerne). —All agricultural seeds are free into New Zealand, and! an _ attempt was made to get free entry into Australia. Tho best that could be arranged was, however, a reduction from 6d to 3d the lb, Soaps.~As tho manufacture of fancy soaps is just beginning to make headway in New Zealand, it was thought advisable to maintain a slight increase against Australia on tho rates to Great Britain, ns Australia has been a strong competitor. During 1920 Australia ’sent £47,000 worth of fancy soap to New Zealand. Tallow (unrefined). —Tho Australian rate of 4s per cwt or 20 per cent, ad valorem, whichever is higher, was amended to “ free,” and there is now a chance of some trade in this article. Vegetables (fresh). —There has never been any great trade in fresh vegetables, hut the'proposed free tariff may result in some exchange of products. Australian Wine.—This is an item concerning which Australian vignorons have long had a grievance. Ever since 1906 Now Zealand has admitted South African wines at 2s per gallon, and this resulted in taking away from Australia one-half the trade in wine. It is now proposed to admit Australian wines at 4s the gallon for still wines and 10s the gallon for sparkling wines, and to raise the South African rales to 3s 6d for still wines and 9s 6dl for sparkling wines. Tho difference in freight is almost exactly 6d per gallon. Textile Piece Goods of Wool or Containing Wool.—lt was decided to hold a slight advuntogo over British rates in ibis item until (lie desire of the Now Zealand woollen mills could bo ascertained 1 . It seemed probable that a good l trade in tweeds might be opened up if the rate wore reduced to 20 per cent, on both, sides, as asked for by Australia. The rate agreed upon was 25 per cent., which is 5 per cent, below the British, tariff into Australia and 5 per cent, above the. British tariff into New Zealand. The department since had _ seen representatives of the woollen mills, and had ascertained l thbt they preferred to .stand on the existing duty of 25 per cent. Apparel---As tho great bulk of tho furs and gloves imported into New Zealand has hitherto come from the United Kingdom, and Australia., has-never been able to compote very seriously, it was- decided to adopt the New Zealand-British tariff on both sides.

Blankets, Blanketing, .Shawls, and Rugs. —This is another item where an advantage of 5 per cent, over British rates is held, pending knowledge of the desire of the New Zealand woollen mills ns In whether they arc prepared to compete with Australia on a level basis of 20 per cent. Hats and Caps.,—.An advantage of 5 per cent, over British rates is retained until tho wishes of the hat manufacturers is generally; known. It is not expected; that tho hat manufacturers of New Zealand' will want to compete with Australia. Millinery.—The same remarks apply as in tho case of hats and caps. Leather and Leather Belting.—At least one of the large tanneries has expressed its willingness to compete on equal term,*.

with Australia, and in tho interests of the boot trade it was considered that the British rate should ho adopted on both sides. This should be sufficient, while giving reasonable protection, to enable a certain amount of trade in special lines, such as chamois leather and leather belting and nursed sheepskins. Leather Manufactures, Leather Bags, Etc.—An advantage of 5 per cent. In excels of the British tariff is held, pending reference to thoso interested, except in the case of saddlery and harness, in which there has never been any serious competition with Australia.

Boots and Shoes.—Looking to the very great number of Australian factories, and the fact that they always have an end-of-season surplus to be disposed of at cut rates, it was felt that .New Zealand could not compete at the British tariff A rate of 35 per cent,, or 10 per cent, above. The British rate was therefore maiutained against Australia. During 1920, when the rate was equivalent to 25 per cent., Australia sent £900,000 worth of boots and shoes to New Zealand. Earthen Tiles.—The New Zealand works complain that owing to the advantage of sun-drying Australia is able to produce tiles much cheaper than they are made in Now Zealand, where artificial heat has to be resorted to. Tho rate has accordingly been left at 10 per-cent, above British rates. Timber, Bough Sawn.—The New Zealand millers were very anxious that the duty should be removed altogether to enable them to compete with Norway and io ;il|ow of much second-rate timber being min'd which is at present left in the hush ai <l burnt.

Me.Hidings in the Piece.—An advantage of 5 per cent, over British rates is held. Paper Bags. —There has always been considerable competition from Australia in paper bags, and an advantage of 5 per cent, over British ratoa has been retained.

Wrapping Paper.—Tho rate is in accordance with advice received from tho New Zealand paper mills. Hardware.—The manufacture of knees, bends, elbows, and junction boxes has been successfully -started in New Zealand, and in the meantime it was considered best to retain a rate of 10 per cent, in excess of British rates, pending reference tb those interested. The game remark applies to a largo number of other items. Gas Engine!; and Oil Engines. —The principal manufacturers of gas and oil engines in New Zealand desired to compel in the Australian market at the IV ifh tariff, and this has been arranged, i Now Zealand tariff of 15 per cent, being agreed to. This gives New Zealand an opportunity of placing engines on the Australian market at 12i per cent, less duly than Great Britain. Iron and Steel Goods. Machinery, Steam and Gas Engines.—Looking to the high cost of production of iron and steel, pig, bar, sheet, and angle iron materials, there does not seem to be any good reason v.’bv our foundries and engineering works siuvild not compete in iron goods in Australia.- Now Zealand manufacturers can get their raw materials free of duty nt_a 1 rover cost than they can he produced in Au-tralia. For (bis reason, iron founders generally should be immediately approached to see if they arc willing to reduce the rates on iron goods, as agreed upon, to those of the British preferential tariff.

Locomotives.—There has never been any competition, and the Now Zealand British rale is accordingly adopted. Agricultural Machines and Implements. —ln accordance with the wishes of some of the more enterprising iron founders,, who desired to compote in the Australian markets, a request was made that all the machines and implements included under item 93 of the tariff should enter both countries free of duty. They have always been free into New Zealand, and Australia has now agreed to giant free entry. This is a good concession, and New Zear land implements will bo able to enter Australia at 20 per cent, less than other British dominions, and 30 por_ cent, to 35 per cent, less than American and foreign countries. Spring Tined Cultivators, Seed Cleaners, etc.—Australia has agreed to admit these machines at 10 per cent, to 25 per cent, less than from foreign countries. Dairying Machines and Implements.— These ’’ have always been free into New Zealand, and Australia has now agreed to allow free entry. This gives Now Zealand an advantage of 30 to 321 per cent-, over other British dominions and 30 to 35 pe- cent, over other countries. Dredging Machinery.—Looking to the heavy freight on this class of machinery, and also to tho fact that there has been little competition of late years, the British rate of 10 per cent, was considered sufficient on entry into either country’. The sarao remarks apply to stone-crushing machines. Messrs Anderson, Ltd., are prepared to compete on a level tariff with Australia.

Stereotypes, Electrotypes, etc.—Tho New Zealand British rate of 25 per cent, was considered to bo sufficient protection io New Zealand makes. Iron Nails.—Australia is in no better position to compete than Great Britain or any other country, and it was agreed that the British tariff should be adopted.

Carriages, Carts, Drays, Etc.—An advantage of 5 per cent, over British rates was retained, pending reference to those interested.

Eucalyptus Oil.—Free. This is a small concession to Australia. Linseed Oil. —Tho manufacture of linseed oil is 'a now industry in Now Zealand. Very efficient works have been established at Westfield, near Auckland, and last season 2,500 tons of linseed, grown in Canterbury, passed through the mill. In addition to oil, tho mill turns out a largo quantity of oil cake for feeding stock. It 6,000 tons of linseed can be supplied tho mill can supply all tho oil required for Now Zealand. Tho Australian representatives wanted tho rate of duty reduced to 6d per gallonj but if this were done it is possible that they might take advantage of the protection granted against British oil to use the difference of 3d per gallon to outbid tho New Zealand mills for their supply of linseed. Tho duty was accordingly retained at 9d, being tho intermediate tariff. Paints and Colors.—There are many well-found paint works in Australia, putting up both paint ground in oil and paints mixed ready for use. These have already been competing strongly with the Now Zealand manufacturers, and it was accordingly thought advisable to _ retain _ 5 per cent, in excess of the British tariff against Australia. These remarks apply also the varnishes, lacquers, etc. Putty.—Australia granted her British tariff of 2s ns against 5s into New Zealand. Brushes and Brooms. —There has never been any competition from Australia in brushes and brooms, and the British rato was therefore adopted. Cordage, Hope, and Twine.— There has been no serious competition, and the British rale was adopted. Reaper and Binder Twine.—Now Zealand desired free entry to Australia, but on account of factories established in Australia could merely secure a reduction to the British tariff of 6s per cwt. Carbonic Acid Gas.—lbis was agreed to at l£d per lb, which should give the New Zealand manufacturer a sufficient margin to compete against the gas made at (he distillery at tho Pyrmont works in vSvdnev.

1 'Gelatine and Clue.—The New Zeal andBritish tariff was adopted for both countries. Jewellery and Plate.—The woiking i jewellers of New Zealand fear the compel ition of Australia, During 1920 Australia seal £75,000 worth of made-wp jewellery to New Zealand, as against £70,000" from Great Britain. Australia competes strongly in rings, brooches, pendants, and watch chains, and it was therefore conaideiod advisable to hold a 5 per cent, advantage over the British tariff on jewellery. Sheep’Dip.—This is to bo free into both countries. Hitherto Australia has imposed, a 55 per cent, duly against New Zealand, i Ships. —The Australian tariff lias been muddied to permit ship owners in Now Zealand to send ships free of duly for a period of six mouths to replace any of their vessels that may ho wrecked or temporarily disabled. ' DEBATH FIX HI) FOR THURSDAY". The Liberal leader (Mr Wilford) suggested that, in view* of the importance of

tho subject, a longer time than a week be allowed before tho House discussed it, so that the .industries affected would' have au opportunity to make representations if the schedules affected them detrimentally. The Prime Minister thought tho proposals in the agreement would prove satisfactory. In the past Australia and New Zealand had not worked together as well ns might bo. Ho hoped this tariff agreement would mark tho beginning of a new era of co-operation. He thought tho proposal would bo accepted by tho House; and if any particular section required revision it could be made the subject of negotiation by the Minister of Customs. It should_ be sufficient to delay further consideration of the measure til Thursday next. The Bill was read a first time. BEFORE FEDERAL PARLIAMENT. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Press Association. MELBOURNE, July 28. In the House of Representatives, Mr Rodgers submitted the agreement for reciprocal Customs duties between Australia and New Zealand. Ho explained that the agreement provided for special preferential rates on 150 items set out in tho schedule, and for British preferential rates on all other lines. He added that tho balance of trade was overwhelmingly in favor of Australia, which would reap a substantial benefit from the agreement. The agreement would be of great value to wine producers and citrus fruit growers, but he regretted that dried fruits were not included.